During the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a team of anglers known as the Bon Secour Butchers set a new state record by catching a massive 494.5-pound bull shark.
The event took place on Dauphin Island, and the team was aboard a vessel named “The Orca.”
The previous state record for a bull shark was 448 pounds, set in 2015.
The team, composed of Captain Adam Lyons, first mate Tommy “The Tuna” Bowyer, Captain David Stiller “The Shark Killer,” and crew member Michael Maguire, clinched first place in the Gulf Coast Hauling & Construction Bull Shark Jackpot, earning them $6,000.
The catch was significant not only for its size but also for the skill and effort required to reel it in.
Captain Lyons emphasized the importance of using heavy tackle and excellent boat work to safely secure the shark.
The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo saw participation from 3,734 anglers, making the achievement even more remarkable.
The event’s president, Matt Glass, highlighted the tireless work of the research team and the long-lasting memories created by such a monumental catch.
The Bon Secour Butchers’ record-breaking catch has inspired future anglers and promoted sustainable fishing practices.
The 2024 Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be remembered for this historic catch, leaving a lasting legacy in the fishing community.
