Big 4 Offshore Fishing Tournament is Latest Victim of Gulf Oil Spill in Florida

CARRABELLE, FL (July 23, 2010) – The Big 4 Offshore Fishing Tournament, one of Carrabelle’s most popular events has been cancelled because of the Gulf oil spill. Brian Hurley, president of Reelpro, Inc, which has put on the offshore tournament for the past two years, said he just couldn’t accept registrations from anglers knowing that they may not be able to fish. The current closure shuts down more than 80,000 square miles (more than one-third) of the Gulf of Mexico. The tournament was scheduled to take place August 21-22 and draws anglers from all over the Southeastern United States.

As the promoter, Hurley said “I was getting calls everyday asking whether the oil spill was affecting the tournament. We know the situation is fluid and unpredictable and because of this, I think it is in the best interest of the anglers, tournament sponsors and all involved to go ahead and cancel now so that everyone can try to minimize their losses by avoiding last minute cancellation fees and extra costs." “It’s a fun event that helped lots of small businesses in this area.”

The Big 4 Offshore is one of the most popular fishing tournaments on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Last year, 51 boats (198 anglers) took part in the two-day event. That number was way up from the inaugural year when only 33 boats fished out of Carrabelle, chasing grouper, amberjack, Spanish and king mackerel. Hurley said due to the popularity and growth of the tournament, he was expecting a record number of participants and sponsorships this year.

The Big 4 Offshore sets itself apart from other tournaments by hosting multiple events, including a banquet, auction & bikini contest in Tallahassee a couple days before and then stuffing its anglers with a unique Low Country Boil after the first day of fishing.

For more information, contact Brian Hurley at TeamReelPro@gmail.com or by phone at (850) 528-0553.

Let the recruiting begin! Reelpro is looking a few good anglers to fish in the 3rd Annual Big 4 Offshore Fishing Tournament.

The tournament will once again be hosted by C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle, FL and is scheduled to take place August 21-22, 2010. With cash prizes awarded for Kingfish, Grouper, Amberjack and Spanish Mackerel, you and your crew will want to get registered today. 

When Reelpro, Inc. puts on a tournament, the fishing day may end after weigh-in, but the party will just be getting started. With that in mind, we have a host of activities scheduled for your enjoyment. Everything from kick-off and dock parties featuring cocktails, great food and live music to silent auctions and raffles. So come down and enjoy beautiful Carrabelle, FL and participate in the Reelpro Big 4 Offshore Fishing Tournament as an angler or spectator. Come to fish or play - we have it all!

2ND ANNUAL REELPRO BIG 4 OFFSHORE BIKINI CONTEST
Presented by Pockets Pool & Pub
Thursday, August 19, 2010

You asked for it, now you got it! Pockets Pool & Pub will be the place to be for the 2nd Annual Reelpro Big 4 Offshore Bikini Contest. Make no mistake, this won’t be just any bikini contest, this will be THE bikini contest.

With special performances by the Catwalk Kittens, drink specials and a stage full of Tallahassee’s loveliest ladies, this is one event that you will not want to miss.

For more information regarding sponsorship, VIP tickets or being a contestant, please contact Brian Hurley at (850) 528-0553.

Contestants click here to register!

With a crowd of more than 700 people, the 1st Annual Reelpro Big 4 Offshore Bikini Contest presented by Pockets Pool & Pub lived up to the hype and then some. Nineteen of Tallahassee’s loveliest ladies competed for nearly $2000.00 and the right to earn the title Miss Reelpro.

“Reelpro is the home of saltwaters hottest honeys and I think tonight was proof of that” said Reelpro CEO Brian Hurley. “I’m glad I wasn’t a judge because those guys had their work cut out for them”.

Judges Jon Brunson (host of Addicted to the Outdoors TV show), Dewey Buxton (lead singer of Free Thought Kings), Mike Readling (Associate Editor of Florida Fishing Weekly), Mark Glore (VP of H2Outdoors) and Rob Jones (Owner of Creative Pro Studio) had the difficult but envious job of choosing Miss Reelpro 2009. Congratulations to Lauren (Miss Reelpro), Mary (2nd), Jennifer (3rd) and Jhelchia (4th).

Bikini Contest Photo Gallery now available! Click here!

Much like tarpon to places like Boca Grande and Egmont Key, nobody is entirely sure what draws large amounts of anglers to the Big 4 Offshore tournament in Carrabelle.

It could be the catered banquet the week before the event. Or maybe it’s the captain’s meeting at C-Quarters Marina, which is always followed by a low country boil, complete with shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes on the docks.

The best guess is the main draw is the strong fishing just outside St. George Sound, though it could also be the down home cooking at local restaurants like the Funky Oyster Shack that keep them coming back.

Regardless of the reason, the Big 4 Offshore is drawing anglers and it’s doing so from as far away as Atlanta and Texas. The second annual edition of the tournament drew 51 boats (up 18 from the year before) and featured 198 anglers looking for the biggest kingfish, amberjack, Spanish mackerel and grouper.

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You always know when you are watching a big time title fight when ring announcer Michael Buffer tells the crowd, “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble”. The same goes for fishing tournaments in the panhandle. Fact is, it just isn’t a tournament unless “Big” Jon Hill is on the mic emceeing the event. With a voice of polished brass and a presence that is synonymous with top-notch fishing tournaments, Reelpro, Inc. is honored to have the man himself as master of ceremonies.

With the experience and charisma Jon possesses, there is no doubt this is going to be one exciting weigh-in!