Renovations underway at the site of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WALA) – Renovations are underway on Dauphin Island at the site of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.

Crews are working hard to prepare for the largest fishing tournament in the world. FOX10 News got a sneak peek at the progress.

Event organizers want to ensure their space can handle the crowds as the tournament grows year-after-year. Tommy McNicoll, Vice President of Publicity for the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, says these updates are essential.

“In 2011, we set the Guinness World Record as the largest fish tournament in the world. Now, we have 61.4 percent more angler participation so it’s kind of growing out- it’s ever-evolving,” he explained.

Among the improvements are adding a seventh dock, a platform between Docks 1 and 2 and an extension to the entire boardwalk.

McNicoll says the boardwalk and docks undergo considerable foot traffic during the vent as anglers bring their catches to the weigh station and eager spectators look on.

“We’re also adding a t-shirt room on our dock- Almost Home is donating a building as a sponsor and it’ll be set up near our second dock. This will be for anglers only- but it’ll create a much more efficient flow through weighing fish, getting t-shirts, and getting more people through our weigh station,” added McNicoll.

All of the projects are sponsor-funded. McNicoll says the rodeo is an economic boost to the area and it’s critical to make sure operations are up to the highest standard.

“A lot of people depend on how well this operation is and how well it’s run and especially angler, spectators- they plan vacations,” said McNicoll. “Vendors plan that weekend to sell products and push merchandise. As a group, we don’t want to let them down so that’s certainly on our mind when we start making improvements.”

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is set for July 19 through the 21st.

Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.