Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
The 93rd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo returns July 16-19, 2026: here’s how to join the fun!
Reading time: 4 minutes
Sponsored
Starting way back in 1929, Mobile Bay has hosted what’s become the world’s biggest fishing tournament, the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. This year’s dates are July 16-19, 2026, and Pepsi is proud to be a sponsor.
The rodeo’s three days of competition on Dauphin Island feature prizes totaling up to $1 million, live music and a festive atmosphere, all expected to draw over 4,000 anglers and 100,000 attendees.
🎣 Already hooked? Get angler’s tickets here. Just want to watch? It’s FREE for spectators.
Read on for all you need to know to join the fun for the 93rd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.
Quick guide
[PHOTOS] What is the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo?
Scroll above for photos from previous years. ⬆️
ADSFR is a Captain’s Choice tournament, so anglers decide which days they’ll fish and weigh in to compete for prizes that include:
- First, second + third place awards in each of 33 categories
- Separate categories for Most Unusual Species + lionfish
- Jackpot opportunities for king mackerel, speckled trout, swordfish, shark, red snapper + big game
- Master Angler award for one winner
How to get tickets + go to the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
- 📍Where: 531 Lemoyne Dr, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
- 🕐 When: Thurs.-Sun., July 16-19, 2026
- 🎟️ Cost:
- From $60 for anglers | Get tickets 🚤
- Jackpot entries range from $40 per angler to $400 per boat 💰
- + FREE to watch 🎉
- From $60 for anglers | Get tickets 🚤
- 🚙 Parking: Free + arrive early for the best spots
Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo schedule of events
Beyond the thrill of competition and chances to win big prizes, the festive atmosphere is one of the best things about ADSFR. The weekend’s events kick off on Thursday with Captain T-Bone’s Liar’s Contest, where competitors regale guests with their best “big fish” stories. Live music begins that evening and continues throughout the rodeo.
🔥 Hot tip: Stop by the Pepsi Activation, take the Pepsi Challenge + earn a FREE PRIZE while supplies last!
Here’s a brief breakdown of key times + performances over the weekend:
- Thursday July 16, 2026:
- Captain T-Bone’s Liar’s Contest: 5PM signups + 6PM contest
- Live music by Bruce Smelley: 7:30-10PM
- Friday July 17, 2026:
- Ticket sales end: 4:49AM
- Tournament start: 5AM
- Live music by Mustache The Band: 7:30-10:15PM
- Saturday July 18, 2026:
- Live music by Ryan Balthrop: 5-7PM
- Sunday July 19, 2026:
- Live music by Channing Spicer: 12:30-2PM + by Kat Deal: 2:30-5PM
- Tournament end: 5PM
👀 Follow the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo on Facebook for up-to-the-minute event details.
Who started the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo?
For those who love a bit of backstory, here’s a snapshot of how the ADSFR became such a treasured local tradition:
- ADSFR began as an idea during a 1928 fishing trip of Mobile businessmen
- After the trip, resident L.G. Adams, Sr. hosted several planning sessions + became the event’s first president
- ADSFR officially launched in 1929, with the help of Alabama State Game and Fisheries Commissioner I.T. Quinn
- 260 sport fishermen competed in the first rodeo, each paying $5 for a ticket that covered lodging + prizes
- Carrier pigeons transported news of the daily catches from the island back to town
- When the event grew huge by 1949, the organization now known as the Mobile Jaycees stepped in to lead
Ready to compete for big prizes or cheer on your favorite anglers over one of the most anticipated weekends of fun all year? Visit the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo website for more ticket info, rules + details.
Sponsored by:
