Panama City Beach, Fla. – After the successful implementation of the release-only format for billfish in 2008, the Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament, slated for July 15-19, 2009, continues to change the face of big game tournament sportfishing along the Gulf Coast with the addition of the “40/40 Shootout” to the 2009 lineup of events.

The 40/40 Shootout is a “tournament within a tournament” featuring 40 boats of 40 ft. or less in length fishing for tuna, wahoo and dolphin. This growing fleet of high performance competitive fishing boats will be able to participate in the tournament at an affordable price point with a separate purse and optional entry categories. Participants will attend all regular tournament events and parties and may depart with the fleet on Thursday evening, or Friday morning.

“The addition of the 40/40 Shootout opens the participation in the Tournament to a wider group of anglers,” says Tournament Director Scott Burt. “We are pleased to broaden the reach of the Tournament, and the Friday weigh-ins will be a great way to engage the Friday night crowds as they await the boats from the main Invitational.”

Weigh-ins for the 40/40 Shootout will round out the already popular Friday night festivities which include the Al Hubbard Kids Fishing Experience in late afternoon, live entertainment throughout the evening and official weigh-ins as the first boats participating in the main Invitational hit the docks.

With 25 years of success under its belt, the Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament is recognized as one of the most prestigious billfish tournaments in the Gulf Coast. The Invitational made history during its 25th anniversary in 2008 by going full release for all billfish – a significant change that was embraced by participants and spectators alike. In fact, almost 50 boats vied for nearly $1 million in prize money.

From the beginning, the Invitational has been deeply rooted in the Florida Gulf Coast community, and now reigns as the premier social event of the Panama City Beach area with more than 13,000 spectators over the tournament weekend enjoying live entertainment, the Sponsor Village, the Invitational’s world famous Dock Walk and, of course, the Friday and Saturday night weigh-ins.

The Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament is hosted by the St. Joe Company and Bay Point Marina. For more information visit www.baypointbillfish.com.