Swordfish and science on the line at Alabama’s biggest fishing tournament

The 93rd annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR) is charging toward the coast, and with just over a month until the action begins, organizers are rolling out major updates. As the Mobile Jaycees-led event moves closer to its centennial milestone, the rodeo is doubling down on its unique blend of high-stakes competition and essential marine research.

Science and Strategy

The rodeo is more than just a massive fishing tournament; it is a critical hub for scientific data in the Gulf. This year, organizers are shining a spotlight on swordfish and tripletail (blackfish). Rodeo president Chase Farley noted that a new, dedicated jackpot category for swordfish has been established due to high demand from anglers and a desire to help researchers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences better understand the species.

Dr. Sean Powers, a senior marine scientist at the sea lab, emphasized the importance of this partnership. "We just don’t know enough about them in the Gulf of Mexico to know whether to be concerned or not," Powers said regarding swordfish. By tracking species that are seeing increased angler interest, the scientific community can monitor population movements and health more effectively.

Additionally, the rodeo is introducing a live-catch category for tripletail. Anglers who bring these fish in alive will have their catch weighed, tagged, and released back into Aloe Bay, providing a golden opportunity for long-term study.

Tournament Atmosphere

With more than 4,000 tickets sold for last year’s rodeo, the event remains a cornerstone of coastal Alabama culture. The weigh station at Dauphin Island draws upwards of 100,000 spectators over three days, creating a festival atmosphere that features a Liars’ Contest, live music, and the constant possibility of witnessing a state-record shark or other record-breaking catch hit the docks.

Anglers will compete for over $500,000 in cash and prizes across 33 categories. Standard entry is $60, with various "jackpot" options available for those looking to up the ante.

Event Enhancements

Facilities are getting an upgrade this year, including a new dedicated space for T-shirt sales—a welcome change for staff who previously managed gear from a storage container. Pro tip for fans: apparel will be available for purchase at the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament on July 11.

Local infrastructure is also more prepared than ever, with the Billy Goat Hole boat launch back in operation. Plus, with red snapper fishing currently open, participants are ready to make up for a slow start to the season caused by recent rough weather.

Schedule of Events

Find full details and ticket information at ADSFR.com. Here is the schedule for the main event:

• July 11: Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament
• July 16: Capt. T-Bone Liars’ Contest (6 p.m.), followed by music from Bruce Smelley (7:30 p.m.)
• July 17: Opening cannon (5 a.m.), weigh station open (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and Mustache the Band (7:30 p.m.)
• July 18: Weigh station open (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Ryan Balthrop performance (5 p.m.)
• July 19: Weigh station open (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), live music from Channing Spicer (12:30 p.m.) and Kat Deal (2:30 p.m.)
• July 20: QCS Marine Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m., at The Grounds in west Mobile.