Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Brings Good News
The annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR) holds the title of the world’s largest saltwater fishing tournament. Fortunately, this year’s event coincided with beautiful weather over Dauphin Island and the Gulf Coast, despite a low-pressure system that initially threatened a rough weekend.
Dr. Sean Powers, a longtime head judge for the rodeo and director of the Stokes School of Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Southern Alabama, shared some positive updates about the health of a popular species in Alabama waters.
He mentioned that recent scientific assessments show a healthy population of spotted trout in local waters. “It’s great that we have such an exciting event; most people are going for spotted trout and red snapper,” he said. While other categories attract attention, it’s clear that trout and snapper are the main stars here.
A stock assessment conducted by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) about five years ago established a limit of six fish per person per day, with certain size restrictions. Powers explained that the new updates indicate those regulations have been successful.
Initially, assessments indicated overfishing and a lack of older fish, but the latest evaluations show a significant improvement after the implementation of new rules that reduced the harvest by 50%. “What’s encouraging is that this aligns with what fishermen have been observing,” he noted. From his perspective, Alabama stands out among states for its healthy fish populations, particularly compared to places like Louisiana, which recently overhauled its regulations.
Powers recounted a conversation with Colonel Bobby Abraskirt, a well-known guide along the Alabama Gulf Coast. When asked about finding trout, Abraskirt emphasized that local waters are thriving, especially the Mobile River area.
According to Powers, the combination of improved regulations and a favorable environment in recent years has supported the growth of local fisheries. “Regulation is important; I’ve seen meaningful changes. The conditions for juvenile fish to thrive are good,” he added. He believes the slot restrictions have played a crucial role in maintaining a stable fish population in the area.
Regarding the catch-and-release practices, Powers noted that both spotted trout and redfish tend to recover well if anglers handle them properly. Generally, spotted trout can live up to nine years and spawn from March to June, peaking during that time. “Though they can spawn year-round, the bulk of activity is in the summer,” he said, explaining how the fertilization process works.
Scott Bannon, director of MRD, remarked on the unique nature of the ADSFR, which collects a wealth of fish samples, benefiting both anglers and scientific research. “It’s an iconic event in South Alabama and provides a valuable opportunity for scientific insight,” he shared. The excitement from anglers during the tournament further highlights the community’s connection to fishing.
Additionally, MRD studies have involved tagging popular coastal species, which helps track their movements across various habitats. “Spotted trout display distinct seasonal patterns; they move between upper and lower bay waters. It’s fascinating how they behave differently based on spawning cycles,” Powers explained.
As for the Red Snapper category, the findings reinforce surveys highlighting a healthy population off Alabama’s coast, with approximately 7.6 million snappers estimated in the reef zones. This year, Krueger Heins won with a hefty 32.28-pound snapper, followed by Randall Alvarez and Bryan Reeves.
Shark catches always draw a crowd, with notable weight class contenders this year—including Lake Rambley, who seized the Tiger Shark category with a notable catch weighing nearly 691 pounds. Other impressive catches included a 370-pound Brutus shark caught by James Julian.
Another standout catch was a 55.6-pound King Mackerel, reeled in by Jeffrey Gates from Fairhope. His fish also unlocked a significant jackpot prize.
