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There are plenty of reasons to visit the Mississippi Gulf coast. First settled in 1699, Biloxi is framed by grand Southern oaks draped in Spanish moss and lined with historic Victorian homes guarding the shoreline. Today, the region is known for its golf courses, fresh seafood restaurants, lively casinos, and picturesque barrier islands just miles offshore. For anglers, it offers something even more special: one of the quickest runs to the blue marlin grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. From Point Cadet Marina, it is only 12 miles to the gateway to the Dog Keys and Ship Island passes, and beyond them lies a fishing paradise where history, hospitality and fierce competition blend seamlessly.
It was that unique mix of Southern charm, world-class fishing and casino nightlife that inspired Bobby Carter and Bill McLellan to launch the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic (MGCBC) in 1996. Carter, then a host at the Isle of Capri casino, was an expert at entertaining high rollers, while McLellan, the founding publisher of Marlin magazine, had decades of tournament experience. Together, they envisioned a new kind of billfish event, one that combined sport, spectacle and the thrill of gambling.
Their formula worked from the start. Hoping for 20 boats, they drew 60, thanks to an innovative hook: a $100,000 insurance-backed prize for any team breaking the Mississippi blue marlin record. On the final day, Never Content returned with a fish big enough to make history. At just 17 years old, Shannon Faulkner landed a 630-pound blue that shattered the state record and claimed the cash, instantly putting the Classic on the map.
Over the years, the tournament has seen its share of legendary catches. In 2002, Seawolf out of Destin weighed a 1,054-pound blue marlin, a Mississippi state record that still stands. That fish earned angler Barry Carr a $150,000 bonus and a brand-new truck—prizes he famously passed along to his captain. In total, six Mississippi state fishing records have been set during Classic weeks, further cementing the event’s reputation as a producer of giants.
Tragedy struck in 2002 when co-founder McLellan lost his battle with cancer, but the tournament endured thanks to the dedication of his family, friends and Carter, who carried the event forward. The Isle of Capri remained the host casino until 2012, when the Golden Nugget took over. With resorts in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada, and across the country, the Golden Nugget embraced the Classic with enthusiasm, helping elevate it into one of the Gulf’s largest and most celebrated fishing tournaments.
At its peak, the Classic has drawn 122 boats, with average participation hovering near 100. The richest year paid out $1.8 million, making it one of the most lucrative tournaments in the Gulf of Mexico. Each June, the timing is perfect. Early summer often produces big fish, and the Gulf’s warm waters are at their most productive.
But the Classic is more than just fishing. Carter has always ensured the event keeps a festival feel, with a golf tournament at Shell Landing, nightly parties, dockside weigh-ins at Point Cadet Marina, live music and a family-friendly atmosphere. Between the parties and the scale, the Classic delivers the ultimate mix of competition and camaraderie.
For anglers, the draw is obvious: the chance at record-breaking marlin, million-dollar payouts, and a week that feels like one long celebration. For Biloxi, the Classic represents an economic boon, filling hotels, restaurants and marinas while showcasing the city’s unique blend of coastal charm and casino culture. After nearly three decades, it remains one of the Gulf’s most anticipated tournaments, where the fish are big, the parties are bigger, and the memories last a lifetime.
Host Marina
Point Cadet Marina
- 241 slips (25 to 100-plus feet)
- Floating docks with full-length finger piers
- In-slip pump-out stations
- On-site tackle shop:
- Gorenflo’s Tackle
Lodging
Golden Nugget Casino & Resort
- 705 guest rooms and suites
- Casino, spa, pool deck and multiple restaurants
Dining
Mary Mahoney’s Old French House
A Biloxi landmark since 1962, serving fresh Gulf seafood and steaks in a historic home shaded by a 2,000-year-old oak
Morton’s Steakhouse
Inside the Golden Nugget, Morton’s offers prime steaks, fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list
Lillie’s Asian Cuisine
Sushi, noodles and pan-Asian favorites served in a modern, upscale setting at the Golden Nugget
Charter Boats
Ferrous
74’ Viking | Capt. Josh Williams
Available for 2026 MGCBC week
Fleur De Lis
63’ Hatteras | Capt. Nate Dennis
Available for 2026 Gulf Coast Tournaments
Natural State
65’ Viking | Capt. Randy Davis
Available for 2026 Gulf Coast Tournaments
Touché
92’ Viking | Capt. Joe Allen
Available for 2026 MGCBC week, plus charters in Florida, Mexico and Panama
