Premier Fishing Tournaments on the Alabama Gulf Coast

man on fishing boat in alabama fishing tournament

May 9, 2024

Dreaming of reeling in “the BIG one?” You’re not alone. People come from all over to experience some of the best fishing on the Alabama Gulf Coast. With 60 miles of diverse shoreline, a tidal shore bordering rivers and bayous extending 600 miles, and the Gulf of Mexico in our backyard, the area offers endless fishing opportunities year-round.

Whether you’re just learning or a seasoned angler, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach offer some of the best fishing spots for all ages and abilities. Looking to score more than a nice snapper for the family dinner? Compete for BIG prizes, and enjoy fantastic days on the water at one of these annual Alabama fishing tournaments!

Orange Beach Billfish Classic – May

Since 1996, this family-run fishing tournament has welcomed anglers to compete for cash prizes and support The Billfish Foundation, dedicated to preserving billfish and maintaining healthy oceans. While primarily a blue marlin tournament, optional cash categories include tuna, wahoo, and mahi, attracting competitive fishing teams with a passion for sport fishing.

As the first tournament of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship, a prestigious series of high-profile billfish tournaments along the Gulf Coast, it’s a must-attend for anyone looking to test their skills against the best in the region.

The Gulf Coast Masters – May

One of our favorite Alabama fishing tournaments, the Gulf Coast Masters, kicks off at the Orange Beach Marina and promises competitive saltwater fishing and hefty cash prizes. Beyond big money payouts, expect to see (and hopefully catch!) marlin, dolphin, sailfish, spearfish, tuna, billfish, and wahoo. No matter what category you enter, you’ll enjoy a couple of exciting fishing days and compete against hundreds of motivated anglers, all vying for bragging rights.

Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo – June

Let the good times roll at the Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo, affectionately known as the “funnest” fishing tournament on the Alabama Gulf Coast! Fishing enthusiasts of all abilities return yearly for some fun-spirited competition at the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, adjacent to the renowned Flora-Bama Lounge. With kids, juniors, men, and women competing in 40 different categories and first, second, and third prizes for each, the rodeo never fails to draw a crowd as fishing enthusiasts go head to head for everything from catfish to billfish during this festive three-day tournament.

Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf – July

Held annually at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, the Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf is a tournament you don’t want to miss! Take a chance at catching the single heaviest blue marlin and be crowned Tournament Grand Champion at “The Greatest Show in Sportfishing!” You’ll see a mix of beginners and heavy hitters at this four-day tournament, promising stiff competition and nearly $150,000 in total payouts.

Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo – July

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo was founded in 1929 and is now the largest fishing tournament in the world! Located on Dauphin Island, this three-day rodeo attracts over 4,000 anglers, all fishing to win cash prizes and big game jackpots. With dozens of categories, participants can compete in various divisions while going after a total awards package valued at up to one million dollars.

MBGFC Labor Day Invitational – August/September

Bid summer farewell with some big game fishing at the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club (MBGFC) Invitational, held annually each Labor Day weekend at the Orange Beach Marina. One of the largest fishing tournaments on the Alabama Gulf Coast, this highly anticipated event will see boats departing from Perdido Pass, Pensacola Pass, Mobile Pass, or Destin Pass looking to score big. Reference the website for helpful fishing information regarding local weather, waves, winds, and tides, all designed to help you have a successful day on the water!

Charter Boat Billfish Tournament – September

An exciting addition to the lineup of annual Alabama fishing tournaments, the Charter Boat Billfish Tournament is open to all charter boats with a federal or state permit and an HMS (Highly Migratory Species) permit. You can also book a charter boat and join in the fun at Zeke’s Landing in Orange Beach or just come and watch the weigh-ins. Either way, this event promises to be exciting, with prizes for first and second place in each category.

Fishing in Fort Morgan

If you don’t think you’re ready to compete in an Alabama fishing tournament but still love the sport, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers incredible recreational fishing opportunities. Besides plentiful fishing in Gulf shores and Orange Beach, Fort Morgan is an angler’s paradise!

Where to Fish in Fort Morgan

Dixey Bar

Dixey Bar is the spot if you’re craving redfish for dinner! This shallow sand bar only reaches about seven feet in depth and extends south from the tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico for about three miles.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site

Launch your kayak or boat bayside from Fort Morgan State Historic Site, offering incredible views and even better fishing. Afterward, tour this national historic landmark and finish the day with fresh seafood, a cold one, and a fantastic sunset at Tacky Jack’s!

Navy Cove

Cast a line for some redfish and specks at this small pocket of shallow water just north of Fort Morgan. This quiet fishing spot makes for an ideal, relaxing day of fishing.

What You’ll Catch in Fort Morgan

Proximity to Mobile Bay and The Gulf of Mexico makes Fort Morgan a fisherman’s paradise, boasting plentiful redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. With abundant red snapper in the summer, kingfish in the spring, cobia running in the spring and summer, and mahi mahi extending into early fall, Fort Morgan offers a chance to reel in some of Alabama’s most sought-after catches year-round!
After long days spent in the sun, you’ll want comfortable accommodations with plenty of amenities, including private pools, proximity to the beach, and more! You’ll be happy to know that Kaiser Vacation Rentals offers a wide selection of luxury vacation homes near these Alabama fishing tournaments and all your favorite fishing spots, from Fort Morgan to Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores to Ocean Edge in Orange Beach!