Earlier this year, Cowboys legend and former Fox analyst Jimmy Johnson took his famous fishing tournament, “Quest for the Ring,” to Atlantic City for the first time. Running from July 13 to 19, 2025, the event was split between the Frank S. Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland.

Jimmy organised the fifth annual event with the Atlantic City Sports Commission, where 80 boats competed for a guaranteed $1 million purse and a spot in Coach Johnson’s coveted Ring of Honor. Like every year, the Atlantic City edition mixed serious, high-stakes fishing with a lively social vibe, drawing anglers, celebrities, and fans alike. Jimmy is now back, announcing the dates for the sixth annual edition of what’s easily the hottest competition and the biggest party of the summer. The competition will be held from July 12th to 18th, 2026, and teams can choose 3 out of 5 days to compete. Jimmy has just one question: “Will you accept?

“🚨MISSION ALERT🚨 JJFISHWEEK 2026 launches in 3..2…1….NOW! ⏰🎣,” Jimmy’s post reads. “It’s year 6️⃣ and we’re back like never before! Coach @jimmyjohnson4616 & the @fishhardevents team are ready to bring you another week of the fiercest competition and the biggest party of the summer! 🙌☀️. The countdown is on. The mission is clear. #JJFISHWEEKAC July 12-18th, 2026..will you accept? 👀.”

In the shared post, he made the official announcement of the sixth edition of what he calls the fiercest tournament of the year. “Team, you have exactly one year to execute the greatest fishing tournament the world has ever seen. Get ready for 2026,” Jimmy said.

“We’re back and ready for seven days of high-stakes sport fishing and the ultimate hospitality. Seven days of events, pick three out of five days of fishing. Leave from your dock of choice.” Usually, 80 boats participate each year for $1 million prize. However, considering the tournament is now split into Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget and Sunset Marina, there could be more boats to participate. As for the fishing & weight-in rules?

Jimmy Johnson’s fishing and weigh-in rules

Jimmy Johnson may be done with coaching and TV. But he’s far from done with building spectacles. His pride and joy now is the Quest for the Ring fishing tournament. And while the competition on the water is intense, the week is just as much about the parties. Each day features dockside hospitality at the Golden Nugget Ballroom with food, drinks, music, and gifts for teams and guests.

There’s a kick-off party on Sunday, a secondary registration on Monday, and the week closes with a can’t-miss bash at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It’s all about celebrating wins and networking in style. As for the actual competition, things can get intense. Teams fish from Norfolk, VA, to Hudson, NJ, and can choose which three of five competition days they want.

Weigh-ins happen at either Atlantic City or Ocean City marinas, giving flexibility for travel and logistics. Every catch counts toward the leaderboard, and the biggest, most strategic hauls can make or break your chance at the $1 million prize and Ring of Honor. Last but not least, the boats must fish within 145 nautical miles of Atlantic City, with some exceptions (if a big fish pulls the boat outside the zone). That said, stay tuned for July 12-18, 2026.