Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Reels in World'S Largest Fishing Lure at SS Spitfire Mercantile in the Baytowne Marina

Giant Lure Sets New Guinness World Record

DESTIN, FL, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Today marks a new world record and the debut of the World's Largest Fishing Lure, measuring a remarkable 10 feet, 10 inches long, plus a two-foot metal treble hook at the bottom. It weighs more than 355 pounds.

The home of this giant lure is Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and SS Spitfire Mercantile in the resort's Baytowne Marina.  Located near Destin, Florida, this is an area known as the World's Luckiest Fishing Village.

Guinness World's Records was on hand at the ceremony today to validate this "World's Largest" title. An impressive sight, the lure features a pink dotted side, silver back, colorful orange bottom and three sets of treble hooks.

Mark Davis and a team of nine took more than 10 months to plan and build the giant hook - which is 24 times larger than its base design, a 5 ½ inch fishing lure made by local legend David Partridge, owner of Flatliner Lures.  Davis was inspired to create the World's Largest Fishing Lure by his wife, Mary Ellen and her family who were some of the original settlers in the Destin area in the late 1800's and who have always been involved in the fishing industry.

While it might not be reeling in giant fish anytime soon, The World's Largest Fishing Lure will be on permanent display at SS Spitfire Mercantile at Sandestin and is expected to attract plenty of admirers.  One doesn't need to be a fishing enthusiast to appreciate the opportunity to touch, take pictures with or admire a world breaking specimen. As one young admirer said, "It's awesome!"   See footage on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxwlg8xykQA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3TYXxbZ42M.

The World's Largest Fishing Lure even has a drink named after it, called the Flatliner, available at Sandestin's Baytowne Marina Bar and Grill where visitors can meet resident parrots Gilligan and Maryann and celebrate sunset each day with the ringing of the bell and blowing of the cannon.

World's Luckiest Fishing Village
Destin has been named the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" for good reason.  Known internationally for the splendor of the Choctawhatchee Bay and its quick access to deep water,   Destin is the home of the Fishing Rodeo each October. The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, hosted by Sandestin each June, is ranked one of the top 10 billfish tournaments in the world.

Built To Inspire
The World's Largest Fishing Lure was designed to bring attention to natural beauty of the area and to inspire people young and old to enjoy the thrill of fishing.  Each day, SS Spitfire Mercantile sells pounds of bait and tackle to aspiring anglers hoping to snag the "big one" in the Choctawhatchee Bay or the emerald Gulf waters, or participate in the catch and release program at one of Sandestin's dozens of freshwater ponds.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Gulf Coast.  It is nestled on 2,400 spectacular acres from the Beach to the Bay.  The resort features 30 charming communities with 1,400 villas, town home and condominiums and the finest in Destin, Florida area accommodations.  Sandestin is part of South Walton, which was named as one of the top destinations in the world to visit by Frommer's Travel Guide. Sandestin also features four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a 29-acre village featuring boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife.

For visitors who want to stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort see the World's Largest Fishing Lure first hand, the resort offers several deals and discounts including a very popular late summer and fall free night promotion (code: FREE3).  As an added incentive to visit, Sandestin will host a variety of upcoming events and traditions including:  The Sandestin Music Festival (August 12-13); The Labor Day Weekend Baytowne Art Walk (September 2-4); The Baytowne Beer Festival (October 21-22); and the Christmas on the Coast celebration including Santa Tuck-Ins for guests this November.

For information call 1-866-91-BEACH or visit www.sandestin.com.

 /NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: The photo accompanying this release is also available at http://photos.newswire.ca./

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort