A remarkable milestone was achieved at the recent Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, where a fishing crew set a new state record by catching a colossal bull shark. The Bon Secour Butchers team, aboard The Orca, landed a 494.5-pound bull shark, breaking the previous record of 448 pounds set in 2015.
The Catch
The tournament, held on Dauphin Island, witnessed an exhilarating moment when the massive bull shark was brought to the weigh station. An Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo representative shared that such a significant catch brings immense excitement to everyone involved, fostering a sense of community among participants.
The Crew
The successful crew included Captain Adam Lyons, first mate Tommy “The Tuna” Bowyer, Captain David Stiller, also known as “The Shark Killer,” and crew member Michael Maguire. Captain Lyons highlighted the challenges of handling such a large shark, emphasizing the importance of using heavy tackle and precise boat maneuvering to avoid damaging the line.
The Technique
The crew’s strategy involved exhausting the shark to safely secure it with a tail rope. Once the shark was sufficiently tired, securing it became a straightforward task. They utilized a commercial fishing winch to haul in the bull shark, showcasing a combination of angler skill, captain expertise, and patience.
The Reward
For their impressive catch, the team won $6,000 for first place in the Gulf Coast Hauling & Construction Bull Shark Jackpot. Matt Glass, president of the 91st Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, expressed awe at the record-setting catch, noting the thrill of witnessing an angler achieve such a feat.
The Event
The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, founded in 1929, is the world’s largest fishing tournament. This prestigious event attracts over 4,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators annually. This year, 3,734 participants weighed in a total of 3,243 fish, making the tournament a grand celebration of fishing prowess.
This record-breaking bull shark catch not only set a new benchmark but also highlighted the skill and determination of the anglers involved, making it a memorable event in the history of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
