305-pound shark among first catches at 77th annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
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- Anglers competed in about 40 divisions during the 77th Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.
- Mississippi State researchers collected about fish samples for health analysis.
- Coastal Conservation Association hosted kids’ fishing events and gear giveaways.
The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo kicked off its 77th year Thursday with a 305-pound shark, setting the tone for fierce competition as anglers strive for first place across multiple weight divisions.
Vendors such as Old Bay Traps, Fishizzle Inc. and Sno-Zone lined the pavilion as volunteers laid Spanish mackerel and black drum on 300-pound blocks of ice.
With around 40 winning titles available to claim, prizes range from Kysek ice chests to a Piranha Mister Twister electric filet knife.
An early catch
After about eight hours on the water, Jerry Hodges and Judy Sanderson arrived at Jones Park with a 38.5-pound bull shark. According to Sanderson, it took about 30 minutes to catch the shark.
“We tried five times to catch it, but it broke off on us,” Hodges said. “I finally started using bigger tackle and when Judy hung it that last time, she caught it.”
After the fish are caught and weighed, they’re given to a team of students and staff from Mississippi State University for examination.
“I brought a crew of students with me this year to sample the parasites and the bacteria that are on the fish,” Michael Sandel said. “We want to make sure the fish in the Gulf are healthy, that they’re able to grow and reproduce, and that we’re able to eat them safely.”
Sandel said fish caught at the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo are often too large to bring back to his lab, so his team collects around 250 samples on-site at each tournament.
“They get the background in the textbook in the classroom, but then they get to come to a place like this and actually see the specimens for themselves,” Sandel said.
New partnerships
This year, the Mississippi chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association partnered with the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.
“We focus on teaching children how to fish,” CCA member and Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Weigh Master Mickey Lagasse said. “We give away fishing poles, tackle, T-shirts and food, and make sure that every child gets taken care of.”
Clabert Guillory, owner of Chief Clay’s Bees, set up shop at the rodeo for the first time, offering home-harvested honey and handcrafted bath products.
“Everyone’s been really, really friendly, and I’m just enjoying the whole experience,” Guillory said.
On Friday and Saturday, young anglers can submit their catches to the rodeo for a shot at coveted prizes.
Fourth of July weekend
According to Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Executive Director Richard Valdez, a fireworks show on Friday night will light up the Gulfport sky.
“The fireworks are shot up right above our stage, so you can come with your family and enjoy the holiday in a safe and secured area,” Valdez said.
Throughout the weekend, live performances by artists like Lisa Albritton and local Motown band Old School will fill the air as contestants vie for the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo pageant crown.
