Jimmy Johnson Is Bringing One of the Biggest Fishing Tournaments Back to Atlantic City

Hey Folks,

Every once in a while you get the chance to meet someone you’ve watched for years, and they’re every bit as genuine as you’d hoped.

I had the opportunity a couple years ago to spend some time with the Pro Football Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson and share some laughs and memories. His 6th Annual Jimmy Johnson’s “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week returning to Atlantic City July 12-18, 2026.

After the press conference, I couldn’t resist telling Jimmy that I was one of the fans sitting in the stands at Veterans Stadium during the infamous “Bounty Bowl II” Eagles-Cowboys December 10, 1989 at Veterans Stadium in Philly when snowballs were flying toward the Cowboys’ sideline, by the way the Eagles won the game 20-10,

He laughed, smiled, and we talked about that famous day for a few minutes. If you’ve ever watched Jimmy on television, I can tell you he’s the same person in real life—friendly, funny, approachable, and someone who genuinely enjoys talking with people.

More Than Just a Fishing Tournament

If you think this is just another fishing tournament, think again.

This is one of the premier sportfishing events on the East Coast. Elite captains, world-class anglers, incredible offshore fishing boats, and even celebrity guests make their way to Atlantic City every summer for what has become one of the biggest events on the fishing calendar.

In past years, sports legends like Michael Jordan boat ” Catch 23 he and his crew frequently compete with the boat in JJ’s “Quest for the Ring” as well as many other high end teams that will be part of the excitement, showing just how much respect this tournament has earned throughout the fishing world.

The tournament headquarters will once again be at the Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, with competition taking place July 12-18. Anglers will compete for more than $1 million in prizes while enjoying a full week of hospitality, nightly events, and plenty of Atlantic City entertainment. It’s become much more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of our city’s world-class sportfishing tradition.

Atlantic City Shines

One of the things I appreciate most is what this event means for our community.

Hotels fill up. Restaurants stay busy. Marinas come alive. Visitors from all over the country experience everything Visit Atlantic City works so hard to promote, and many of those visitors come back again and again.

That’s good for everyone.

The tournament also gives back through its Catch for the Community program, donating fresh fish to help local families while raising money for nonprofit organizations. That’s the kind of community partnership I love seeing.

What’s Coming Up

• July 12 – Kickoff Party at Golden Nugget Atlantic City
• July 13–17 – Competition Days and daily weigh-ins at Frank S. Farley State Marina
• July 18 – Closing Awards Bash at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

For tournament information, schedules, and registration, visit Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week.

Congratulations to Jimmy Johnson and everyone involved with Fish Hard Events, Visit Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Sports Commission, Golden Nugget Atlantic City,  and all of the partners who continue making this one of the signature sporting events on the Jersey Shore.

If you see me walking around the marina during tournament week with a microphone and camera, stop and say hello. I’ll be sharing photos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments all week long.

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See you on the 48

AC Mike