MS Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

[silverking]

Back on the tourney circuit this week to cover the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic starting tonight in Biloxi. The 2010 event was unfortunately cancelled due to the oil spill, so this year entries are up, the boats are fueled (with lots of diesel), and hooks are sharpened. Contestants will be leaving mid-day tomorrow for the run offshore and fishing begins early Friday. Grander blue marlin (more than 1,000 pounds) and bluefin tuna tipping the scales at 980 pounds have won the top prizes in previous Classics, so anything is possible. The forecast looks good this week, the rips are close and the fishing should be red-hot as anglers will be competing for $1 million in prize money.

To follow all the action, go to mgcbc.com

[SHOWBOAT]

sounds fun Capt. Do you cover the Pensacola International billfish tourney in early July as well?

[silverking]

I've fished and covered the International in the past (great event!), but won't make this year's due to charters, Brian. Same scenario for the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic in SanDestin and the Baypoint Invitational in Panama City Beach. Will be heading back to Baja again, though. With the warm water the Gulf bite should be smokin' this season.

[silverking]

Action so far on the first day of fishing is red-hot. Testing the Water is sitting at the dock waiting for the scales to open with an estimated 117+ inch blue. Three more boats are on their way in with blue marlin up to 120 inches.

It's going to be a long night and even longer Saturday. Scales are open until 11 p.m. each night.

To read my updates and check out the photo gallery, go to the blog on mgcbc.com