A fishing crew from the Bon Secour Butchers team set a new state record in Alabama by reeling in a massive 494.5-pound bull shark at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. The catch, which took place on Dauphin Island, was a significant achievement for the crew and garnered excitement from everyone involved in the tournament. The team consisted of Captain Adam Lyons, first mate Tommy “The Tuna Bowyer,” Captain David Stiller “The Shark Killer,” and crew member Michael Maguire. The successful catch required the crew to leverage heavy tackle and perform excellent boat work to safely reel in the massive shark.
Captain Adam Lyons explained that when dealing with an animal as large as a bull shark, it is crucial to use heavy tackle and execute proper boat work to avoid damaging the line or the boat itself. The team worked together to tire out the shark and secure it with a tail rope, ultimately leading to a successful catch. With the use of a winch onboard the vessel, boating the shark was relatively easy for the experienced crew. Their efforts paid off as they were awarded $6,000 for clinching first place in the Gulf Coast Hauling & Construction Bull Shark Jackpot.
The president of the 91st Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Matt Glass, expressed his excitement at witnessing an angler break a rodeo and state record with a once-in-a-lifetime catch. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, founded in 1929, is the largest fishing tournament in the world, attracting thousands of anglers and spectators each year. The tireless work of the research team has contributed to long-lasting memories and remarkable catches at the event. This year’s rodeo saw 3,734 angler participants and weighed a total of 3,243 fish during the tournament, showcasing the success and popularity of the event.
The catch of the 494.5-pound bull shark not only broke the record for the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo but also surpassed the previous state record set in 2015 at 448 pounds. The achievement of the Bon Secour Butchers team was a remarkable feat that excited spectators and participants alike. The combination of angler experience, captain work, and patience proved to be the winning recipe for the crew as they successfully reeled in the massive shark. The significance of the catch was felt by all involved, highlighting the thrill and excitement of competitive fishing tournaments.
The successful catch of the bull shark by the Bon Secour Butchers team highlighted the skill, teamwork, and dedication required for such a feat in competitive fishing. The crew’s strategic approach and careful execution ultimately led to their record-breaking achievement at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. The event continues to attract anglers and spectators from around the world, showcasing the excitement and camaraderie of the fishing community. The extraordinary catch of the 494.5-pound bull shark will be remembered as a standout moment in the history of the rodeo and a testament to the dedication of the participants.
