The Pompano Beach Saltwater Circuit is Back to Celebrate Its 25th Anniversary!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 2023
Email: Chris@bluewatermovements.com
Phone: 954-725-4010
The Most Popular Meatfish Series in South Florida is Back!
South Florida anglers are getting charged up for the return of what many consider to be the top meatfishing series in the country. With three legs from May to August, teams have the entire summer to get their fix on the adrenaline rush of tournament fishing together with the long list of fun social activities that accompany the PBSC. Target species in the series include dolphin, wahoo, kingfish, blackfin tuna, and cobia, and a new Slow Pitch Jigging Division will also offer up cash & prizes for the heaviest snapper or grouper.
The first leg of the PBSC is the Mercury/SeaVee Pompano Beach Saltwater Shootout, held on May 6, at a time when the ocean is alive with the target species and the BoatList-sponsored weigh-in will see some giant fish hitting the scales as teams vie for their piece of a $200,000 purse. With reasonable entry fees, big payouts, and exciting activities for anglers of all ages, this is an event not to be missed!
Next up is the Mercury/SeaVee Pompano Beach Saltwater Slam on June 10, the perfect time for families to round up the kids and enjoy a weekend of summertime fishing in a family-oriented South Florida fishing tournament. With countless ways to win, this is a must-fish tournament every summer!
And finally, the Mercury/SeaVee Pompano Beach Saltwater Showdown held on August 12, the last tournament of the series. Tensions are high as teams compete for a hefty cash purse and the chance to win the prestigious Showdown Crown and a custom set of championship rings. But it’s not just the crown that’s up for grabs – teams can also cash in big on the signature KDW and Pick 3 jackpots, making this a truly high-stakes competition. Currently, the KDW Jackpot sits at $34,020 and the Pick 3 has $30,780. Both jackpots are expected to exceed $40,000 by the start of the Saltwater Shootout in May.
Come and join us for a pre-season party to kick off the season at the PELAGIC store in Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, April 26th. We’ll be offering complimentary drinks and hosting a raffle with exciting prizes, including the opportunity to win a FREE entry to the entire series! Don’t miss out on the fun and festivities. Be sure to mark your calendars!
Register for PBSC tournaments here.
Exciting Announcements
We are excited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Pompano Beach Saltwater Circuit. The storied history of the PBSC is one that we are immensely proud of. For decades, Bluewater Movements has been devoted to organizing and producing the best fishing tournaments that exist for anglers and sponsors. The true essence of teamwork has been on full display over the past 25 years as Bluewater Movements, sponsors, and teams have united to create amazing experiences for the fishing community. With the onset of the 25th anniversary, there are many exciting activities, updates, and changes in store for the upcoming season.
For starters, not one, but two weigh-in locations will be available for the upcoming PBSC tournament series! The newly renovated Cove will serve as weigh-in headquarters for all three weigh-ins, complete with a big stage, entertainment, hospitality, sponsor displays, and more. Every team that weighs in at the Cove will be eligible for the Cove Treasure Trove grand prize raffles, including the chance to win $1,000 in cash!
Additionally, for the convenience of teams from the north or those who prefer not to travel south for the main weigh-in, a satellite scale will be available at Sailfish Marina. For those that want the big stage experience complete with complimentary beverages and food, raft-up opportunities, access to incredible raffles, and an ultimate tournament vibe – the Cove is the spot!
Next up, structural changes to the Team Division in the General Prize Structure of the tournament have been made to ensure that all our competing teams can benefit from the prize structure. Here are the updated divisions:
Overall Division – Open to all registered teams, this division will award 1st through 5th place, with $10,000 going to the 1st place winner!
Mid-Range Division – Boats between 27 and 32 feet can participate in this division. It will award 1st through 3rd place, with $2,500 going to the 1st place winner.
Small Boat Division – Boats that are 26 feet and under, now, with no horsepower restriction, can take part in this division, which will pay 1st through 3rd place, with $2,500 going to the 1st place winner.
Semi-Pro Division – Formerly known as the Non-Pro Division, this division has a new name but the same eligibility requirements. Due to popular demand, we have added a series award for the Top Semi-Pro team, who will receive a bonus of $1,000 and a trophy!
Slow Pitch Jigging Division – Together with our sponsor JYG Profishing, we have created a new division for the latest craze in saltwater fishing: slow pitch jigging! The heaviest eligible species caught on SPJ will earn a bonus of $500 and a $500 JYG Pro package. Additionally, $500 plus a $500 JYG Pro package will be awarded for the heaviest snapper or grouper caught on SPJ.
Pimp My Pumps! – Thanks to our new sponsor, Hooker Electric, every registered team in each leg of the PBSC series will be entered into a drawing for a Hooker Electric custom bait pump system valued at $10,000! Check out the category for more details.
Finally, for the 2023 season, the PBSC will introduce a new crew size limit of eight people per participating boat, excluding children ages 12 and under.
This decision was made in the interest of maintaining fair competition for all teams, as we had observed a small percentage of teams with an excessive number of crew members in recent years, whereas many boats in the tournament simply cannot accommodate such a large crew. We believe the (8) crew member limit is a fair assessment that establishes the needed structure to the definition of a fishing team while allowing all teams to remain competitive within the tournament guidelines.
All Three Legs Are Now Fully Sanctioned by the SKA
In addition to our prize category and structural updates this year, we’re also thrilled to announce that all three legs of the PBSC will be a part of one of the largest saltwater tournament trails in the United States! The Saltwater Shootout, Saltwater Slam, and Saltwater Showdown are now all officially SKA-sanctioned events in the Southern Kingfish Association’s South Florida Division (division 10).
