The 2026 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, presented by B&T Marine and Gulf of America Stabilizers, once again delivered one of the Gulf's premier offshore fishing events. A fleet of 60 teams competed for an incredible $1.45 million cash purse, attracting elite captains, anglers, and crews from across the region. Tournament week was extended to the tune of 10 days, but there were exceptional catches, with blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, dolphin, and wahoo filling the leaderboard. A huge thank you goes out to Dennis Pastentine and his friendly crew for for catering Drago’s charbroiled oysters for our fishermen during the weather delay. The combination of world-class competition, Gulf Coast hospitality, and life-changing payouts made the event one of the highlights of the offshore fishing calendar.
The blue marlin division featured two extraordinary fish that headlined the tournament. Team Fleur de Lis captured the prestigious Heaviest Blue Marlin title with a magnificent 631.2-pound blue marlin, earning $68,269.01 and one of the event's most coveted victories. Team Miss Virginia followed with an impressive 509.1-pound blue marlin, securing second place and $36,760.24. In the Billfish Release division, Boujee Marlin dominated the field with 4,200 release points, earning first place and $18,003.33. Team Nikki Bella claimed second with 3,500 points and $9,003.35, while It Just Takes Time secured third place with 3,500 points and $6,739.01. The release division once again demonstrated the conservation-minded spirit of modern billfishing and highlighted the exceptional blue marlin fishery found in Gulf waters.

The weigh scales remained busy throughout the tournament as teams brought impressive catches to the dock. Team Devotion claimed the Tuna Championship with a 177.5-pound yellowfin tuna, while It Just Takes Time followed with a 162.8-pound tuna and Devotion added another fish weighing 143.5 pounds to secure third place. In the Dolphin division, Cold Motion topped the leaderboard with a 53.9-pound dolphin, followed by Fins with a 38.5-pound fish and Quicktimewith a 37.7-pound dolphin. The Wahoo division was won by Second Wind with a 47.1-pound wahoo, while Done Dealand Heads N Tails rounded out the top three with fish weighing 33.6 pounds and 27.7 pounds respectively. The variety and quality of fish weighed reflected the tremendous productivity of the Gulf and the skill of the competing crews.

Individual honors added another memorable chapter to the tournament. The Top Lady Angler title belonged to Leah Pratt, whose outstanding performance included five blue marlin releases, making her one of the tournament's most accomplished anglers. The Junior Angler division showcased the next generation of Gulf Coast sportfishing talent, with young anglers demonstrating exceptional skill and determination throughout the event. As the final payouts were distributed and champions celebrated their victories, the 2026 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic once again reinforced its reputation as one of the most prestigious and rewarding offshore tournaments in the Gulf.

​

Top Money Winners – 2026 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic