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Each summer, thousands of visitors head to Dauphin Island for the annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a spectacular three-day celebration of fishing, fun, and coastal tradition. Anglers compete for top catches while soaking in the charm of the Alabama Gulf Coast, but the excitement extends far beyond the water. From live music and family-friendly contests to events for spectators of all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stay near the action with Boardwalk Realty and discover the perfect accommodations for your getaway. Plan your trip around the fishing rodeo, and explore our FAQs below to make the most of this unforgettable event.

What is the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo?

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is an annual fishing tournament held the third weekend of July on Dauphin Island. But it’s not just any fishing tournament; it’s the largest in the world, bringing over 4,000 anglers and 100,000 spectators to the island every year. And it’s been happening here for over 90 years!

During this fishing tournament, anglers will compete in 33 categories to see who takes home the most cash and prizes. 

Where Does the Event Take Place?

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo takes place at 531 Lemoyne Dr on Dauphin Island. 

Who Is it For?

The Dauphin Island Fishing Rodeo is for everyone. Whether you are an avid angler who has fished in many tournaments or this is your first one, everyone is welcome to join. But you don’t have to be a fisherman to enjoy the event. It’s great for spectators too! Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you watch weigh-ins, listen to live music, and hang out on the marina. 

How Does the Dauphin Island Fishing Rodeo Work?

The tournament lasts three days and includes 30 categories for inshore and offshore species. 

The goal is simple: catch the largest fish possible within your category during the tournament window. At the end of the tournament, prizes will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for all categories. The total awards package is valued at up to one million dollars in cash and prizes.

What are the Rules?

Rodeo rules can be found online here. Please familiarize yourself with the tournament’s rules before purchasing tickets. 

What Can You Do During the Rodeo?

While fishing is the main event, you can expect several other exciting events during the rodeo. Everything kicks off the weekend before the rodeo, with the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament, a special tournament just for kids 15 years and younger. 

The next weekend marks the true beginning. Starting with the hilarious and fun Captain 

T-Bone’s Liar Contest, where people get on stage and tell made-up fishing stories to see who the best liar is. 

The day after the Liar’s Contest, a cannon fire will signal the official start of the event. This is when anglers get on the water and start fishing. After the tournament, there will be free live music every day for everyone to enjoy. Use this schedule of events for reference. 

Where Can You Buy Tickets?

Tickets for competitors are available online and at official ticket outlets around Mobile County. There are several ticket options, so make sure you know which species you would like to fish and how many anglers you will have before purchasing. Ticket sales begin on Father’s Day weekend. Spectators do not need a ticket. 

Where Should You Stay for the Dauphin Island Fishing Rodeo?

With Boardwalk Realty! With over 50 vacation rentals across Dauphin Island, we have accommodations for everyone’s style, budget, and needs. Book with us today and enjoy the perfect basecamp for the Dauphin Island Fishing Rodeo. 

Summer is fast approaching, and if you are still looking for the perfect Alabama beach vacation, you’ve come to the right place. Head to Dauphin Island this summer and experience a beach vacation that combines small-town charm, beautiful Gulf Coast views, rich history, and pristine natural beauty. Stay just steps away from the pristine beaches of Dauphin Island with Boardwalk Realty. Spend your days soaking up the sunshine, strolling the shoreline, gathering seashells, and cooling off in the Gulf. Experience the slower pace of life on Dauphin Island and book with us today!

Uncrowded Pristine Beaches

If you are looking for an Alabama beach vacation where you can kick back and relax without the crowds, then there’s no better place than Dauphin Island. Enjoy the laidback vibe of the island while relaxing on miles of beautiful white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Stay in one of our Gulf Front vacation homes and walk to the beach!

Pet-Friendly Beaches

Dauphin Island is home to the region’s only pet-friendly beach, making it the perfect destination for dog owners. Take your dog to our pet-friendly beaches and stroll down the shoreline together. Just make sure to pick up after them and keep them leashed at all times. Boardwalk Realty has 40+ pet-friendly rentals on Dauphin Island, perfect for families and dogs alike. 

Dogs are allowed on all beaches, except West End Beach. 

World-Class Sunsets

Known as the Sunset Capital of Alabama, Dauphin Island lives up to its name. Thanks to its unique location, Dauphin Island offers sweeping westward views across the Gulf of Mexico, creating stunning, unobstructed sunsets from nearly every corner of the island. Find a spot along the beach, at a local restaurant, or aboard a local tour for the best sunset views. 

