A fishing crew recently set a new state record by catching a massive bull shark at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. The Bon Secour Butchers team, fishing aboard The Orca, landed the 494.5-pound shark at the tournament held on Dauphin Island. This surpasses the previous 448-pound bull shark record set back in 2015.
An Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo representative told Fox News Digital that seeing such a catch at their weigh station energizes everyone involved, making them all feel part of it.
The crew included Captain Adam Lyons, first mate Tommy “The Tuna” Bowyer, Captain David Stiller, known as “The Shark Killer,” and crew member Michael Maguire.
Captain Lyons explained that dealing with such a large animal requires heavy tackle and excellent boat handling. With so much tension on the line, it’s important to avoid anything that could damage it, including the boat itself. The goal was to tire the shark out to safely secure a tail rope. Once they had the tail, securing the shark was straightforward.
The crew used a winch, typically used in commercial fishing, to haul in the shark. Lyons added that the combination of angler skill, captain expertise, and patience was key.
For their efforts, 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, stated that it’s incredible to see an angler achieve a once-in-a-lifetime catch and set a record at the rodeo.
Founded in 1929, the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is the world’s largest fishing tournament, attracting over 4,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators each year. This year’s event had 3,734 participants who weighed in a total of 3,243 fish.
