By James Pulliam
It’s been quite some time since Bay County has had a big fishing tournament in the area that brings a large audience to the area, as well as putting a big spotlight on the fishing industry… and that is exactly what the PCB Fishing Rodeo is doing. Born by necessity and the brainchild of Joe Laymon (PCB Fishing Rodeo Tournament Director), the Rodeo had its first ever debut last year in 2021. With over 100 participants registered and over 10,000 people passing through, the first inaugural PCB Fishing Rodeo was a huge success. It is now that time of year again: the second annual PCB Fishing Rodeo will be hosted at Capt. Anderson’s Marina from September 23 through October 9. After the success of the first year, we decided to go even bigger and better. We still have the same 17 days of fishing and competition. This year though, we’ve added different events during the Rodeo itself.
Every Sunday during the Rodeo we will be hosting “Worship on the Water” from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Not only has a worship service been added, but we will now be having a food truck festival (October 8 from 11a.m. – 7 p.m.), a 5k on October 1 (8-10 a.m.), a “Battle of the Bands”, October 1 (7-10 p.m.), a Jeep cruise-in, a women’s day, and a military appreciation day. We will also still be having the PCB Kids Fishing Rodeo hosted by The Reel Ladies of Panama City Beach on October 1 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Last year’s tournament was extremely action packed and full of competition. With each team all looking to claim first place in their respective categories, we had a lot of fish weighed in. Some of the more notable fish are:
1st place Wahoo – 49 pounds – Kelley Girl Charters
1st place Amberjack- 70.2 pounds – Tail Hunter Charters
1st place Shark – 250.7 pounds – Lady Kelley Charters
1st place Grouper- 38.6 pounds – Chances R Charters
1st place Vermilion Snapper – 5.0 pounds- Heritage Excursions
1st place Black Snapper – 8.4 pounds – Florida Water Sports
1st place King Mackerel – 36.0 pounds – Perra Mala
With more participants this year, we can guarantee you that it will be even more action packed than last year.
This is a free event and open to the public. Weigh-ins will be held daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., with food trucks, vendors, live musical acts from Nashville, Orlando, and favorite local artists every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the event. Let’s also not forget that the Pirate Festival is back this year. On October 9 (the final day of the Rodeo), Capt. Anderson’s Marina will be hosting Pirate Fest 12 noon – 5 p.m., the award ceremony of the Rodeo 7-8 p.m., and fireworks start at 8:15 p.m.
We can’t wait to see each and every single one of you during the event. Mark your calendars, September 23 is opening day. See you all there!
