Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic Tournament wrapped up Sunday
The 25th annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic wrapped up Sunday and this year’s tournament featured a new state record.
A quarter of a million dollars was on the line for the boat that reeled in a more than 243-pound fish to break the Mississippi State record. ‘Tails up’ won the swordfish jackpot with a pending state record for swordfish at 309.9 pounds.
The overall tournament winner was ‘It just takes Time,’ who took home over $400,000 in prize money after coming in first for the second year in a row.
With the heaviest blue marlin weighing in at 793 pounds.
Tournament Director Bobby Carter reflected on the growth the classic has made in the last 25 years. “The boats are getting a lot bigger. And people are coming from all over. We’ve got boats from the Key West, Texas, and all points in between. I know at least two boats came from Costa Rica. One from the Dominican Republic. So, word gets out that the Mississippi Gulf Coast has a great fishery along with the hospitality to go along with it with all the restaurants and casinos. They just enjoy coming up here being around everyone.”
Next year, the tournament will be held from June 6th through the 12th.
