Record-Breaking Weekend at 2016 Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

After a record-breaking weekend, the Billfish Classic wrapped up its 20th tournament Sunday in Biloxi.
Eighty-one boats competed in the event for a record purse of almost $1.7 million. The tournament set another record by weighing eight blue marlins this year.
Fishermen reunited at the Grand Ballroom in the Golden Nugget to recap on the weekend and collect their winnings.
Many tell News 25 they’re already putting their earnings from this year towards registration for next year’s tournament. Captain Peace Marvel, who finished first place in the tuna division, said, “We almost won tuna two years ago. We had a 200 pounder eaten by sharks next to the boat. Last year, we didn’t do any good at all. I was due. I mean, I was due. It was time.”
The winning boat was Team Cotton Patch out of Orange Beach, Alabama. They took home a check of nearly $140,000. The biggest check went to the boat Breathe Real Deep. The crew walked away with a check close to $236,000.