For over three decades, the SKA has been committed to promoting family-friendly fishing tournaments and inspiring a passion for the sport. As one of the largest saltwater tournament trails in the United States, the SKA partners with King Mackerel tournaments from North Carolina to Texas.
We’re honored to have our tournaments included on the tournament trail and are looking forward to an exciting summer of fishing with the SKA.
Become a member of the SKA here.
Fishin’ on a Mission to Give Back
Mission Fishin’ is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing joy, hope, and purpose to families through unforgettable marine experiences. By collaborating with local fishermen, fisherwomen, businesses, and organizations to provide opportunities for families to connect, bond, and create lasting memories.
Our latest fundraiser, the Over/Under game, built by Taylor Builders, will be the highlight of each kickoff event, with proceeds benefiting our charitable partner, Mission Fishin’.
PBSC Tournament Registration Dates
Pre-Registration for PBSC tournaments is now open!
Saltwater Shootout Pre-Registration
Early Entry Deadline: April 29, 2023
Cost: $475 + Tax Per Boat
Late Entry: April 30 – May 4, 2023
Cost: $575 + Tax Per Boat
Saltwater Slam Pre-Registration
Early Entry Deadline: May 30, 2023
Cost: $475 + Tax Per Boat
Late Entry: May 31 – June 6, 2023
Cost: $575 + Tax Per Boat
Saltwater Showdown Pre-Registration
Early Entry Deadline: July 28, 2023
Cost: $475 + Tax Per Boat
Late Entry: July 29 – August 10, 2023
Cost: $575 + Tax Per Boat
PBSC Schedule of Events
PBSC Pre-Season Party
When: Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Where: Pelagic Store Deerfield Beach
2054 NE 2nd Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Time: 6:00 – 9:00PM
Saltwater Shootout
Kickoff Party/Captains Meeting
When: Thursday, May 4, 2023
Where: Pompano Beach Civic Center
1801 NE 6th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Time: 6:00PM – 10:00PM
Competition Day
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Lines In – Lines Out: 7:30AM – 4:00PM
Check-in Locations: Hillsboro Inlet, Boca Inlet, Sailfish Marina
Check-in Deadline: 6:00PM
Weigh-In Headquarters
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Powered By: BoatList.Auction
Where: The Cove
1754 S.E. 3rd Court, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Time: 4:00PM – 10:00PM
Awards Ceremony
When: Sunday, May 7, 2023
Where: Pompano Beach Civic Center
1801 NE 6th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Time: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
Saltwater Slam
Kickoff Party/Captains Meeting
When: Thursday, June 8, 2023
Where: Pompano Beach Civic Center
1801 NE 6th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Time: 6:00PM – 10:00PM
Competition Day
When: Saturday, June 10, 2023
Lines In – Lines Out: 7:30AM – 4:00PM
Check-in Locations: Hillsboro Inlet, Boca Inlet, Sailfish Marina
Check-in Deadline: 6:00PM
Weigh-In Headquarters
When: Saturday, June 10, 2023
Fueled By: Landshark Lager
Where: The Cove
1754 S.E. 3rd Court, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Time: 4:00PM – 10:00PM
Awards Ceremony
When: Sunday, June 10, 2023
Where: Pompano Beach Civic Center
1801 NE 6th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Time: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
Saltwater Showdown
Kickoff Party/Captains Meeting
When: Thursday, August 10, 2023
Where: Charlotte J. Burrie Community Center
2669 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Time: 6:00PM – 10:00PM
Competition Day
When: Saturday, August 12, 2023
Lines In – Lines Out: 7:30AM – 4:00PM
Check-in Locations: Hillsboro Inlet, Boca Inlet, Sailfish Marina
Check-in Deadline: 6:00PM
Main Weigh-In
When: Saturday, August 12, 2023
Sponsored By: C&L Insurance
Where: The Cove
1754 S.E. 3rd Court, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Time: 4:00 – 10:00PM
Awards Ceremony
When: Sunday, August 13, 2023
Where: Charlotte J. Burrie Community Center
2669 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Time: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
The Showdown Awaits!
Ready to compete for the Crown? Join us for a summer of high-stakes competition, heart-stopping moments, and adrenaline-pumping action on the water. This is your chance to claim the title and leave your mark on history amongst fishing’s best. Don’t miss this opportunity to show the competition what you’re made of. The Showdown awaits!
About the Pompano Beach Saltwater Circuit
If you like fishing for Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish, Tuna and Cobia, then you will love the format of the Pompano Beach Saltwater Circuit. The PBSC is a 3-leg tournament that takes place annually in South Florida from May to August. Leg 1 of the series begins in May with the Saltwater Shootout, followed by the Saltwater Slam in June and the Saltwater Showdown in August. In addition to a $550,000 purse, teams that register for the tournaments will enjoy premier hospitality including free drinks, great food, live entertainment, tournament shirts and a team bag loaded with sponsor swag! It’s no wonder why the PBSC has become one of the most popular series on the east coast.
About Bluewater Movements
Bluewater Movements, Inc., is a sports marketing company based in South Florida, the sport fishing capital of the world. Throughout the past 27 years, our team has developed some of the most successful competitive fishing events in the industry. Our background in tournament fishing, coupled with our expertise in event marketing, has enabled a premium experience for tournament anglers and sponsors. Within our portfolio, there are seven wildly popular fishing tournaments, all hosted at various venues across South Florida.