What the Bay St. Louis Kingfish Classic is and who runs it
The Bay St. Louis Kingfish Classic is an annual fishing tournament held in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where anglers compete to catch king mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico. The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Bay St. Louis community, drawing both recreational and serious competitors who fish the waters off the Mississippi coast.
The event centers on king mackerel because they are abundant in Gulf waters during the tournament season and because they are excellent eating fish — firm, flavorful, and versatile in the kitchen. The tournament structure rewards both the largest individual catch and cumulative weight across multiple fish, depending on the year's format.
Bay St. Louis itself sits on the Gulf Coast with direct access to deep water, making it an ideal launch point for kingfish tournaments. The town has multiple marinas, fuel docks, and restaurants where anglers gather before and after fishing days, creating a community event atmosphere alongside the competition.
Key Takeaways
- The Bay St. Louis Kingfish Classic is a Gulf of Mexico fishing tournament focused on king mackerel, held annually in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
- The tournament draws recreational and competitive anglers who fish from boats launched at local marinas with access to deep Gulf waters.
- King mackerel are the target species because they are plentiful in Gulf waters during tournament season and are excellent table fish.
- The event includes weigh-ins, prize categories, and community gatherings at local restaurants and docks where anglers share catches and meals.
- Participation typically requires boat registration, tournament entry fees, and compliance with current Gulf fishing regulations and licensing.
When the tournament takes place and how to find the schedule
The Bay St. Louis Kingfish Classic runs during the peak kingfish season in the Gulf, typically in late summer or early fall when water temperatures and fish behavior favor consistent catches. The exact dates shift year to year based on weather, water conditions, and local organizing decisions.
To find the current year's tournament dates, contact the Bay St. Louis Chamber of Commerce, local marinas such as those on the downtown waterfront, or fishing clubs active in the area. Many marinas post tournament schedules and registration information on their websites or bulletin boards. Local fishing forums and social media pages dedicated to Mississippi Gulf fishing also announce tournament dates and rules well in advance.
Most tournaments run for one or two days, with fishing occurring during daylight hours and weigh-ins held at a central location — usually a marina or waterfront facility — in late afternoon. Anglers should confirm the exact schedule before committing to travel, as dates can shift due to weather or other factors.
What you need to fish the tournament
To participate in the Bay St. Louis Kingfish Classic, you will need a boat capable of reaching offshore waters — typically 20 feet or larger with proper safety equipment, navigation systems, and fuel capacity for a full day on the Gulf. You will also need a valid Mississippi fishing license and a federal saltwater fishing permit, both of which are required to fish in Gulf waters regardless of tournament participation.
Tournament entry requires registration with the organizing committee, which involves paying an entry fee and providing boat and angler information. Fees vary by year and by the number of anglers per boat, but typically range from moderate to substantial depending on prize purse and tournament scope. Registration usually opens several weeks before the tournament and closes a few days before the event.
You will need appropriate fishing tackle for kingfish — medium to heavy rods and reels with braided line, live bait or artificial lures, and knowledge of kingfish behavior and Gulf conditions. Many local tackle shops in Bay St. Louis stock kingfish-specific gear and can advise on current conditions and effective techniques.
How weigh-ins and prizes work
Weigh-ins typically occur at a designated marina or waterfront location on the afternoon of the tournament's final fishing day. Anglers bring their caught fish to the weigh station, where tournament officials record the weight and verify that fish meet size and species requirements. Most tournaments require a minimum size for kingfish — typically 24 to 30 inches — to count toward prizes.
Prize categories usually include largest individual fish, heaviest total weight across multiple fish, and sometimes categories for different boat classes or angler experience levels. Some tournaments also award prizes for the smallest may have access to fish or for participation, creating multiple ways for anglers to win recognition and prizes.
After weigh-in, fish are typically released back to the water if tournament rules allow, or donated to local food banks and restaurants. Some tournaments hold a community dinner or celebration where anglers gather to share meals and stories from the day's fishing.
Preparing kingfish to eat after the tournament
King mackerel is a rich, oily fish with firm flesh that holds up well to grilling, smoking, and pan-searing. If you plan to keep your catch for eating, handle the fish carefully from the moment it comes aboard — a quick kill, immediate icing, and proper storage preserve flavor and texture far better than letting the fish sit in a cooler for hours.
Fillet kingfish by running your knife along the backbone from head to tail, keeping the blade angled toward the spine to minimize waste. Remove the dark lateral line — the strip of darker meat running along the fillet — because it carries a strong, oily flavor that many people find unpleasant. Rinse the fillets in cold water and pat them dry before cooking.
Kingfish fillets work beautifully simply prepared: brush with oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill over medium-high heat for four to five minutes per side. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily when done. You can also smoke kingfish low and slow, pan-sear thick steaks with butter and lemon, or bake fillets wrapped in foil with herbs and vegetables.
Where to stay and eat in Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis has hotels, motels, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the waterfront and marinas, making it easy to stay close to your boat and the tournament action. The downtown area along the beach and harbor offers restaurants, cafes, and bars where anglers gather before and after fishing days.
Local restaurants often feature fresh Gulf seafood, including kingfish and other catches from the day. Many establishments are accustomed to tournament crowds and can accommodate groups of anglers looking for a meal and conversation after a long day on the water. Ask at your marina or hotel for current recommendations, as restaurants and their hours can change seasonally.
The town also has a small-boat harbor, fishing piers, and public beach access, so even if you are not competing in the tournament, Bay St. Louis offers opportunities to fish, walk, and explore the Gulf Coast community.
Gulf fishing regulations and licensing requirements
All anglers fishing in federal Gulf waters must carry a current saltwater fishing permit issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Mississippi residents also need a state fishing license. Both are available online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website, or at tackle shops and marinas throughout the state.
King mackerel are subject to size and bag limits set by NOAA and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. These limits can change year to year based on stock assessments, so check current regulations before the tournament. The tournament organizers will confirm which regulations apply to that year's event and will disqualify any fish that do not meet size requirements at weigh-in.
Boat safety equipment — including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and signaling devices — is required by law for offshore fishing. Make sure your boat is properly equipped and that all passengers know where safety gear is stored and how to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to own a boat to fish the Bay St. Louis Kingfish Classic?
No. Many anglers charter boats through local charter fishing services or fish as crew members on boats owned by friends or tournament participants. Charter captains are familiar with tournament rules and current fishing conditions, and they handle navigation and boat operation while you focus on fishing.
What is the best bait for kingfish in the Gulf?
Live mullet, mackerel, and bonito are excellent kingfish baits and are available at most Gulf Coast tackle shops. Artificial lures such as large spoons and swimbaits also work well. Local tackle shops can tell you what is working best during the tournament season and what bait is currently available.
Can I keep the fish I catch in the tournament?
Yes. After weigh-in, the fish is yours to keep, cook, or donate. Many anglers plan to eat their catches, which is one of the pleasures of fishing tournaments — you compete for prizes and take home excellent eating fish at the same time.
How far offshore do kingfish tournaments fish?
Most kingfish are caught in waters 20 to 60 miles offshore, though the exact distance depends on where fish are feeding that day. Your captain or the tournament organizers can advise on expected fishing grounds and travel time from the marina.
What should I bring on the boat for a full day of tournament fishing?
Bring plenty of water and food, sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, seasickness medication if you are prone to it, and a change of clothes. The Gulf can be rough, and a full day of fishing in sun and wind is physically demanding. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.