A fishing crew, the Bon Secour Butchers team on “The Orca” vessel, recently set a new state record by reeling in a massive 494.5-pound bull shark at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo on Dauphin Island. The team included Captain Adam Lyons, first mate Tommy “The Tuna Bowyer,” Captain David Stiller “The Shark Killer,” and crew member Michael Maguire. The catch was a significant achievement and galvanized everyone involved in the tournament. Captain Lyons emphasized the importance of using heavy tackle and excellent boat work when dealing with such a large animal to ensure the safety of both the crew and the shark. The team’s skilled approach and experience led them to successfully bring the shark on board relatively easily with the use of a winch normally used in commercial fishing.
The catch of the massive bull shark earned the Bon Secour Butchers team $6,000 for clinching first place in the Gulf Coast Hauling & Construction Bull Shark Jackpot. Matt Glass, president of the 91st Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, expressed his excitement at seeing an angler achieve a once-in-a-lifetime catch and breaking both a rodeo and state record. Founded in 1929, the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is the largest fishing tournament in the world, attracting over 4,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators. The tireless work of the research team behind the event has helped create long-lasting memories for both participants and spectators. This year’s rodeo featured 3,734 angler participants and a total of 3,243 fish were weighed during the tournament.
The successful capture of the massive bull shark was a result of the team’s expertise and skill in handling such a large and powerful animal. Captain Lyons emphasized the importance of leveraging heavy tackle and performing excellent boat work to safely bring the shark on board. With a line in the water under high tension, the team had to carefully tire out the shark before securing it with a tail rope. By using a winch normally used in commercial fishing, the team was able to bring the shark on board relatively easily, relying on a combination of angler experience, captain work, and patience.
The Bon Secour Butchers team’s record-breaking catch of the 494.5-pound bull shark at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo impressed both participants and spectators alike. The team’s success in bringing the massive shark on board was attributed to their skilled approach and use of heavy tackle. The catch earned the team a prize of $6,000 for clinching the first place in the Gulf Coast Hauling & Construction Bull Shark Jackpot. Matt Glass, president of the rodeo, commended the team for achieving a once-in-a-lifetime catch and breaking both a rodeo and state record. The event is the largest fishing tournament in the world, attracting thousands of anglers and spectators, and creating long-lasting memories for everyone involved.
The Bon Secour Butchers team’s successful capture of the massive bull shark at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo showcased their expertise and experience in handling such a large and powerful animal. The team’s careful use of heavy tackle and excellent boat work ensured the safety of both the crew and the shark during the capture. By leveraging a winch normally used in commercial fishing, the team was able to bring the shark on board relatively easily, relying on a combination of angler experience, captain work, and patience. The record-breaking catch earned the team a well-deserved prize and left a lasting impression on both participants and spectators at the event, making it a memorable and successful tournament for all involved.
