In its 52 nd year, the event has become one of the region s largest fishing rodeos.
Contestants fish the Gulf waters for five days, competing for prizes and awards.
Each day, catches are entered into 30 categories of both saltwater and freshwater fish. In previous years, records for tuna, shark and flounder have been broken at the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Spectators are invited to view the entries and prize-winning catch and enjoy live entertainment at the tournament headquarters, Rice Pavilion in Gulfport. Chuck Dedeaux, president of this year s rodeo said this tournament inspires people to enjoy the great fishing available on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Gulf Coast s rich fish population is supported by giant marshes and estuaries.