What the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is and when it happens

The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is an annual tournament held in Biloxi where recreational anglers compete for prizes by catching fish in the Gulf of Mexico. The event typically runs for several days in the summer, though the exact dates shift from year to year — check with the Biloxi Convention & Visitors Bureau or the tournament organizers directly for the current year's schedule, because dates are announced each spring.

The rodeo draws both locals and visitors who fish from charter boats, private vessels, and party boats. Anglers compete in categories based on species — typically red snapper, grouper, wahoo, and other Gulf fish — with separate divisions for different boat types and experience levels. The tournament has run for decades and remains one of the Gulf Coast's largest fishing events.

Entry fees, boat requirements, and prize structures vary depending on which division you enter and whether you fish as an individual angler or as part of a team. Most divisions require you to register before the tournament begins, and weigh-ins happen at a central location in Biloxi, usually at one of the working docks or a designated marina.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is a summer tournament in Biloxi where anglers compete by species and boat type, with dates that change yearly.
  • You can fish from a charter boat, party boat, or private vessel, and most divisions have separate entry fees and registration deadlines.
  • Fish are weighed at a central Biloxi location, and prizes are awarded by category — check the tournament rules for which species count and minimum sizes.
  • Charter boats and party boats often fill up weeks in advance during rodeo season, so booking early improves your chances of getting a spot.
  • The Gulf's weather and sea conditions in summer can change quickly, so bring seasickness medication, sun protection, and layers even on warm days.

How to enter and what divisions are available

Entry into the rodeo depends on which division you choose. Most tournaments offer at least three main categories: a charter boat division (for anglers fishing on licensed party or charter vessels), a private boat division (for boats you own or have access to), and sometimes a shore-based division if the tournament includes land-based fishing. Each division has its own entry fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $150 per angler, though this varies year to year.

To enter, you register with the tournament organizers — usually through their website or at a registration booth in Biloxi during the week before the event. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and the name of the boat you will be fishing from. If you are fishing on a charter or party boat, the boat captain often handles some of the registration paperwork, but you should confirm this before the tournament week.

Some divisions also have team options, where groups of anglers fish together and combine their catch. Team entry fees are higher but spread across multiple people. Read the specific rules for the division you want to enter, because some restrict team size or require that all team members fish from the same boat.

Booking a charter or party boat for the rodeo

If you do not own a boat, a charter boat or party boat is your main option. Charter boats hold fewer people (usually 6 to 20 anglers) and cost more per person but offer more personalized service and often better access to specific fishing grounds. Party boats are larger (20 to 100+ anglers) and cheaper per person but more crowded and less flexible about where the captain takes you.

During rodeo season, charter and party boats book up quickly — many fill their rosters four to eight weeks in advance. Call or email the boat directly as soon as the tournament dates are announced. Ask whether the boat is already registered for the rodeo, what the per-person cost is, what time you need to arrive at the dock, and what tackle and bait are included. Some boats provide rods and reels; others require you to bring your own or rent them on board.

Confirm the boat's cancellation policy in case of bad weather. Most boats will reschedule you to another day if seas are too rough, but some keep your money or charge a rebooking fee. Get this in writing before you pay. Also ask whether the boat will weigh your fish at the dock or if you need to transport them to the official weigh-in station yourself.

What fish to target and tournament rules

The rodeo's prize categories change slightly from year to year, but typically include red snapper, grouper (usually gag grouper and red grouper), wahoo, king mackerel, and sometimes amberjack or mahi-mahi. Each species has a minimum size — red snapper, for example, must usually be at least 16 inches, while grouper minimums are often 20 inches. Fish below the minimum do not count, so measure carefully before you keep anything.

Most tournaments award prizes for the largest fish in each species category, plus sometimes a "heaviest bag" prize for the most total weight across all species. Some divisions also have a "big fish" jackpot where anglers contribute extra money for a chance to win based on the single largest fish caught during the tournament.

