Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Local Super Yacht, ‘A Work of Art’, debuted her fresh look in early 2024 as the 3rd-largest yacht built by Jim Smith Tournament Boats. The 96’ ft or 29.26m yacht based in Orange Beach entered for the first time into the Orange Beach Billfish Classic and Team A Work of Art did not disappoint. Let’s check out the stats from the final participants in the 2024 OBBC. 

The Orange Beach Billfish Classic, known for being the world’s largest tournament donor to The Billfish Donation, was filled with action and drama this year. After a weather interruption, the tournament resumed on a weekday instead of the weekend, leaving only 35 teams left to compete of the original 75. But that didn't stop them from exercising their master skills and reeling in some monster catches. With a combination of experienced anglers and state-of-the-art equipment, this competition was fierce. The first night as anxious patrons awaited any news from the waters, Team The Point showed up to show off a catch by Shawn Guidry with a 373.0 lb Blue Marlin right in the nick of time before the close of the first weigh-in day. 

Night two brought in some heavy tuna for the spectators as an added surprise. Orange Beach’s very own ‘Cotton Patch' with a 147.4lb tuna by angler Will Waechter and ‘Breath Easy' with Douglas Fletcher with 142.8 lb tuna. ‘Doulos with angler Jake Menchaca and an 85.2lb,

Michael Hobson aboard ‘Get Reel’ with a 51.4lb, and the ‘Briar Patch' with angler Jarrett Johnson reeling in a whopping 508.2lb tuna. 

Last but not least, Team A Work of Art with angler Garret Ford, caught a massive Bluefin Tuna weighing 724 lbs, just 105 lbs shy of the 2006 state record, making it this year's biggest Bluefin at the OBBC. The news brings hope to local anglers, as Tuna sightings have been scarce for some time now however the tides might be changing. An increase is being spotted, even as close as within 40 miles out from the Perdido Pass where the tournament boats lead out each year for the OBBC. Team ‘A Work of Art’ didn't stop with tuna finishing off the tournament winning the main cash prize called a purse with angler Josh Rounds for a Blue Marlin weighing in at 397.8 lbs. According to the OBBC wrap up, the purse landed at just under 800,000. The majority will go to the winners aboard ‘A Work of Art,’ with the difference going to the Tag and Release division. 

The Orange Beach Billfish Classic has always been a pioneer in tournament format and rules, thanks to its local fishing family organizers. They have close ties with participants, fostering a community that exchanges ideas and embraces new things. With accessible technology and a commitment to sustainability, the tournament continues to evolve and improve. Now making it possible for Tag and Release anglers to send in catches in real time as well as keep up with other boats to make an informative decision about their big game fish. The OBBC is the first tournament for the triple crown and marked as an excellent start to the ongoing tournament season.