The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is a real tournament held every summer in Orange Beach

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo runs each July in Orange Beach and has been running since 1957. It is a tournament where recreational anglers fish for prize money in categories like king mackerel, wahoo, grouper, snapper, and other Gulf species. The event draws hundreds of boats and thousands of spectators. You do not have to be a serious competitor to participate — many people enter for the experience, the chance to fish with others, and the weigh-in festivities on the beach.

The rodeo is organized by the Orange Beach Fishing Center and the City of Orange Beach. Registration happens in the weeks before the event, and you can enter as an individual angler, as part of a boat's crew, or by chartering a boat through one of the marinas that partner with the tournament. Most participants fish from private boats or charter boats rather than from shore.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo takes place in July each year in Orange Beach, with registration opening several weeks in advance.
  • You can fish from a private boat, join a charter boat, or crew on someone else's boat — you do not need to own a vessel to enter.
  • Prize categories include king mackerel, wahoo, grouper, snapper, and other Gulf species, with separate divisions for different boat sizes and angler experience levels.
  • The weigh-in happens on the Orange Beach public beach, and spectators can watch boats return and see the catch weighed and announced.
  • You will need a valid Alabama fishing license and a federal saltwater fishing permit before you fish, regardless of whether you are competing.

How to register and what it costs

Registration for the rodeo opens in late spring, usually in May or early June, and closes a few days before the tournament begins. You can register online through the Orange Beach Fishing Center website or in person at their location on the Orange Beach Marina. The entry fee varies depending on whether you are registering a boat, entering as an individual angler, or joining a charter boat — charter boats often include entry in their package price.

When you register, you choose which species categories you want to fish for. Most people enter multiple categories to increase their chances of placing. You will receive a tournament packet with rules, weigh-in times, and instructions for displaying your boat number during the event. Keep your receipt and packet — you will need them at weigh-in.

What fishing license and permits you need

Before you fish in the Gulf, you must have a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license and a federal saltwater fishing permit (also called a NOAA permit). Both are separate from tournament registration. The Alabama license is issued by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. The federal permit is free and can be obtained online through NOAA or at most bait and tackle shops.

If you are fishing from a charter boat, the captain holds the charter boat license, which covers all passengers on that boat. You still need your own Alabama license, but the federal permit requirement may be waived depending on the charter's license type — ask when you book. If you are fishing from a private boat, both licenses are your responsibility.

Charter boats and how to find one

Orange Beach has dozens of charter boat operations that cater to tournament participants. Most charter boats are 30 to 65 feet long and carry 4 to 20 anglers per trip. They provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait; you bring sunscreen, seasickness medication if you need it, and a willingness to wake up early. Boats typically depart at dawn and return in late afternoon.

Charter operators advertise through the Orange Beach Tourism Board website, through individual marina websites, and through fishing forums. Call ahead to confirm the boat is running during rodeo week, that they are accepting tournament participants, and what is included in the price. Some charters offer rodeo packages that bundle the boat trip with tournament entry. Prices vary widely based on boat size, fuel costs, and what is included — expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 per person for a full day, though this changes year to year.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear layers, even in July — the Gulf can be cooler than the beach, and you will be on the water for 8 to 10 hours. Bring a hat, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Bring water and snacks; charter boats usually have a cooler but you should not count on it. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before you board — the Gulf can be rough, especially in summer afternoon swells.

If you are fishing from a private boat, make sure your vessel is in good working order, your fuel tank is full, and you have a working radio and GPS. Check the weather forecast the night before and the morning of the tournament. Bring a cooler with ice for your catch, a net or gaff, and a measuring device — fish must meet minimum size requirements to count toward prizes. Bring your tournament packet and proof of your fishing licenses.

The weigh-in and how prizes work

Weigh-in happens on the Orange Beach public beach, usually in the late afternoon on the tournament day. Boats return to the marina and proceed to the designated weigh-in area. Your catch is weighed on certified scales, measured for size compliance, and recorded by species. Fish that do not meet the minimum size for their category are not counted. The heaviest fish in each category wins that category; some tournaments also award prizes for the heaviest total catch per boat.

Prize money is distributed to top finishers in each category. The amount depends on how many boats enter and how much entry fee money is collected — this varies year to year. Results are announced on the beach as weigh-in happens, and a full results list is posted online within a day or two. Even if you do not place, you have a catch to take home and a story to tell.

What species you can catch and size limits

The main tournament categories are king mackerel, wahoo, grouper, snapper, and sometimes mahi-mahi or other species depending on the year. Each species has a minimum size — for example, king mackerel must be at least 24 inches, and red snapper must be at least 16 inches. These minimums are set by federal and state fishing regulations and are enforced at weigh-in. A fish that is one inch too short will not count, so measure carefully.

The fish you catch are yours to keep. Most people take their catch to a local restaurant or fish market to be cleaned and cooked, or they clean it themselves if they know how. Some charter boats offer cleaning services for an extra fee. If you are new to handling whole fish, ask the crew on your boat — they can show you how to fillet or clean your catch before you leave the dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to fish the whole day, or can I fish part of the tournament?

Tournament rules typically require you to fish the full official hours — usually from dawn to a set afternoon time. You cannot leave early and still compete. However, some rodeos offer a shorter "half-day" division if you register for it in advance. Check the tournament rules when you register.

What happens if the weather is bad and the tournament is cancelled?

If weather makes fishing unsafe, the tournament director may postpone to the next day or cancel entirely. Entry fees are usually refunded or rolled over to the next year's rodeo if the event is cancelled. Check the tournament website or call the Orange Beach Fishing Center the morning of the event if conditions look rough.

Can I fish the rodeo if I have never deep sea fished before?

Yes. Many first-time anglers fish the rodeo on charter boats, where the crew handles navigation and teaches you how to fish. You do not need experience to enter. The crew will show you how to use the rod, how to set the hook, and how to bring in a fish. Bring patience and a sense of humor.

What if I catch a fish that is too small to count?

You can keep it and take it home if you want, but it will not count toward tournament prizes. Minimum sizes exist to protect fish populations. If you catch a fish that is close to the minimum, measure it carefully — the official measurement is taken at weigh-in, and the fish must meet the size requirement to be weighed.

Is there anything to do in Orange Beach besides fish?

Yes. Orange Beach has restaurants, shops, a beach, and other attractions. Many people make the rodeo a family trip — non-fishing family members can spend the day at the beach or exploring the town while anglers are on the water, then meet up for the weigh-in festivities and dinner.