Obscure Events: Flora Bama’s Interstate Mullet Toss

Down on the Alabama-Florida line, there’s a sporting event unlike any other: the Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss. Every April, thousands gather on the sandy beaches in front of Flora Bama for a tradition that’s as much about the party as it is about the toss. This year’s event will mark the 41st annual installment of the part “beach party,” part “knockoff sporting event.” The event has grown from a small beach party in 1985 to one of the biggest Gulf Coast celebrations, attracting thousands of participants and spectators every year

The concept is simple and the rules are easy. Participants of all ages step into a 10-foot-wide circle, gripping their mullet (the fish not the hairstyle) with determination before launching it as far as possible across the sandy stretch that marks the Florida-Alabama border. The technique varies—some opt for a baseball-style throw, while others perfect an arcing motion to maximize distance. Sherry Fundin, a 72-year-old Pensacola resident, has placed in the competition more than 20 times over the past three decades. Though she won’t be competing this year due to a back injury, her legendary throwing technique—breaking the fish’s back and folding it over before launching– has become a signature toss of the event. She has never actually eaten mullet—she’s just not a big fish person.

Beyond the spectacle of airborne fish, the Mullet Toss is a full-fledged beach party, featuring live music, food, and charitable fundraising. Each year, the event raises over $30,000 for local charities, including the Boys and Girls Club of Escambia County and Baldwin County. With more than 40 bands performing across multiple stages, the atmosphere is electric, drawing crowds of over 20,000.

Proceeds from the event support local youth charities, so every mullet thrown is a fish for a good cause. Whether you’re aiming for a championship toss or just there for the cold drinks and good times, the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss is an experience that embodies the spirit of the Gulf Coast: fun-loving, community-driven, and a little bit salty.

Throwing a dead fish across state lines might seem absurd, but for those who participate it’s a rite of passage, a legendary beach party, and a celebration of Gulf Coast heritage—all wrapped up in a single airborne mullet.

The Interstate Mullet Toss has seen some impressive records and unforgettable moments over the years! Here are a few highlights:

Josh Serotum’s Record Throw (2004) – Serotum set a record by tossing a mullet 189 feet 8 inches, a mark that has stood for years.
Roald Bradstock’s Attempt (2008) – The former Olympic javelin thrower tried to break Serotum’s record but fell short, launching his mullet 169 feet 9 inches.
Kenny Stabler’s Legendary Toss – The former University of Alabama and NFL quarterback helped popularize the event when he threw a mullet across the state line.
Roald Bradstock’s Solo Effort – Bradstock later made headlines with a 196-foot 9-inch toss, setting an unofficial world record for fish-throwing.
Mullet Toss always opens with the first toss where a special guest or celebrity begins the event by throwing the first fish. Kicking off a weekend of beach festivities. In 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback Jalen Milroe, Defensive Back Malachi Jackson and Coach Kalen DeBoars kicked off the event
In 2025 two members of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, donned in their alternate Pensacola Mullets jerseys, kicked off the event with the first fish toss.

(Blue Wahoos players Robby Snelling and Spencer Bramwell in their Pensacola Mullets jerseys.)

The event begins on Friday and lasts until the Final Round on Sunday. Anybody can participate and buy a fish to throw for $20. It comes with a free t-shirt. Guests must pay a $10 cover charge to enter Flora-Bama. Parking is also extremely limited on property.

Friday-Sunday
Kids (10a.m.-Noon)
Adults (Noon-2p.m.)
Owners and Celebrity tossers (2p.m.-4p.m)
Awards (4:30-5:30)