Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Returns To Dauphin Island

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is returning to Dauphin Island for its 92nd year on July 17-20. Organizers expect 100,000 anglers and spectators over the weekend, OBA reported. 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 the night of July 17. Fishing officially begins at 5 a.m. on July 18 with a cannon blast and ends at 5 p.m. on July 20. The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament for children 15 and under will take place on July 12. Tickets for the Roy Martin event can be purchased onsite, but main rodeo tickets must be bought before the competition starts. Anglers will compete for nearly $1 million in prizes, including a Contender 26Bay boat and a 17-foot Reaper aluminum boat. A new feature this year is the “Return ’Em Right” category, which rewards anglers for using devices (available onsite) to safely release reef fish. Organizers hope this addition raises awareness about fish conservation and improves survival rates.