Fishing, fresh seafood and waterfront dining come together this week as the 2nd Annual Grand Lagoon Billfish Classic takes over Panama City Beach from August 5–9, 2026.

Presented by the Gulf Coast Sportfishing Club, the tournament centers around Lighthouse Marina, where offshore fishing teams will register, depart for the Gulf and return for Saturday evening’s public weigh-in. The weekend concludes Sunday morning with an awards breakfast at The Deckhand Social, giving competitors another opportunity to celebrate along the Grand Lagoon waterfront.

Although the marina and restaurant are separate locations, they share the boating culture, coastal scenery and laid-back atmosphere that make the Grand Lagoon one of Panama City Beach’s most distinctive dining and recreation areas.

A Grand Lagoon Marina with Deep Local Roots

Lighthouse Marina has served Panama City Beach’s boating community since 1979. Located on the north shore of the Grand Lagoon, the marina provides protected access to West Pass and the Gulf, making it a fitting home base for an offshore fishing tournament.

The marina will be the center of the Billfish Classic action throughout the week. Registration and the mandatory captains meeting take place Wednesday evening, followed by the official tournament start at 10:00 a.m. Thursday.

For the public, the biggest event arrives Saturday, August 8. The official weigh-in begins at 5:00 p.m., with the scales closing at 8:00 p.m. Tournament boats will return to Lighthouse Marina as qualifying tuna, wahoo and dolphinfish are brought to the scales.

Drinks, tournament merchandise, sponsor displays and other dockside activities are also planned during the weigh-in. It should be an exciting evening for fishing fans, families and anyone curious to see what the Gulf’s offshore waters produce.

The Celebration Continues at The Deckhand Social

After the final catches are weighed and the tournament standings are determined, the weekend moves to The Deckhand Social for an awards breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, August 9.

Awards will recognize the tournament’s leading teams, boats, anglers and catches, including honors across its overall, species and optional cash-award categories.

Located at 3901 Thomas Drive, The Deckhand Social offers a casual coastal setting with seafood, steaks, sandwiches and signature cocktails. The restaurant does not accept reservations, but diners can join its waitlist through the restaurant’s website.

The menu is designed for sharing after a day on the water. Starters include smoked tuna dip, hand-breaded grouper nuggets, chilled shrimp, honey garlic shrimp, crab cakes and the restaurant’s well-known pickle dip.

Guests looking for a complete seafood meal will also find a variety of Gulf Coast-inspired entrées and platters, alongside steak and sandwich options for those wanting something beyond seafood.

The restaurant’s waterfront atmosphere, pool area and casual dress make it especially suited to boaters, fishing crews and families looking to relax after spending time outdoors.

Weekend Brunch on the Lagoon

The Deckhand Social serves brunch from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Brunch selections include shrimp and cheese grits topped with bacon, steak and eggs, avocado toast and French toast sticks served with seasonal fruit.

Those brunch hours make the restaurant a natural Sunday stop, although the Billfish Classic awards breakfast begins earlier at 8:30 a.m. as a scheduled tournament function.

The Deckhand Social is generally open from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Inside dining is available throughout the day.

Boaters should also note that the restaurant advertises complimentary boat parking through nearby Pirate’s Cove Marina for its Dock ’N’ Dine guests.

A Weekend Built Around Fishing, Food and the Waterfront

The Grand Lagoon Billfish Classic is primarily an offshore fishing competition, but the surrounding activities offer plenty for visitors who never step aboard a tournament boat.

Saturday’s weigh-in at Lighthouse Marina provides an opportunity to watch the fishing crews return, see some impressive Gulf catches and experience the excitement on the docks. The tournament’s Sunday gathering at The Deckhand Social then brings the weekend back to the table with breakfast, awards and conversation among the participating teams.

For Panhandle food lovers, it is a reminder that the Grand Lagoon experience extends beyond the menu. It includes the marinas, charter boats, fishing crews and waterfront gathering places that help shape Panama City Beach’s coastal dining culture.

Whether you come to watch the weigh-in, enjoy a plate of grouper nuggets or settle in for weekend brunch, the Grand Lagoon Billfish Classic offers a delicious reason to explore this side of Panama City Beach.

Restaurant Details

The Deckhand Social
3901 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
Phone: 850-775-4274

Regular hours:
Monday–Friday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Weekend brunch:
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Billfish Classic Public Event Article

Official Weigh-In
Saturday, August 8, 2026
5:00–8:00 p.m.

Lighthouse Marina

5325 North Lagoon DrivePanama City Beach, Florida

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