Interview with Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo President - Angelo DePaola

The Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo is one of many events put on by the Flora-Bama each year and is a large community tournament for the whole family to come and enjoy. If you're looking for something to do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key, this tournament has something for everyone. Get to know our Fishing Rodeo President, Angelo DePaola, with our interview below. Save the date for our 2024 event - June 7 and 8th.

**Pictured - Angelo DePaola (left), John McInnis III (right)

How did you get involved with the Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo?

• John McInnis and I grew up on Mobile Bay together while his family was rebuilding the Dauphin Island Bridge. When that project was complete, they moved back to Montgomery. We reconnected at the University of Alabama and began fishing together, and we loved fishing the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Fast forward a few years, and John’s becoming the one of the owners of the Flora-Bama. He called me one day and said, “We should start something like the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo on the Baldwin County side.” I thought it was a great idea, and the rest is history.

How long have you been involved?

• This year marks 10 years. In the beginning I was heavily involved—creating the categories, developing the rules, procuring sponsorships, and even lining up our first weigh station. We’ve come a long way since those days. Now, the team at the Flora-Bama does all the heavy lifting. I just show up to run the weigh station and do awards.

What is your background and what do you currently do?

• I’ve fished as far back as I can remember. I have a degree in marketing and advertising from Alabama, but I’ve always been in some sort of sales role. For the past 10 years, I’ve been selling real estate along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast.

What’s your favorite part about the Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo?

• I love getting to see all the fishermen and women every year. I’ve become friends with many of them, and they are always so grateful for the team that puts on the FBFR.

Do your kids enjoy fishing and participating?

• My kids love to fish, but they unfortunately don’t usually get to participate in the rodeo. I hope that in the coming years, I’ll be able to get them out and fishing before the scales open.

Where do you see the Fishing Rodeo in ten years?

• I believe that the Gulf of Mexico and its waterways are the biggest asset of Baldwin and Mobile County. That coupled with the growth in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Baldwin County in general will fuel the participation of the FBFR. It’s tournaments like these that got me into fishing. There was nothing like the FBFR in the area until we came along. If we want to introduce the next generation to fishing, the value one learns from it, and the joy that comes from sharing the outdoors with family and friends, then the FBFR is of utmost importance.

What other community events are you involved with?

• Being a realtor has given me and my wife the opportunity to be very involved in our local community. April has been the president of Coastal Conservation Association, chair of Art for Heart, and president of the Pleasure Island Junior Women’s Club. I served two years as president of the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club, and I’m still actively involved in the club. This year, I chaired the Gulf Coast Masters. I’m also a past board member and treasurer of the Billfish Foundation. I feel so blessed by all the doors that being a fisherman has opened for me. I attribute fishing, along with my affiliation to the Flora-Bama, to my success as a realtor.

What makes the Fishing Rodeo unique?

• In terms of categories, prizes, and the cost to enter, there is nothing like it on this side of Mobile Bay. It’s an “every man” tournament in a world of high dollar marlin tournaments. That’s why John dubbed it the “most fun fishing rodeo”, because that’s what it’s about. It’s about community, competition, and comradery, and will fuel the future generations of fishermen and women in our part of the world.

Any final comments?

• I feel so blessed to be a part of the Flora-Bama team that second weekend in June.

From the entire Flora-Bama team, thank you to Angelo for being a big part of our event! We look forward to many more years together.