Fishing tournament not stopped by weather threat

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WALA) - Despite her best efforts, mother nature couldn't spoil a day on the water for participants in the 54th annual Ron Martin Young Anglers' Tournament on Dauphin Island.

Youngster Ryan Kennedy has many hobbies. But one overwhelmingly stands out: fishing.

"The challenge of it, the challenge is really fun, and obviously catching the fish, too," Kennedy said.  "[I've been doing it] pretty much as long as I can remember."

Kennedy joined about 15-hundred other fisherman for the tournament.

If the fish is big they need to use a crane to load it. The only time the rodeo used the crane Saturday was for a 200-pound bull shark caught by Kennedy.  With him front and center, folks crowded around the catch for a glimpse at it.

Kennedy told me the shark put up quite the fight, before him and his family tired out the fish and brought him into the boat using rope.

"From there on I think he was a goner," Kennedy said.

But for Kennedy, today wasn't just about a big fish. He says it's more important to be able to spend a day on the water with his loved ones.

"It's a really good privilege because a lot of families aren't able to do that. It's so nice to go out with your family and catch a real big fish like this," Kennedy said.  "It was one of the best days of my life. I'll never forget this day probably. And I'll hopefully get back out there next year."

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo begins Thursday on the island.