DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. — A local fishing team reeled in a massive 494.5-pound bull shark at this year's Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, establishing a new state record for the largest shark caught.
Fox News reported that the Bon Secour Butchers, aboard their vessel "The Orca," clinched the top spot in the Gulf Coast Hauling & Construction Bull Shark Jackpot with their remarkable catch, netting a $6,000 prize.
The catch happened during the well-anticipated annual event on Dauphin Island. The crew, led by Captain Adam Lyons and supported by mates such as Tommy "The Tuna" Bowyer, David "The Shark Killer" Stiller, and Michael Maguire, expertly navigated the waters to snag the record-setting shark. Previously, the state-record bull shark weighed in at 448 pounds, caught in 2015.
Following a morning departure, the team employed heavy tackle and used expert boating tactics to tire out the enormous shark, ensuring a safer capture. "When you are tackling an animal this large, it is critical to leverage heavy tackle and perform excellent boat work," stated Captain Lyons about the process.
Their efforts culminated in a successful catch with the aid of a winch on board, which facilitated the lifting of the shark onto "The Orca." "Boating the shark was relatively easy because we had a winch on board, which is normally used in commercial fishing," Lyons added.
The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a highlight for anglers worldwide, boasted 3,734 participants this year, with a total of 3,243 fish weighed. Since its inception in 1929, the event has grown into the largest fishing tournament globally, attracting thousands of anglers and over 75,000 spectators annually.
This year's catch has been heralded not just as a win for the team but as an exciting highlight for all event participants and spectators. According to an Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo representative, "A catch like that coming through our weigh station galvanizes everyone and every entity involved. We all feel a part of the catch."
The successful capture is a testament to the collective effort and strategic planning of the Bon Secour Butchers. Their use of heavy-duty equipment played a crucial role in handling the high-tension line necessary for such a large catch. Captain Lyons pointed out the significant risks involved, saying, "With a line in the water with that much tension, you want to avoid anything that could damage the line, such as the boat itself."
Once they tired out the shark, getting a tail rope in place effectively meant "game over for the shark," according to Lyons. His detailed account highlights the intense and measured approach required to handle such a formidable ocean creature.
Matt Glass, president of the 91st Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, reflected on the impact of the catch, noting, "It’s really neat to see an angler get a once-in-a-lifetime catch and be able to break a rodeo and state record." He also commended the tireless work performed by the research team involved in the event, which has been pivotal in facilitating such memorable experiences.
The Bon Secour Butchers' record-breaking catch is more than just a tournament victory; it marks a landmark moment in the Alabama fishing scene that people will remember for years to come. From the strategic baiting and boating techniques to the final weigh-in at Dauphin Island, this year's event has truly set a new standard for fishing achievements in the state.
In conclusion, the collaboration, expertise, and spirit of the Bon Secour Butchers led them to a landmark victory at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Their historic catch has not only set new records but has also enriched the storied tradition of this prestigious fishing tournament.
