BOBBY CARTER

• When the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic kicks off this summer, it will celebrate 25 years of promoting the state’s offshore fishery to visitors from near and far. And like a proud father, Bobby Carter will be watching it all and assuredly enjoying every moment. Along with Marlin co-founder Bill McClellan, it was Carter’s idea to bring a world-class tournament to the state, with the first event taking place in 1997. Last year, the Classic featured a total cash purse of more than $1.8 million for the 101 participating teams, making it among the largest offshore tournaments in the United States.

Did you grow up on the Gulf Coast?