Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

             The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is moving forward on the Fourth of July weekend for its 62^nd year.  The event will be back in Gulfport for the first time since Hurricane Katrina, temporarily located in the parking garage at the Island View Casino until construction of a new pavilion is completed in Jones Park.  Constantly monitoring the status of the oil spill, the directors have elected to continue the event for 2010 with a significant contingency plan in place should fishing become impractical or impossible for participants.

       We are moving full speed ahead with the event, holding out hope that it will proceed as the exciting fishing tournament our participants have enjoyed for over 60 years.  This is an important event to our Coast and a staple family activity for the Fourth of July weekend, and the board of directors of the Rodeo recognize the importance of making a decision that is not only best for the event, but the Coast as a whole.

            If sufficient federal and state fishing waters will be available for Rodeo fishermen, the Rodeo will proceed as a full fishing tournament with its shootouts, kid’s rodeo and normal prizes.  If saltwater fishing grounds are closed, or the best interests of conservation are not served by moving forward with the fishing tournament, we will implement our contingency plan.  We will still have live music, vendors, food, the carnival and all of our normal activities, but instead of displaying fish competing in the tournament, we will have informational displays to let us all know how this oil spill will affect our local fish species.  We will also invite researchers to accept fish for purposes of research, should the conditions warrant.  We will not proceed as a freshwater only tournament.  If we can’t have the full fishing tournament, we won’t have any.

            In the interests of planning, the Rodeo hopes to make its decision in a special meeting on Wednesday, June 2.  Regardless of the plan that it implements, the Rodeo will support its local community and now, more than ever, needs the support of its local community.

           We will post updates on the website as they unfold. Please check back for the latest info.