As anglers around the country make plans for prestigious Bay Point Billfish 25th Anniversary Invitational, tournament directors have selected Kerigan Marketing Associates for communications of the million dollar-plus event. Components include a new logo, print ads, media relations, and invitation design.

Our decision to ask Kerigan Marketing Associates to handle the media and communications for this year’s special 25th Anniversary tournament was an easy one. They’re a talented team, and we’re happy with the great work they’ve done for us.

Scott Burt, Tournament Director
Bay Point Billfish Invitational

A celebration 25 years in the making is set to attract leading anglers and their families to the gulf coast, July 9-13, 2008. Catch-and-release billfish action on the giant Jumbotron screen, exciting weigh in events for tuna, dolphin and wahoo, and all the dockside activities Bay Point Resort has become known for promises to make this year’s event the biggest ever.

Helping to make the anniversary even more special are the returning sponsors including Viking Yachts, Galati Yacht Sales and The St. Joe Company, which partnered to present the 2007 event with a million dollar plus payout. The popular tournament has announced it is taking the lead in gulf coast tournament fishing with full release in the billfish category. The catch and release billfish format is verified by video recording and was a hit last year with the action projected onto the giant screen for the crowds. In addition, 2007 tournament directors Scott Burt and Chris Miller will again lead the historic event with the goal of continuing the Bay Point Invitational as the angler’s favorite on the gulf coast.

“The teams agree there’s really nothing like the Bay Point Invitational, from the excitement of the crowds to the outstanding venue and on site amenities of Bay Point Resort with the spa, dining, Nicklaus golf course and more,” says Scott Burt, Tournament Director. “Anglers know this event for big fish and big parties. A state record was set in our 2001 tournament with a 1,046 lb Blue Marlin and we are gearing up for another memorable event in this year’s 25th Anniversary.”

The nearly weeklong schedule begins with the arrival of teams on Tuesday and Wednesday and a private kick-off party overlooking the lagoon, as entertainment gets underway Wednesday on the main stage of Marina Village. Continuing events include:

Thursday morning golf tournament, 8:30AM, on the Nicklaus course. Thursday afternoon’s exciting “Dock Walk” as crowds get up close to watch teams prepare baits and tackle, then depart at the 8:30PM cannon signal with a backdrop of fireworks over the lagoon. Friday night brings a guaranteed payout of $10,000 for the heaviest fish weighed and $5,000 for the second place early catch brought in to a celebration of food & entertainment in Marina Village. Saturday the majority of the teams return with live TV coverage and exciting video action on the Jumbotron, with crowds of thousands participating in the dockside festivities.

“It was really something to see last year, with every head staring at video hook up action from deep blue, almost purple water,” says Director Chris Miller. “As the team grabs the fish’s bill, removes the hook and sees that tail kick the water… the crowd really goes wild.”

For tournament details, or to download an application, visit www.baypointbillfish.com, or call Scott Burt at 850-527-2882 for more information. The tournament web site also features Marriott Bay Point Resort lodging packages with resort amenities and area family vacation information.