The Mullet Toss isn’t just American flag themed thongs or handle bar operated blenders. It’s not all about cut off jean shorts or tacky flip-flops, nor is it an excuse to let your inner redneck out and hit the beach for a weekend. The three-day event centered around a fish throwing contest that was held last weekend was much more than all of that. It was yet another reminder that the Gulf Coast is once again beautiful and ready for a long summer of fun.

Thousands attended this year’s Mullet Toss, which is held at the famous Florabama Restaurant and Bar located on the line that divides the states of Alabama and Florida. Attendees enjoyed cloudless skies, warm weather, and one heck of a competition. I know I may be biased, but the beaches and water have never looked better. I actually even looked for a sign of oil and couldn’t find any. What I did find was one of the most entertaining weekends I have had in a long time.

Part of this post was supposed to be dedicated to describing The Mullet Toss to someone who has never been there before, but I’m not sure if that’s actually possible. It is literally the most random assortment of people you could possibly throw together at an event. College students, bikers, Cajuns, old salts, C-list celebrities, and all other sorts of riff-raff come together to form quite the motley crew. A large portion of the beach is cleared out and folks proceed to compete at who can throw a mullet, white fish indigenous to the Gulf Coast, the furthest. Sounds like your typical weekend at the beach, right?

Once the smoked cleared and the familiar chants of “Roll Tide Roll!” “War Eagle!” and “Go Tigers!” had died down, there was only one man left standing at the top in the men’s 17-25 category. I’m honored to say that this year’s winner was my good friend Corbett Proctor. Congratulations on taking the win Corbett and congratulations to the Florabama for putting on yet another awesome event and reminding not only the Gulf Coast, but the whole country that our beaches are once again beautiful.