Summertime means grabbing a line and pole and heading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing season is here! Check out this year’s Mexico Beach fishing tournaments and more:
License-Free Saltwater Fishing Days
June 2–3, 2018; September 1, 2018; and November 24, 2018
Want to see what fishing in Mexico Beach is all about, but not sure you’re ready to go all-in and become a pro? That’s why the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have instituted several license-free fishing days throughout each year. This is a great chance for parents to show their kids the ropes of fishing, or just to have a day out on the beach, the pier, or a boat and experience some of the best sportfishing in the country, right here in Mexico Beach and the surrounding waters!
Learn more here: http://myfwc.com/license/recreational/do-i-need-a-license/free-fishing/
Gollywhopper Classic
June 22–23, 2018
It’s got a silly name, but this tournament means serious business! Join anglers of all skill levels from around the Southeast and beyond as they take to the Gulf in search of the top Red Snapper, Kingfish, Grouper, and even a spearfishing division for Lionfish! A kids’ tournament and a captain’s party, plus live music and more festivities make this a great family weekend!
Learn more an register at http://www.thegollywhopper.com/
Mexico Beach Offshore Classic
July 26–28, 2018
The 14th Annual Mexico Beach Offshore Classic is set for July 27 and 28! This annual tournament takes full advantage of the incredible sportfishing available in our area. Three fishing categories give anglers the best opportunity to catch the big one in King Mackerel, Dolphin, and Wahoo, then win cash prizes! The kickoff event is the Captains’ Party on July 26 at the El Governor Motel with music and more. The tournament will be held July 27 and 28 beginning bright and early at 5:00 a.m. CST. Weigh-in for both days will take place at the Mexico Beach Marina from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join us and see if you reel in the big one, or just come to cheer on our anglers and enjoy the awards ceremony and celebration July 28 at the Mexico beach Marina.
Learn more at http://www.mexicobeachoffshoreclassic.com/
Bay Scallop Season
August 17 – September 30, 2018
Scalloping is one of our area’s most famous summer activities, but one that many people haven’t tried yet. This could be your year! Grab a snorkel, mask, fins, and a mesh bag and bring the whole family out to St. Joseph Bay and the waters west of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. The season runs through the end of September and the water’s warm, so come on down and scoop up some succulent scallops, then head back to your condo or beach house to make your supper with your fresh catch. You can also return your scallops to the water to repopulate the area, then come back and enjoy the fun again next year.
For additional information and full details from FWC on regulations and license requirements, click here. http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops/
22nd Annual MBARA Kingfish Tournament
August 24–25, 2018
One of the biggest Mexico Beach events of the year, the Kingfish Tournament helps fund the extensive reef systems and preservation efforts of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association, which has deployed over 150 reefs since 1997. Kicking off the event is the Captain’s Party on Friday, August 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CST at Beacon Hill Park. Join the fishing tournament Saturday, August 25, beginning at 5:00 a.m., with weigh-in from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST at the Mexico Beach Marina. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Wahoo!
For more information or to register, visit http://www.mbara.org/
