It is almost that time of year for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While the cobia fishing
in the panhandle of Florida is seeing many big Cobia hit the dock, it is merely
beginning for the Mississippi fisherman.
With May, comes the wide variety of cobia tournaments. This year will be the second
year for the month long cobia tournament in Pascagoula, Frets Cobia Tournament.
This year it will start May 11th and end June 2nd.
Last year was a huge success for a first year tournament. We had over 50 fish weighed
in over 40 lbs. The tournament does not allow fish under 40 lbs to be entered for
conservation efforts.
This tournament is unique because it allows only the one biggest fish to win. Last
year saw a fish around 70 lbs win while 2nd and 3rd were both over 60 lbs. We
decided to have a one fish tournament as it minimizes cheating and puts everyone on
an even playing field. You can enter the tournament, pick the right day and catch the
prize. You do not have to fish everyday to win. The tournament is one of the first to
have a junior and lady angler division with very nice prizes. The young competition in
the area is already strategizing and that is what it is all about, family fun.
There are a few changes this year but very simple and practical. We had the scales
open everyday of the tournament last year and that grew tiresome. We decided to
close the scales on every Monday and Tuesday to allow for the tournament committee
to regroup. However, anglers can fish on those days. The only catch is the angler must
weigh the fish in the immediate following Wednesday. We feel this is a plus to attract
out of state competitors as well as allow anglers to travel and fish. In a sense, it makes
it more competitive.
The tournament will end on Saturday June 2nd with a two day snapper shoot
out. Each boat will purchase an additional boat ticket separate from the Cobia
tournament and 1st and 2nd place with the heaviest weight of a two fish aggregate
will split 60/40 all money entered in this snapper shoot out.
Of note, these are the first two days of snapper season. The 1st and 2nd should be
busy days at the scales at Frets Bar in the Pascagoula Down town plaza. We are very
excited and look forward to a big turnout once again.
Last but not least, there will be good food at the Captains meeting provided by Bozos
Seafood and Grocery. I am guessing crawfish.
Come on out and see the fish even if you are not participating. We will also have
live music throughout the tournament and on June 2nd, there will be a live
band playing after the awards ceremony and I promise, it will live up to all the hype
carried over from last year. See you there.