The Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo
The Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo began fifty years ago in 1965, as a Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce event. The intention of the tournament was to keep winter tourist in South Florida longer than the winter months and to bring attention to the local charter boat business. Since its inception, the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo has been a two-day fishing tournament which occurs annually on the third weekend of May. The tournament has been known as the Rodeo since it began and is called such as it ultimately resembles a "roundup" for the most popular species.
The tournament has grown over the years, and in 1978, was incorporated as a non-profit corporation. Through the years, the event has welcomed spectators, anglers, sponsors, advertisers and anyone else who has wished to participate in a South Florida tradition. The tournament is also proud of its yearly support as a benefactor to many saltwater conservation programs and marine education projects.
The third weekend in May continues its long standing tradition as "Rodeo Weekend," and officially kicks off on Wednesday evening with a party and captains meeting. Thursday, as anglers prepare all over South Florida for fishing, there is one last chance to register for the tournament or make changes to existing entries. Friday and Saturday morning, millions of dollars worth of boats with hundreds of anxious anglers check out of Hillsboro Inlet determined to "roundup" fish to win the prizes and glory of the tournament. Fishing Saturday is only until noon allowing anglers time to weigh in their fish, go home, clean their boat and themselves, and then return for a fun filled Awards Party.