Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Shark Records Timeline Newsletter Where Giants Meet the Scales For more than seven decades, the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo has produced some of the Gulf Coast’s most legendary shark catches. From record-breaking tiger sharks to massive bull sharks, these unforgettable moments have shaped Mississippi fishing history. Here is a chronological look at the sharks that rewrote the record books.

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2016 — A Historic Year Begins

Bull Shark Record

Ricky Mathews — 186 lbs, 2 oz

New Orleans, Louisiana

The 69th Annual Rodeo opened with a statement catch when Ricky Mathews landed a 186-pound, 2-ounce bull shark on Day 1. The massive fish immediately shattered the existing state record and set a new benchmark for Mississippi waters. Though the record lasted less than 24 hours, Mathews’ catch signaled that history was unfolding at the scales.

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Tiger Shark Record

David Rogers — 390 lbs

Theodore, Alabama

On Day 2 of the 69th Annual Rodeo, David Rogers brought a 390-pound tiger shark to the weigh station, more than doubling the previous state record. The catch earned Rogers a $20,000 prize and instantly cemented his place in Rodeo history. The record would stand until Rogers himself returned years later to push the mark even higher.

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2017 — Bigger Bull Sharks Arrive

Bull Shark Record

Brett Rutledge — 354 lbs, 4 oz

Mobile, Alabama

At the 70th Annual Rodeo, Brett Rutledge stunned spectators with a 354-pound, 4-ounce bull shark — nearly 150 pounds heavier than the previous state record. Rodeo officials confirmed the catch on site before the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources officially certified it. Rutledge claimed the $20,000 species prize and proved that Gulf Coast waters were producing some of the largest bull sharks in the country.

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2018 — The Year of the Tiger Shark

Tiger Shark Record

Michael Garrett — 675 lbs

Vancleave, Mississippi

The 71st Annual Rodeo produced one of the most extraordinary shark days in Gulf Coast fishing history. Two tiger sharks surpassing the state record reached the scales on the very same day. Michael Garrett’s enormous 675-pound tiger shark ultimately claimed the top spot, earning him the $25,000 first-place prize and a permanent place in Mississippi record books. The catch was later certified by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources as the official state record — a title it still holds today.

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Notable Catch

David Rogers — 479 lbs

Theodore, Alabama

Shortly after Garrett left the scales, David Rogers arrived with a 479-pound tiger shark of his own. Although the fish surpassed Rogers’ previous state record from 2016, it fell short of Garrett’s historic catch earlier that day. While it did not become an official state record, it remains one of the most impressive tiger sharks ever weighed at the Rodeo.

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2021 — Another Record Falls

Bull Shark Record

David Rogers — 377 lbs, 4 oz

Coden, Alabama

David Rogers made his third appearance in the Mississippi Rodeo record books during the 73rd Annual event. His 377-pound, 4-ounce bull shark surpassed Brett Rutledge’s four-year-old record and was officially certified as Mississippi’s newest state bull shark record. With records in both tiger and bull sharks achieved at the Rodeo, Rogers became one of the most decorated shark anglers in event history.

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Legacy of the Rodeo

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The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo has become far more than a competition — it is a proving ground where Gulf Coast anglers pursue giants and occasionally rewrite history. Every year, the possibility remains that the next state record could arrive at the scales on any boat, on any day.

The legend continues.

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