Billfish Classic Parade

With the kickoff party taking place last night, the Billfish Classic is just getting started.

It was a great day to be out on the water for the Billfish Classic Parade. Spectators watched as hundreds of competitors strolled with their boats. MS Gulf Coast Billfish Classic Director Bobby Carter said, “It’s a celebration of the boats leaving. It’s kind of like the Blessing of the Fleet. The boats just idle out, great sight to see. The public can come out and see big boats go fish for big fish for big bucks.”

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic started over 20 years ago when Bobby Carter made a brilliant discovery. “The casinos just came in. We were just trying to do some special events and come to find out fishermen love to gamble and gamblers love to fish so it was a great combination.”

Although the tournament has been around for 22 years, the parade has only been around for 18. It gives locals the opportunity to sight-see and check out some amazing boats. “They enjoy the sights of the fish, the sights of the boats, their friends are out there fishing. They are all friends now. Once they get in the water they all become competitors.”

After today, it’s game on for anglers. The reason they compete is for $2.1 million. Galati Yacht Sales Owner Carmine Galati said, “In fact, I’m not fishing and I can tell you, walking around there and seeing everybody all revved up, ready to go, really fired me up. I’m sad sitting here at the dock watching everybody go by.”

If you’re interested to check out who wins the classic, the public is invited to the weigh-ins for free at the Point Cadet Marina over the weekend.