Authentic Gulf Coast Culture

Unlike busier beach destinations in Alabama, Dauphin Island offers a quiet respite. You won’t find high-rise condos or big box stores here, just small-town charm, friendly locals, and a laidback lifestyle.

Fun Activities Beyond the Beach

Dauphin Island offers more than just beautiful beaches. We also offer fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. On the water, you can enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and guided tours. On land, you can explore scenic hiking trails, watch wildlife in their natural habitat, and learn about local history. Find even more recommendations on things to do in Dauphin Island on our blog page!

Dauphin Island Alabama Beach vacation rental at sunset

Dauphin Island Beachfront Vacation Rentals for Families of All Sizes

At Boardwalk Realty, we have everything you need for the perfect Alabama beach vacation on Dauphin Island. Check out our selection of Gulf Front homes and find the perfect beachfront sanctuary for families of all sizes and needs. Whether you are looking for a home with a private pool or one that’s dog-friendly, we have something for everyone. Book with us today and plan your Alabama summer vacation on Dauphin Island!

One of the best perks of staying in a Boardwalk Realty vacation rental is having a full-sized kitchen at your fingertips. Each rental is thoughtfully equipped with everything you need to cook and dine together, including standard appliances, a microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, essential cookware, dishes, and glassware. Stock up at one of the grocery stores near Dauphin Island, Alabama, or skip the errand and have groceries delivered right to your door. Then gather in the kitchen, prepare a delicious meal, and enjoy it alfresco on your private deck.

Grocery Delivery Services near Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island Hospitality

Skip the grocery store and let someone else do the shopping for you. Contact the team at Dauphin Island Hospitality and reserve grocery store delivery for your stay. When you arrive, your fridge will already be stocked with everything you need to prepare delicious meals!

Please email them at [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Greer’s Beachside to Go

Address: 10835 B, 10835 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Theodore, AL 36582

Distance from Dauphin Island: 15 miles 

Order grocery delivery from Greer’s Beachside to Go across the bridge in the city of Theodore. Pick your groceries online, select a time that works best for you, and have your items delivered to your vacation rental. 

Closest Grocery Stores from Your Dauphin Island Vacation Home

JG Ship & Shore in Dauphin Island

Address: 401 Lemoyne Dr, Dauphin Island, AL

If you just need to pick up a few essential items, stop in at Dauphin Island’s local supply store: JG Ship & Shore. They offer a little of everything, including a grocery section with basic staples, ice cream, frozen foods, and a liquor store. There is also a hardware area with tools, charcoal, and fishing equipment. 

Dollar General, Coden

Address: 3231 AL-188, Coden, AL 

Distance from Dauphin Island: 8 miles

Cross the bridge and find a selection of household items and groceries at the Dollar General in Coden. 

Greer’s Old Bay Market, Fowl River

Address: 10835 B, 10835 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Theodore, AL 36582

Distance from Dauphin Island: 15 miles 

Check out this popular local mid-size full market with a great grocery selection, an Ace Hardware store, and smaller crowds than Walmart.  

Walmart, Mobile

Address: 5254 Rangeline Service Rd, Mobile, AL

Distance from Dauphin Island: 22 miles

For large grocery orders, we recommend stopping at this Super Walmart on the way to the Island. Just exit I-10 at exit 17B, Tillman’s Corner, AL. This Walmart is roughly a 30-minute drive from Dauphin Island.  

Reserve Your Dauphin Island, Alabama, Vacation Home

Pick up ingredients at the grocery stores in Dauphin Island, Alabama, and make meals together in your vacation rental. And if you are looking for a place to get fresh seafood, we recommend stopping at Skinner’s Seafood Market. Not only is cooking in your rental a great way to save money, but it’s also a great bonding experience for your family. Browse our Dauphin Island vacation rentals and book with us today!

Surrounded by the abundant waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay, Dauphin Island offers a prime location to enjoy fresh seafood. Feast on fresh shrimp, oysters, fish, and crab caught directly from our local waters at Dauphin Island seafood restaurants and markets. Or reel in your own catch on a fishing charter and prepare your filets in your Boardwalk Realty vacation rental. Whether you are craving fried fish, po-boys, or shrimp n grits, you can find it all on Dauphin Island!

Dauphin Island Seafood Restaurants

Let someone else do the cooking for you and enjoy fresh seafood at Dauphin Island’s local restaurants:

Dockside Seafood Restaurant

Dockside Seafood Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place that cares about the future of the Gulf Coast and supports local fishermen. Stop in for fresh and sustainably caught seafood, like shrimp po-boys and fish tacos. 

