Mixed Bag - 2024 Gulf Coast Classic

2024 Mixed Bag Challenge
A fly fishing scavenger hunt

Starts: Thursday, May 2nd – 5:39 am (first light)
Ends: Saturday, May 4th – 12 noon
FREE entry with Classic registration

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 four divisions (see below) will be challenged to Catch-Photo-Release as many of 24 eligible species/categories (plus 6 “wild cards”) as possible with the highest species count in each division declared the winner. Coupled with additional awards for Beach Cleanup efforts and Most Unusual Catch, this event will feel more like a scavenger hunt than a conventional fishing tournament.

When: May 2, 2024 – May 4, 2024
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 Wednesday, 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 tournament rules in PDF format: CLICK HERE

Here is a link to a map of the fishing boundaries PDF format: CLICK HERE

Again, please read the rules carefully. We will hold a virtual Captains meeting on Zoom prior to the Classic on Monday, April 29th to review details (Video posted below). In the meantime if there are any questions, please direct them to the MBC Co-Directors Chris Williams at mixedbag@ffigcc.org or Ben Roussel at suncatch@ffigcc.org.