What the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Memorial Day Tournament is
The Mobile Big Game Fishing Club holds a Memorial Day tournament each year that draws anglers from across the Gulf Coast to compete for offshore species like king mackerel, wahoo, and tuna. The tournament runs over the Memorial Day weekend and launches from Mobile's public boat ramps and marinas. It is one of the region's longest-running fishing competitions and serves as both a serious angling event and a community gathering that honors those lost in military service.
The tournament is open to recreational anglers and charter captains alike. Boats register before the event, weigh their catch at a designated location, and compete in multiple categories based on species and weight. Prize money and trophies go to top finishers, but many participants fish simply for the chance to be on the water during a meaningful weekend and to connect with other fishing families in the area.
Key Takeaways
- The Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Memorial Day tournament takes place over Memorial Day weekend and targets offshore species including king mackerel, wahoo, and tuna.
- Both private boat owners and charter captains can register, and boats launch from Mobile-area marinas and public ramps.
- Anglers compete in weight-based categories by species, with prizes awarded to top finishers in each division.
- The tournament combines serious competition with community tradition, drawing anglers from across the Gulf region.
- Registration details, entry fees, and exact dates change year to year, so contacting the club directly is the best way to get current information.
When the tournament runs and how to register
The tournament takes place over Memorial Day weekend, typically Friday through Monday of that holiday week. Exact dates shift each year because Memorial Day itself moves, so checking the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club's current schedule is essential before making travel plans.
Registration usually opens several weeks before the tournament and closes a set number of days before the event begins. Entry fees vary depending on boat size and whether you are fishing as a captain or crew member. To register, contact the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club directly—they maintain the official entry list, collect fees, and provide the rules packet that covers catch limits, weigh-in procedures, and any species-specific regulations for that year.
What species you can target and catch limits
King mackerel, wahoo, and tuna are the primary tournament species, though the club may recognize other offshore catches depending on the year's rules. Each species has its own weight category and prize division, so a first-place king mackerel and a first-place wahoo are separate achievements.
Catch limits and size minimums follow Alabama state saltwater fishing regulations, which change seasonally. The tournament rules packet will specify any additional restrictions the club imposes—for example, some tournaments require fish to be caught and weighed within a certain time window, or limit the number of fish per angler per species. Read the rules before you fish; violations can result in disqualification.
Where boats launch and weigh-in procedures
Boats launch from public ramps and private marinas throughout the Mobile area. The tournament organizers designate official launch sites and provide a list during registration. Weigh-in typically happens at a central location—often a marina or waterfront facility in Mobile—where fish are officially measured, weighed, and recorded by tournament staff.
Weigh-in windows are strict; fish brought in after the deadline do not count, even if you caught them before the cutoff. Bring your catch on ice in a cooler, keep fish whole until weigh-in (do not fillet beforehand), and have your boat number and angler registration information ready when you arrive. Tournament staff photograph each catch for the record and to prevent disputes over weight or species identification.
Prize structure and categories
Prizes are awarded by species and weight within each category. Typically, first, second, and third place finishers in each division receive cash prizes or trophies, though the exact payout structure depends on the year's entry numbers and the club's purse. Some tournaments also award a "big fish" prize for the single largest catch across all species, and a "heaviest bag" prize for the combined weight of multiple fish.
The club may also recognize categories for different boat types or angler experience levels, so read the rules to see which division your boat and crew fit into. Prize money comes from entry fees and sometimes from local sponsors, so the total purse can vary year to year.
Preparing your boat and tackle for offshore conditions
Memorial Day weekend in the Gulf of Mexico can bring unpredictable weather. Check your boat's engine, fuel system, and safety equipment before you leave the dock. Carry life jackets for every person aboard, a working radio or communication device, a first aid kit, and extra water and snacks. The Gulf can be rough, and you may spend hours offshore; being prepared keeps you safe and lets you focus on fishing.
Bring tackle suited to the species you are targeting. King mackerel and wahoo respond to live bait and artificial lures, while tuna often require heavier gear and live mackerel or bonito. Talk to local tackle shops in Mobile before the tournament—they know what is working that week and can recommend rigs and baits that match current conditions. Many shops also sponsor the tournament and may offer discounts to registered participants.
Community and tradition around the tournament
The Memorial Day tournament is as much about honoring military service and gathering with other fishing families as it is about competition. Many boats display flags or wear colors in tribute, and the tournament often includes a moment of remembrance before fishing begins. It is a weekend when people who fish for a living and people who fish for the love of it share the same water and the same purpose.
The tournament draws anglers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and throughout Alabama. If you are new to the area or new to offshore fishing, the event is a good way to meet captains and crew, learn about local fishing patterns, and become part of a community that takes both the sport and the tradition seriously. Many friendships and fishing partnerships have started at this tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?
No. You can book a charter boat through one of the many captains who fish out of Mobile, or you can join a boat as crew if you know someone entering. Many charter captains actively recruit tournament participants, and the club can sometimes connect you with boats looking for experienced anglers.
What if bad weather cancels the tournament?
The club will make a decision about postponement or cancellation based on National Weather Service forecasts and Gulf conditions. If the tournament is postponed, it typically moves to the following weekend. If it is cancelled, entry fees are usually refunded or credited toward the following year's tournament. Check the club's website or call for updates if weather looks questionable.
Can I keep the fish I catch, or do they have to be released?
You keep your catch. After weigh-in, the fish are yours to take home, give away, or have processed at a local fish house. Many participants plan to eat what they catch, which is part of the appeal of fishing for species like king mackerel and tuna.
How do I find the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club's current contact information?
Search online for "Mobile Big Game Fishing Club" or ask at local marinas and tackle shops in the Mobile area—they will have the club's phone number or website. The club also posts updates on social media closer to tournament dates, so following their page is a good way to stay informed about registration deadlines and rule changes.
What should I do if I am new to offshore fishing?
Consider fishing as crew on an experienced captain's boat your first year. You will learn the techniques, see how the tournament works, and understand what gear and preparation you need before you invest in your own boat or charter. Many captains welcome knowledgeable crew, and the experience will make you a better angler for future tournaments.