It’s not just the lure of big payouts that brings teams back each year. The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers a unique blend of world-class fishing and Southern hospitality. Anglers enjoy more than just time on the water—they indulge in the area’s vibrant restaurant scene, lively casinos, and diverse local attractions. The tournament weekend has evolved into a full-blown celebration of coastal life and culture.
“We’re very proud of where we come from.” Says Robbie Carter, Marketing and Media manager. “We love our hometown. We really want to bring the community and families together through the sport of fishing.”
Each year brings new milestones. This year a $100,000 prize is at stake for whoever breaks the white marlin state record, which is 80lbs. Marlin are a tournament mainstay, with the most iconic catch in its history—a massive 1,054-pounder—holding the record as the largest ever caught both in the tournament and in the Gulf of Mexico. There will also be a 1.5 million dollar purse that the fisherman will be fighting to win from.
The Billfish Classic continues to raise the bar, challenging competitors to push the limits of sport fishing while driving growth for the Gulf Coast. With the right equipment, skill, and just a bit of luck, a single fish can change everything. Scales open at 3pm on Friday June 6th, and Saturday June 7th.
“I just like having people come here from all over the country- they come here for the hospitality and the way we treat them.” Says Bobby proudly. “It’s just a good feeling to see people come and enjoy themselves here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
Behind the scenes, the tournament owes its success to a dedicated team. Bobby Carter extends heartfelt thanks to his wife DeVeaux, Bert Merritt and Jack Teschel, Chris, Andrew and Marie McClellan, Laurie and Danny Pitalo, Jim Franks, Jimmy Taylor, Rusty David, Darrell McCall, Krissy Hall, Steve Peake, and many others whose efforts keep the tournament running smoothly year after year. He also credits his son Robbie, who now leads the charge on social media and marketing, helping grow the tournament’s reach and reputation. Be sure to follow @MGCBC on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the event all season, as well as www.classicfishingevents.com for more events throughout the year.
