A fly fishing scavenger hunt
Starts: Thursday, April 30th – 5:43 am (first light)
Ends: Saturday, May 3rd – 12:00 pm
FREE entry with Classic registration
Public Fishing Access Map courtesy of Community Fly Supply!
The Mixed Bag Challenge contest is part of the GCC’s Gulf Coast Classic, and is open to all Classic registrants. This is not a “big fish” contest, but rather one where the goal is to catch as many diverse species as possible, on a point system where the more difficult the target species, the higher the points.
Anglers fishing in one of two divisions (see below) will be challenged to Catch-Photo-Release as many of 16 eligible species/categories (plus 4 “wild cards” & bonuses) as possible with the angler tallying the highest cumulative points in each division declared the winner. Coupled with additional awards including Unique Catch, Beach Cleanup & longest fish (new for 2026), this event will feel more like a scavenger hunt than a conventional fishing tournament.
***All Mixed Bag anglers must pre-register for the Classic & complete a Hold Harmless form to be eligible to participate***
Click Here to Register for the Classic
Click Here to Download the Adult Hold Harmless form
Click Here to Download the Youth Hold Harmless form
- When: April 30, 2026 – May 3, 2026
- Where: Gulf State Park & surrounding waters (see boundaries map below for details)
- Who: Fly anglers of all ages in attendance at the Gulf Coast Classic
The divisions are:
- Adult
- Youth (under 18)
Both freshwater and saltwater species are eligible (see complete 2026 tournament rules below). There is NO entry free, but you must be registered for the Classic prior to Thursday, May 1st (or prior to catching & submitting your first entry). Scroll down this page for list of eligible species and boundaries, or use these PDF formats to view in better detail, or to print.
Here is a link to the complete 2026 tournament rules in PDF format: CLICK HERE
Here is a link to a map of the 2026 fishing boundaries PDF format: CLICK HERE
Again, please read the rules carefully
If there are any questions, please direct them to the MBC Tournament Director, Chris Williams at fishing@ffigcc.org.
2025 Captain’s Meeting Video (2026 Video to be released in April)
***Two Quick Notes regarding the Captain’s Meeting Video:
1. Sam Sumlin of Community Fly Supply will be hosting the Local Fishing Info booth at this year’s Classic. If you’re coming in from out of town and want to fish the tournament, visit Sam at his shop on Thursday or at the Classic Friday. He’ll have maps and plenty of info to point you in the right direction.
2. To clarify the rules regarding prizes, only the 1st Place winner in the Adult division is ineligible for the additional prizes (Top Woman Angler, Longest Fish, Unique Catch & Beach Cleanup). 2nd & 3rd place winners in the adult division and 1st place in the youth division will be eligible for these awards.
Boundaries & Eligible Species
* Click to Enlarge
2026 PRIZES (subject to change):
Adult Division (1st Place):
Adult Division (2nd Place):
- Cheeky Spray 400 Fly Reel
- TFO Mangrove Coast Fly Rod
Adult Division (3rd Place):
- TFO Pro III Fly Rod
- Danco Premio Pliers (7″ Offshore)
Youth Division (1st Place):
- 6wt Lamson Fly Rod/Reel Combo