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The 2025 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic brought 87 boats to the docks of Biloxi’s Point Cadet Marina, in the shadow of the famed Golden Nugget casino, for a week of high-stakes action and heavy-hitting bluewater competition. Known for its impressive payouts and large fish, this year’s event lived up to its reputation—dishing out more than $1.78 million in total prize money and reaffirming its status as one of the Gulf’s most prestigious tournaments.
At the top of the leaderboard, Breathe Easy, a 65′ Viking captained by Patrick Ivey made headlines with a massive 660.3-pound blue marlin landed by angler Craig Smith, earning the team Grand Champion honors and a remarkable $607,669.89 payout after all categories were added up.
Mollie, a 66’ G&S captained by Jeff Shoults, took home second place in the heaviest blue marlin category with a 602.1-pound fish. When combined with their top finish in the tuna category with a beautiful 188.5-pound yellowfin, the team took home $272,699. Black Smith, a 60’ Hatteras captained by Jason Bell, finished third in the heaviest blue marlin division with a 500.3-pound blue marlin that earned them $67,302.
In the billfish release division, Fleur De Lis, a 63’ Hatteras captained by Zach Taylor, took home top honors and a $103,054 payout after releasing five blue marlin for 3500 points. Born2Run, a 54’ Viking captained by Tyler Maxwell took home second place with 2800 points from four blue marlin releases, earning them $44,104. It Just Takes Time rounded out the top three with 2100 points from three blue marlin releases. Thanks to their good fortune and entry strategy, the team led by Capt. Myles Colley took home an impressive $147,921 payout.
Overall, the fleet recorded 64 blue marlin, 11 white marlin, and one sailfish. With another year of exceptional fishing, big fish, and even bigger payouts, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic continues to set the standard for summertime Gulf Coast tournament action.
