Orange Beach, AL�The Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted five of Alabama�s top outdoor writers and photographers in the opening days of the Orange Beach Fishing Association�s October Rodeo.

Mike Bolton and Joe Songer of the Birmingham News; David Rainer, Mobile Register; Robert Dewitt, Tuscaloosa News; and John Phillips, Night Hawk Publications experienced offshore fishing aboard Captain Kevin Murphy�s Good Times II and inshore with Captain Robert Kritzmire.

The rodeo, now in its tenth year, is off to a great start according to Captain Randy Boggs, rodeo co-chair. Boggs said, "The weather has been very mild this October with beautiful blue water and fish that are more than willing cooperate. In the first week of the rodeo, we have seen over half as many fish weighed in as in the entire rodeo last year. The overall size of the fish has been very impressive."

Anglers fishing aboard an OBFA member charter boat are entered in the rodeo at no additional charge through October 31. The association has 83 inshore and offshore boats competing for cash and prizes in 15 categories of fish.

Jim Leachman of Jonesboro, GA landed the largest fish of the rodeo to date, a 70.85 lb. Wahoo.

Carl Connel of Springville, AL won first place and the weekly prize with a 22.05 lb. red snapper.

For information on the rodeo and continuing rodeo updates, visit the Orange Beach Fishing Association website at www.gulffishing.net.

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Media Contact: Bebe Gauntt +1 251-974-1510 bgauntt@gulfshores.com