Dauphin Island is preparing for one of the largest saltwater fishing tournaments in the world as the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo returns for its 92nd year. Organizers expect thousands of anglers and spectators to take part in the event from July 17 to July 20. Crowds often reach 100,000 over the weekend, drawn by the fishing, food, merchandise and weigh-ins. This long-running tournament began in 1929 as a tarpon contest and has since become a Gulf Coast tradition.

The rodeo is run by the Mobile Jaycees and features three days of fishing, beginning with the popular Captain T-Bone’s Liars Contest on Thursday night. Fishing officially begins at 5 a.m. Friday, July 18, with a cannon blast and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament for kids 15 and under will take place Saturday, July 12. Tickets for the Roy Martin event can be purchased on-site, but main rodeo tickets must be bought before the competition starts.

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Anglers will compete for nearly $1 million in prizes, including a new Contender 26Bay boat powered by a Yamaha 250-horsepower outboard. The grand prize will be awarded by random drawing to any angler who weighs a legal fish, no matter the size or species. Another drawing will award a 17-foot Reaper aluminum boat in the Yamaha Speckled Trout Jackpot.

A new feature this year is the Return ’Em Right category, which rewards anglers for using devices to safely release reef fish. Organizers hope this addition raises awareness about fish conservation and improves survival rates. Devices will be available at the site for those who want to take part in the new prize category.

The Shark categories, which returned in 2022, will again feature only tiger and bull sharks. Last year, a 1,019-pound tiger shark and a 494.5-pound bull shark both broke state records. Each species will now have its own prize category, including the Gulf Hauling and Construction Shark Jackpot.

The red snapper jackpot and regular snapper category are expected to remain open during the tournament. Officials say only a portion of Alabama’s 2025 red snapper quota has been used, so big snapper catches are likely at this year’s event.

Other jackpots returning this year include the South Response Services King Mackerel Jackpot, CCA Alabama Live Weigh-In Special Awards, and the Meadow Electric Big Game Jackpot. Regular rodeo fishing categories include 15 inshore and 18 offshore species. Each fish must meet the minimum size rules listed at Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo’s website. 

Along with the fun, the rodeo plays a role in marine science. Researchers from the University of South Alabama, Mississippi State University and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab will be on-site to collect samples and data. Scientists say the variety of fish weighed in offers a rare chance to study species from across the Gulf.

The site itself has also seen upgrades. A new 50-by-50-foot operations area now features a raised VIP deck with better views of the docks and weigh station. For those coming for more than fishing, entertainment will include a Friday night show by The Molly Ringwalds.

With nearly a century of tradition, big prizes, and strong community support, the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo remains a major summer event for the Gulf Coast. Organizers say whether visitors come to fish or just watch, they’re in for a good time.