Texas
A long run out to the Flower Garden Banks. Coral way out in blue water, and big blues over it.
Most likely: Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado
Cap’n Ray“Long ride out, son. The blues on the Banks are worth the fuel.”
Round 5 of 10
The Gulf Five-State Shootout
Five states, one Gulf, and every captain swears their state has the biggest fish.
5fishing spots
Billfishcounts at the scale
360–500 lbwhat the rivals land
6 AM–4 PMone fishing day
TexasLouisianaMississippiAlabamaFloridaThe rules
Heaviest single billfish wins. Pick a different state every day if you like.
Warm tropical blue water. Fish the day from six in the morning to four in the afternoon, keep up to 11 fish in the box, and bring your heaviest to the weigh-in. Beat every rival’s best to win the round.
What’s biting
Each spot has its own mix. Deeper, harder spots hold bigger fish.
How to win the The Gulf Five-State Shootout
What you need: the field’s best fish usually weighs between 360 and 500 lb, so you’ll need a big billfish to take the round. Only billfish — marlin, sailfish and swordfish count at the scale.
Rig for it: 80 lb line lands fish that size; anything lighter gets more bites but risks a break-off on the big one. The blue marlin likes the Large Live Bait and the Large Skirt best.
Where to start: Mississippi is the gentlest spot (★★☆☆☆) — a good place to find your rhythm. Louisiana holds the heaviest fish, if you can handle them. Birds work hardest over Louisiana: follow them to the bait.
Near shore: at Mississippi you troll within sight of the beach — mind the sandbars and the pier.
Read the forecast: on cloudy mornings and evenings run your lure shallow; under a bright midday sun, go deep. A windy forecast means a rough sea, a rolling boat and more drift, so plan your passes into the wind.
The spots
Louisiana
Off the river mouth, where the oil rigs stand in deep water. Yellowfin and blues stack up under them.
Most likely: Yellowfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Dorado
Cap’n Ray“Fish the rigs. Everything out here lives under one.”
Mississippi
Out past the barrier islands. Green water near shore, blue water if you keep going.
Most likely: Sailfish, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna
Cap’n Ray“Push past the islands till the water turns blue.”
Alabama
Reefs and wrecks off the white beaches. Sailfish and white marlin come up hungry in the morning.
Most likely: Sailfish, White Marlin, Blue Marlin
Cap’n Ray“Work the reefs early. They bite best at first light.”
Florida
The Panhandle, where a deep canyon cuts in close to shore. Blue marlin hunt along its wall.
Most likely: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna
Cap’n Ray“Troll the canyon wall. Big lure, long day.”