2025 Mixed Bag Challenge
A fly fishing scavenger hunt
Starts: Thursday, May 1st – 5:52 am (first light)
Ends: Saturday, May 3rd – 12 noon
FREE entry with Classic registration
Congratulations to our 2024 Winner: Emily Glasgow
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 20 eligible species/categories (plus 3 “wild cards” & 2 bonuses) as possible with the angler tallying the highest cumulative points in each division declared the winner. Coupled with additional awards for Unique Catch & Beach Cleanup efforts, 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: May 1, 2025 – May 3, 2025
- 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. There is NO entry free, but you must be registered for the Classic prior to Thursday, May 1st. 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 2025 tournament rules in PDF format: CLICK HERE
Here is a link to a map of the 2025 fishing boundaries PDF format: CLICK HERE
Again, please read the rules carefully. We will not be hosting a Virtual Captain’s Meeting ahead of this year’s Classic. However, an updated Captain’s Meeting video will be posted on later than 04/29/2025. If there are any questions, please direct them to the MBC Co-Directors Chris Williams at fishing@ffigcc.org or Ben Roussel at suncatch@ffigcc.org.
2024 Captain’s Meeting Video (Check Back for the 2025 Captain’s Meeting Video)
Boundaries & Eligible Species
* Click to Enlarge
PRIZES (subject to change):
Adult Division (1st Place):
- TFO Blitz 9′ 10wt Fly Rod
- Cheeky Spray 450 Fly Reel
- $100 Gift Certificate from RepYourWater
- Bajio Sunglasses
Adult Division (2nd Place):
- TFO Mangrove Coast 9′ 8wt Fly Rod
- $50 Gift Certificate from RepYourWater
Adult Division (3rd Place):
- $25 Gift Certificate from RepYourWater
Youth Division (1st Place):
- TFO Pro III 9′ 5wt Fly Rod
- Cheeky Burst 350 Fly Reel
Top Woman Angler:
- Cheeky Spray 450 Fly Reel
Unique Catch Award:
- Bajio Sunglasses
Beach/Park Cleanup Award (presented in conjunction with Clean Horizons):
- Cheeky Burst 400 Fly Reel