Read the full rules before you fish, because they cover details like whether you can use live bait or only dead bait, whether circle hooks are required (they often are, to reduce deep hooking), and what happens if you catch a fish over the size limit — some tournaments let you keep it for the prize, others require immediate release. The rules also specify the exact weigh-in window and location, and whether you need to bring your fish whole or if fileted fish can be weighed.

Preparing your tackle and gear for Gulf fishing

Gulf fishing in summer requires heavier tackle than freshwater or inshore fishing. Bring or rent medium to heavy conventional reels spooled with 20- to 50-pound braided line, depending on what species you are targeting. Red snapper and grouper live around structure (rocks, wrecks, and reefs) where they can break you off, so heavier line is worth the cost. Wahoo and king mackerel are faster and more aggressive, so some anglers prefer lighter spinning tackle, but conventional reels give you better control in deep water.

Pack extra tackle because the Gulf's structure is unforgiving — you will lose hooks, lures, and rigs. Bring a mix of live bait (if allowed) and cut bait like mackerel or mullet, plus some artificial lures in case the bite is slow. A good pair of pliers, a sharp fillet knife, and a fish measuring board are essential. If you are renting a rod from the boat, ask what size and type it is so you can practice with similar gear beforehand if possible.

Sun protection is non-negotiable: bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and long sleeves or a rash guard. The reflection off the water intensifies UV exposure, and a bad sunburn will ruin your trip and your health. Also pack seasickness medication — even experienced anglers get queasy in choppy seas — and take it before you board, not after you feel sick.

What to expect on tournament day and at the weigh-in

You will arrive at the dock before dawn, usually between 4 and 6 a.m., depending on the boat's schedule. Bring water, snacks, and a light breakfast because you will be on the water for 8 to 12 hours. The boat will head to the fishing grounds — typically 40 to 100 miles offshore — and you will fish until the captain decides to head back or until the tournament's fishing window closes (usually late afternoon).

Keep your fish alive or on ice as soon as you catch them. If the boat has a live well, use it; otherwise, ask the crew how they want you to store your catch. Do not let fish sit in the sun or in warm water, because the meat deteriorates quickly and judges may dock points for quality. If you catch a fish you think might win, keep it separate and handle it carefully.

At the weigh-in, you will line up with your catch and have each fish weighed and measured by tournament officials. They will record the weight, species, and angler name, then return the fish to you (or dispose of it, depending on the rules). Results are usually posted the same day or the next morning. Prizes are awarded at a ceremony, often held at a local restaurant or event space in Biloxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish in the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo?

Yes. You need a valid Mississippi saltwater fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources or at most bait and tackle shops in Biloxi. A short-term license (three days) costs less than an annual license if you are only visiting for the tournament. Some charter boats can help you get one, but do not count on it — buy yours before you arrive.

What if I get seasick or the weather is bad?

Most boats will reschedule you to another day if seas are too rough to fish safely. Bring seasickness medication and take it before boarding. If you do get sick, stay hydrated and move to the middle of the boat where motion is least noticeable. Bad weather can cancel fishing entirely, so have a backup plan and stay in touch with your boat captain the night before.

Can I fish the rodeo from shore or a pier?

Most years the rodeo is boat-only, but some tournaments include a shore or pier division — check the current year's rules. If there is a shore division, it typically has lower entry fees and targets species that come closer to land, like king mackerel or smaller grouper. Call the tournament organizers to confirm whether a shore division exists.

How much does it cost to fish the rodeo?

Entry fees range from $50 to $150 per angler depending on the division. Charter boat costs run $150 to $300 per person for the full day, while party boats are usually $80 to $150. Add the cost of a fishing license, tackle, and food, and budget $300 to $500 total for a first-time angler on a party boat.

What should I do with my fish after the weigh-in?

Most tournaments return the fish to you after weighing. You can take it to a local fish house to have it filleted and frozen for travel, or cook it that night if you have access to a kitchen. Some restaurants in Biloxi will cook your catch for you if you bring it in — ask your boat captain or hotel for recommendations.