The Blue Marlin Grand Championship takes place this week at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

It begins on July 14 with weigh-ins on the 16th and 17th which are the main attractions. About 60 boats will compete for up to $ 2 million in prizes. The event is free.

Jim Cox is the host and host of the Blue Marlin Grand Championship. He said the reason behind the event’s tagline is the wow factor involved while fishing.

“It’s called the greatest spectacle of sport fishing because of the spectacle. We have a giant jumbotron there; we have 40 foot flames bursting from our blue marlin statues on the dock, ”Cox said. “It’s kind of a combination of a big sporting event and a rock concert.”

The main attraction of the event is the blue marlin, but other competitive catches include tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi.

“There is a big concert on Saturday night which also takes place just after the end of our weigh-ins. We always have a huge crowd to show off there. People plan their vacations around the tournament to come and watch, so there’s no charge to come and watch, ”Cox said.

The event raises funds for the St. Jude Research Hospital. He has currently raised $ 140,000 for the organization. They are also teaming up with One Meal to use the captured marlin to provide between 500 and 800 meals for those in need in Mobile.