The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR) is turning 90!
And they’re expecting a massive turnout for their anniversary bash from July 20 to July 23 on Dauphin Island.
This all began way back in 1929 as a tarpon tournament with just 250 participating reelers.
Fast forward to today, it’s become the biggest saltwater fishing tournament in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Mobile Jaycees are responsible for organizing this spectacular event.
They’ve been going all out to make it an unforgettable experience.
It kicks off with the legendary Captain T-Bone’s Liars Contest, where fishermen spin wild tales.
Then that’s followed by three action-packed days of intense fishing competitions.
There have consistently been impressive turnouts for this event as of late.
From a modest 250 participants in the beginning, they now welcome a whopping 4,000 anglers every year!
And with over 120 sponsors, mostly from the local communities in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, this event has truly become something special.
Okay, here’s where it gets exciting.
Participants in the 90th rodeo have a shot at snagging over $450,000 in cash and prizes, including a Contender 25 Bay Boat with a Yamaha 250-horsepower outboard.
Talk about reeling in a major win!
And this year, they’re spicing things up with extra random drawings for prize jackpots.
The shark competition has also gotten a refresh — with only tiger and bull shark species in the spotlight, with separate categories for each.
There’s also a new porgy category this year featuring Red, Whitebone, Knobbed, and Jolthead.
Of course, there are still going to be the classic categories.
Anglers still have 15 inshore and 18 offshore species to target.
And while everyone’s having fun, this event doubles as a fantastic opportunity for marine scientists to gather loads of data in just a few days!
Teams from the University of South Alabama and Mississippi State University will be there, collecting samples and doing some serious scientific research.
Speaking of students, younger folks get their chance to shine at the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament on July 15.
That’s open to anglers aged 15 and below.
As for the main event, make sure you’ve got your ADSFR tickets before the action starts at 5 AM on July 21, marked by a thunderous cannon blast.
Get your tickets here.
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