Islanders Restaurant & Bar

Head to Islanders Restaurant & Bar for a delicious menu of New American cuisine, Southern specialties, and seafood delights. Dine on the outdoor patio and soak up the sunshine while enjoying crawfish pasta, po-boys, shrimp n grits, or seafood tacos. 

Miguels Beach’n Baja

Visit Miguel’s Beach’n Baja for fresh Baja-flavored tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and salsa. Choose protein options like mahi mahi or shrimp. Pick up take-out and bring it back to enjoy in your vacation rental or by the beach. 

Dauphin Island Seafood Markets

For the freshest seafood on the island, head to Skinner’s Seafood, a locally owned and operated seafood market. All their seafood is fresh and wild-caught from the Gulf by local fishermen. Order food from their take-out menu, and they will steam your choice of seafood, seasonings, and sides. Or buy fish wholesale and bring it back to make your own seafood feast in your vacation rental. 

Dauphin Island Fishing Charters

Catch your own meal on a Dauphin Island fishing charter. Head out into the water with a local captain and reel in trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and tripletail. Some fishing charters will even clean your fish for you at the end of the trip. Bring the day’s catches back to your Boardwalk Realty vacation rental and cook a meal together!

Reserve Dauphin Island Vacation Rentals for Your Alabama Getaway

Book accommodations for your Dauphin Island getaway with Boardwalk Realty. Browse our selection of over 50 vacation rentals on Dauphin Island and find the perfect home away from home. Enjoy all the comforts of home, including spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and off-street parking. Plus, enjoy easy access to Dauphin Island’s beautiful beaches just steps from your rental home. Book with us today and escape to the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Celebrate Mardi Gras this year in the place that started it all: Mobile, Alabama. Every year, Mobile and towns throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast celebrate Mardi Gras with majestic parades, colorful floats, and magical masquerade balls. Start the celebrations on Dauphin Island and stay in a Boardwalk Realty vacation rental close to the parade route. Put on your purple, green, and gold clothing and join us for Mardi Gras on Dauphin Island!

Dauphin Island 2026 Mardi Gras Events

Krewe de la Dauphine

When: January 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm

Where: Bienville Boulevard. Starts at Dauphin Island Sea Lab and ends at Dauphin Island Elementary School.

Kick off the Mardi Gras season on Dauphin Island and watch the parade put on by the Krewe de la Dauphine. Find a spot along Bienville Boulevard and watch 60 festive floats, dance troops, and musicians roll down the streets during this festive celebration. This year’s theme is KDLD Takes the Win, and floats will express competitive sports, games, and hobbies. 

Dauphin Island People’s Parade

When: January 24, 2026, at 1:00pm

Location: Bienville Boulevard. Starts at Dauphin Island campground and ends at the Holiday Isle condos. 

The Dauphin Island People’s Parade is the largest parade on the island, featuring festive floats, boats, trucks, and horses. Watch from the sidelines or submit an application and be part of the parade. 

Salty Paws Pet Parade

When: January 31, 2026, at 10:00 am

Location: Starts at the water tower, north on LeMoyne, right on Chaumont, right on Key, right on Bienville, and ends back at the water tower. 

The Salty Paws Pet Parade is the most adorable Mardi Gras parade on Dauphin Island. Watch costumed pets and their owners walk down the streets while supporting the Animal Rescue Foundation. Stick around after the parade to see which pup wins prizes. 

Massacre Island Secret Society

When: February 1, 2026, at 6:30 pm

Location: Starts at the Shell Mounds, travels Cadillac Ave to Naravez, then along Levert and DeSoto streets before making the final turn onto LaVente street to end at Dority’s.

The Massacre Island Secret Society hosts the only nighttime parade on Dauphin Island. Witness a flame-lit Street Tableau through the old village district while learning about the island’s fascinating past. 

Dauphin Island Parade Information and Tips

  • Do not reserve a parking space before sunrise on the day of the event. 
  • Do not mark off your turf with rope or tape boundaries. 
  • At least one member of your party must stay with your claimed space. 
  • Clean up your site immediately after the parade.

Mobile Mardi Gras Events

Dauphin Island is just one stop during Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebration. Find even more events during carnival season in Mobile, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. From exquisite balls to family-friendly parades, there is something for everyone.

Check out the 2026 schedule and don’t miss out on popular events like Joe Cain Day or the Order of Inca parade!

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Dauphin Island, Alabama 

Book your getaway with Boardwalk Realty and join us for Alabama’s Mardi Gras season on Dauphin Island. Stay close to the parade routes with our Dauphin Island vacation rentals and enjoy the perfect home away from home during the celebration!

DAUPHIN ISLAND WEATHER
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