The 2026 Gulf Coast Masters, presented by B&T Marine and Gulf of America Stabilizers, delivered another spectacular Memorial Day weekend of offshore competition and Gulf Coast hospitality. A total of 35 teams competed for an impressive $702,450 cash purse, making it one of the most lucrative sportfishing events in the northern Gulf. Anglers were greeted with favorable offshore conditions and outstanding fishing action that produced blue marlin releases, yellowfin tuna, dolphin, and wahoo throughout the tournament. The competition showcased the skill, preparation, and determination of some of the Gulf Coast's most accomplished captains and crews as they battled for championship honors and significant payouts.

One of the tournament's most prestigious divisions, Catch & Release, was dominated by Team A Work of Art, which secured the overall tournament championship with an outstanding performance that included five blue marlin releases, accumulating 2,500 points and earning $41,261.68 in the Catch & Release division alone. Their remarkable achievement earned them both the Catch & Release title and the coveted Top Boat Award. Team Fatso claimed second place with 1,700 points and $24,757.01, while Team Devotion finished third with 1,000 points and $16,504.67. The release division once again highlighted the conservation-minded approach of Gulf Coast anglers while demonstrating the world-class blue marlin fishery found in Gulf waters. The five-release performance by A Work of Art stood as one of the tournament's defining accomplishments and ultimately secured their place atop the leaderboard.

The weigh scales also produced memorable catches throughout the weekend. Team Devotion captured the Top Tuna title with a massive 224.2-pound yellowfin tuna, while Miss Macy Juel dominated both the Dolphin and Wahoo categories with a 50.0-pound dolphin and wahoo weighing 26.6 and 26.4 pounds. Individual honors included Top Lady Angler Elisa Kinard aboard Lay Days with 1,125.8 points and Top Junior Angler Lee Goodloe Jr. aboard It Just Takes Time with 561.8 points. As competitors gathered for the awards celebration, the 2026 Gulf Coast Masters once again reinforced its reputation as one of the Gulf's premier offshore tournaments, combining elite competition, substantial payouts, and the camaraderie that continues to define Gulf Coast sportfishing.

Top Money Winners – 2026 Gulf Coast Masters
 

A Work of Art — $153,761.68
Devotion — $64,797.45
Fatso — $61,252.01
Miss Macy Juel — $47,993.34
Golden Gaff — $41,835.11
Miss Virginia — $28,800.00
It Just Takes Time — $24,300.00
C'mon Man — $13,792.67
Mollie — $12,622.67
Relentless Pursuit — $11,050.00
Lay Days — $7,095.11