Excitement Builds for the 92nd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Get ready for a lively scene as anglers and spectators flock to the 92nd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR), scheduled for July 17-20 at Dauphin Island. This annual event is a staple for local fishing enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The journey of this tournament started back in 1929 with the Tarpon Tournament, evolving into what is now the largest saltwater fishing competition worldwide. The number of participants has skyrocketed from 250 in its inaugural year to around 4,000 today. With over 120 sponsors, including well-known names like Yamaha Motors and Contender Boats, this event has truly gained traction.
Expect around 100,000 visitors during the rodeo weekend, all eager to snag popular merchandise, browse vendor booths, and admire the various fish displayed next to the measuring station. The ADSFR is organized by a dedicated committee from Mobile Jacee, who are prepping extensively for the event, starting with a Captain T-Bone liar contest on Thursday night followed by three days of fishing.
“We weigh between 6,000 and 8,000 fish during the rodeo,” noted Coleman Moore, the president of ADSFR. “It’s an event that folks plan their year around, and it’s been a part of our community for nearly 100 years.”
For those taking part in the 92nd Rodeo, there’s a chance to compete for nearly $1 million in cash and prizes, which includes a 26-foot bay boat powered by a Yamaha 250 horsepower engine. Interestingly, all participants who weigh in legal fish during the tournament will be entered in a drawing for this boat-motor package; whether a small 12-inch white trout or a hefty 500-pound blue marlin is caught, everyone has an equal shot at winning.
Prizes will also include Grim Reaper boats for the Yamaha spotted trout jackpots, featuring a 17-foot aluminum boat with a 70-horsepower Yamaha outboard motor. These boats are aimed at anglers specifically fishing for the jackpot.
A notable addition this year is the “Return to the Right” category, aimed at promoting reef fish conservation. Anglers using descending devices for red snappers and similar species can enter multiple random prize drawings.
After a successful return in 2022, the shark competition this year will focus solely on Tiger and Bull sharks. Last year, Brett Rutledge set a new record with a 1,019-pound tiger shark, while David Stiller achieved a milestone with a 494.5-pound bull shark.
This year, the Red Snapper category is expected to draw a lot of attention, especially since records indicate a substantial yield remains within the 2025 quota of 664,552 pounds. “This is the first year that the snapper season stayed open throughout June, allowing recreational anglers to really take advantage of it,” said Scott Bannon, director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
There won’t be major changes to the South Response Service King McKelle Jackpot, the Alabama CCA Special live weight award, or the Yamaha Motors Speckled Trout Jackpot. The main rodeo includes 15 coastal and 18 offshore species, with a minimum size requirement.
Importantly, the ADSFR also plays a role in collecting scientific data on various species. Dr. Shawn Powers from the South Alabama Department of Marine Environmental Sciences will lead a group of students and researchers to sample different fish, with support from Dr. Marcus Drymon of Mississippi State University and members from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Tickets for the contest must be secured before it begins at 5 AM on July 18, marked by a cannon blast, and it wraps up at 5 PM on July 20, also with a cannon signal.
As always, Jacee and the ADSFR team are enhancing the rodeo site, with this year introducing a 50 ft x 50 ft operation area. “This is larger than our usual tents,” Moore mentioned, highlighting a new deck in the VIP area that offers a better view of the event’s activity.
There’s also entertainment planned, including a performance from the Molly Ringwalds on Friday night. It promises to be an exciting rodeo overall.
