The PBGFC Center for Billfish Conservation & Education is here!
Watch this video to learn more about the Center and how you can help!
The Purpose of the Center
For more than 50 years, the PBGFC has studied, promoted, and encouraged the conservation of Billfish and the other saltwater Big Game species. The Center for Billfish Conservation & Education is needed to sustain and expand this mission so that future generations can enjoy this special aspect of the Northwest Florida lifestyle. Land on Gulf Beach Highway has been acquired, and construction on the Center has begun.
We need your help to make the Center a reality.
The Center & Conservation
The PBGFC was the only Club in the Gulf of Mexico to became a Founding Member of The Billfish Foundation when it was founded in 1986. Since that time, the PBGFC has provided decades of catch and release data so that the Foundation can analyze trends and assess where conservation efforts need to be directed. The PBGFC hosts the first major Billfish tournament to require catch and release of all White Marlin and Sailfish and more than 95% of all Blue Marlin caught.
The Center & Education
Conservation efforts without educational outreach are destined for minimal results. Over the past 50 years, PBGFC has borrowed space in order to host speakers from conservation organizations, research centers, and government agencies. From circle hooks to satellite tag release programs, these speakers show how local efforts impact global conservation goals: all directed to ensuring that Big Game Fish fill the Gulf of Mexico today, tomorrow, and forever.
The Construction Community and the Opening of the Center
Thanks in no small part to the incredible contributions from many companies in the Northwest Florida construction community, the Center was built in less than ten months! Construction began on the Center in December of 2023 and the County issued the certificate of occupancy in September 2024. The Center’s Speaker Series already has commenced and hosted multiple speakers on interests of concern and interest to those who love and care about Big Game fishing.
The Florida Panhandle Billfish Series and the Center
As part of the conservation mission for the Center, the PBGFC has teamed up with the Florida Panhandle Billfish Series championship and the Center is the home for the FPBS perpetual trophy in which the Series’ champions are recognized. The FPBS also has pledged a significant portion of any profits to the Center’s Capital Campaign, in recognition of the importance of the Center’s conservation and education mission.
The Center & the Community
“Pick up the rod and put down the phone.” The Center will be used to get the young in our community to get outdoors and enjoy recreational saltwater fishing. The Center’s Saltwater Outreach program will expand the love of the Northwest Florida outdoors to future generations. This program will focus on providing access to saltwater fishing and education to the young in our community who otherwise would not have the opportunity.
The Current Funding Needs
As of June 1, 2025, the Capital Campaign to build the Center has raised more $750,000.00! The Capital Campaign Fund’s success, together with numerous in-kind donations and efforts from the Northwest Florida construction community, has enabled the Club to build the Center without undertaking any new debt. The Capital Campaign has hit the halfway mark and another $750,000.00 needs to be raised to retire the land acquisition debt, to finish and and furnish the Saltwater Outreach Learning Pavilion including the dock, and to set up the perpetual maintenance endowment for the Center. All cash donors at or above $2,500.00 are charitable contributions and will be recognized in perpetuity on the Donor Recognition Wall which soon will greet each and every member and guest immediately as they walk into the Center reception hall.
The Mission
The mission of the PBGFC includes promoting the conservation and study of big game fish and assisting and cooperating with other clubs, government agencies, and scientific foundations in the collection of scientific data.
“Since I fished the International in 1976, I have admired the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club for its dedication and efforts to Billfish Conservation & Education. It is a true leader in preserving the recreational fishery of the Gulf of Mexico.”
— Ellen Peel
President, The Billfish Foundation
How You Can Help
In order to make the Center for Billfish Conservation & Education a reality, the PBGFC relies upon the generosity of donors in the community. All donations are appreciated and large donations will be commemorated on a perpetual Wall of Honor in the Center with the following recognitions given:
- $50,000.00 – Grand Slam
- $25,000.00 – Blue Marlin
- $10,000.00 – White Marlin
- $5,000.00 – Sailfish
- $2,500.00 – Swordfish
For more information, please contact Justin Williams at (850) 291-0400 or [email protected]. PBGFC is a nonprofit organization registered under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
FDACS Number: CH75789. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435- 7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.