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 anglers compete to catch the heaviest fish in categories like king mackerel, wahoo, red snapper, and grouper. The event typically runs for several days in the summer, drawing both recreational and serious competitive fishers from across the region and beyond. Boats deigh in their catch each day, and winners are announced based on weight within each species category.
The rodeo has been a fixture of Mississippi's Gulf Coast fishing culture for decades, organized by local fishing clubs and the Biloxi tourism board. It combines competition with community — many participants fish for the prize money and bragging rights, while others come for the festival atmosphere, the seafood, and the chance to be around people who take fishing seriously. The event draws hundreds of boats and thousands of spectators to the docks and waterfront.
Key Takeaways
- The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo runs for several days each summer in Biloxi with separate weight categories for king mackerel, wahoo, red snapper, grouper, and other Gulf species.
- You can fish as an individual angler, join a boat as a crew member, or charter a boat specifically for the tournament, depending on your experience and budget.
- Entry fees vary by boat and category, and prize money is distributed to the heaviest fish in each division, with some boats winning thousands of dollars.
- The rodeo is open to the public as a spectator event — you can watch boats weigh in, browse vendor booths, and eat fresh-caught seafood without fishing yourself.
- Fishing regulations for Gulf waters apply during the rodeo, including size and bag limits that change by species and season.
How to enter as a boat captain or crew member
If you own or have access to a boat, you register your vessel with the tournament organizers before the event. Registration typically opens several weeks in advance and requires the boat name, captain's name, and the number of anglers fishing from that boat. Most rodeos charge a per-boat entry fee plus per-angler fees, which can range depending on the year and the specific tournament division you choose.
As a crew member on someone else's boat, you usually pay a smaller individual entry fee and split any winnings according to the boat's arrangement — some boats divide prize money equally among crew, others give the largest share to whoever caught the winning fish. Talk with the boat captain ahead of time about how winnings are handled and what your responsibilities will be during the tournament days. Many boats fish from dawn until the weigh-in deadline, so be prepared for a long day on the water.
Chartering a boat for the tournament
Charter boats based in Biloxi and nearby ports often run special tournament packages during the rodeo. These boats are equipped with fighting chairs, multiple rods, and crew who know the Gulf waters and where fish are likely to be. A charter typically costs several hundred to over a thousand dollars per day depending on the boat size and how many people are in your group, and that fee does not include entry fees to the tournament itself.
When you book a charter for the rodeo, confirm what is included: fuel, tackle, ice, and whether the crew will help you land fish or if you are expected to do the fighting yourself. Ask whether the boat has fished the rodeo before and what species they typically target during that time of year. Charter captains often have strong opinions about where to fish and what techniques work best, so their experience can make a real difference in your day.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and layers — the Gulf can be hot during the day but the wind picks up and the spray is cold. Pack snacks and water; charter boats usually provide some, but having your own means you will not run out. Wear non-slip shoes with good grip, because wet decks are slippery and a fall can happen fast.
If you are bringing your own rod and reel, make sure it is in good working order before you arrive. Many anglers bring multiple rods rigged with different lures or live bait setups so they can switch quickly if one approach is not working. If you are new to deep sea fishing, ask the boat captain or charter crew what tackle they recommend — they will know what is working that week better than any general advice.
Check the weather forecast the night before and the morning of the tournament. The Gulf can change fast, and tournaments sometimes postpone or cancel weigh-ins if conditions are unsafe. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and any documents, and let someone on shore know which boat you are on and when you expect to return.
Understanding the weigh-in and prize structure
Each day of the tournament, boats return to the designated weigh-in location — usually a dock in downtown Biloxi — by a set time, typically late afternoon. Fish are weighed in the order boats arrive, and the weight is recorded for each angler and species. The heaviest fish in each category wins that division; some tournaments also award prizes for the second and third heaviest fish in each species.
Prize money comes from entry fees and sometimes from local sponsors. The amount varies by year and by how many boats enter, so there is no fixed purse. A winning king mackerel might earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the tournament structure. Many boats also run side pools — informal bets among crew members on who catches the biggest fish or the most fish — which are separate from the official tournament prizes.
Fishing regulations and what you need to know about limits
Federal and state regulations for Gulf fishing apply during the rodeo, even though it is a tournament. Red snapper, for example, has strict size and bag limits that change year to year based on stock assessments. King mackerel and wahoo have minimum size requirements. You are responsible for knowing the current regulations before you fish — ignorance does not protect you from a fine.
Check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources for the current rules on the species you plan to target. Regulations can change between the time you plan your trip and the tournament dates, so verify the rules a week or two before you go. If you are fishing from a charter boat, the captain is required to know and follow these regulations, but it is your responsibility too — you are the one holding the rod.
Watching the rodeo as a spectator
You do not have to fish to be part of the rodeo. The weigh-in is a public event, and you can watch boats pull up to the dock, see the fish being weighed, and hear the announcements of who is winning. The atmosphere is festive — there are food vendors selling fresh seafood, local restaurants set up booths, and music plays throughout the day. It is a good way to see what deep sea fishing looks like and to meet people in the fishing community.
Bring cash for food and drinks, wear comfortable shoes because you will be standing and walking, and arrive early if you want a good spot near the scales. The weigh-in can draw crowds, especially on the final day when the biggest fish are likely to come in. If you are interested in fishing but have never done it before, the rodeo is a good place to watch and ask questions — most anglers are happy to talk about their catch and their boats.
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 or a federal charter boat license if you are fishing from a charter. Licenses are available online through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources or at bait and tackle shops. A short-term license is available if you are visiting from out of state.
What if I get seasick?
Talk to the boat captain or charter crew before you go — they can recommend over-the-counter remedies and positioning on the boat that helps. Eat a light breakfast, stay hydrated, and focus on the horizon. Some people find that being busy with fishing helps; others need to sit in the shade and rest. If you are prone to seasickness, mention it when you book so the crew knows to check on you.
Can I fish the rodeo if I have never deep sea fished before?
Yes. Charter boats and experienced captains fish with beginners all the time. Let them know you are new, and they will teach you how to hold the rod, set the hook, and bring in a fish. The crew handles most of the technical work — your job is to fight the fish when one bites.
What happens if nobody on my boat catches a fish?
You do not win a prize, but you still had a day on the water. Many boats fish the rodeo for the experience and the community, not just for the money. The entry fee is the cost of participating; there is no refund if fish are not biting.
When does the rodeo happen each year?
The tournament typically runs in mid-summer, but the exact dates change year to year. Check the Biloxi tourism website or contact the organizers directly a few months before summer to confirm dates and registration deadlines for the upcoming year.