Millions of dollars up for grabs this weekend, but will South MS weather cooperate?
Anglers from across the U.S. are docking in Biloxi this weekend as they prepare to scour the Gulf for the biggest billfish, despite severe weather forecasts.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic is celebrating its 29th year on the Coast, bringing in more than 70 boats to Point Cadet Marina from June 6-9 as they compete for millions in cash prizes.
Potential storms this weekend resulted in an optional one-day delay for fishermen, extending the tournament until Tuesday.
Contestants can stay on the water for up to three days, or until they’re satisfied with their catch. The first boats will leave the dock at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and scales will be open until Tuesday evening.
According to Robbie Carter, the Classic’s marketing and promotions director, the angler who catches the heaviest fish over 1,000 pounds can win $1 million in insurance promotional jackpots.
“We’ve got teams that travel from all over the coastline, from Texas to South Florida, even the East Coast, and they’re coming after several million dollars in cash awards,” Robbie Carter said.
Fishermen can also compete for millions in the Gulf Grander 7, a bonus jackpot program that runs across seven billfish tournaments.
The family-run tournament started in 1997, introducing competitive billfishing to the Coast for the first time.
“Biloxi, years ago, was not noted as a billfish sport area until we started the tournament,” tournament director Bobby Carter said.
In 2025, more than 400 anglers brought in about 100 billfish, including a 660-pound blue marlin.
“It really brings the community together,” Robbie Carter said. “So much of our favorite pastime is fishing, and this is one of the largest sport fishing events in the entire world.”
“What I enjoy is just seeing the people come here and enjoying themselves. They really enjoy the hospitality that we offer,” Bobby Carter said.
