For many repeat anglers and spectators, the annual event has also become one of the top summertime events in the resort.

The sixth annual Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring is set for July 12-18. The tournament is based out of Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, with a secondary weigh-in station at the Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland.

The event drew more than 60 boats last summer and paid out over $1 million. About 75 boats and 600 anglers are expected to compete this year, Roy said.

"No doubt about it we are excited," said Roy, who started the tournament with Johnson, Greg Mark and Bruce Ebert.

Roy praised the partnerships his tournament has built with Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Visit Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Sports Commission and many others.

"It's year number six and we are excited about it. Atlantic City is terrific hosts and welcomed us with open arms," Roy said.

Since 2012, Johnson has also hosted a version of the tournament each March at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

“I’ve been involved with many fishing tournaments over the years, but this is not your typical fishing tournament — it is an experience,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame coach said in a news release.

Johnson won back-to-back Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys in 1992 and 1993. He also guided the Miami Dolphins for four seasons and led the University of Miami to the national championship in 1987. He is a longtime analyst for Fox Sports.

Mark and Ebert played under Johnson at the University of Miami. Roy had owned a restaurant near the campus at the time, which is how he was introduced to the trio. The four are still close friends.

“We’ve seen record-breaking purses, extraordinary performances and growing community impact year after year," Johnson said. "These events have evolved into multi-day celebrations that lift communities, support local nonprofits and create memories that last long after the boats return to the dock. I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.”

Boats have the option to pick three out of the five days between July 13-17 to venture out and compete. There are multiple awards and payouts, such as the main prize — a Super Bowl-style championship ring for the boat with the most points.

Some Calcuttas include the largest white and blue marlin, yellowfin and big-eye tuna, wahoo and dolphin. There are daily categories, such as catch and releases and competitions between the Atlantic City and Maryland ports.

There are also divisions for smaller boats and daily prizes.

The general entry fee for each boat is $3,000, with additional fees to enter more divisions or challenges.

"It's great," Roy said. "We are very proud of what we have built, and we are continuing to build. You know, we want to be here for many years."

While six years is still young in the world of offshore tournaments, Roy believes the foundation has been laid for something that will endure. Many of premier tournaments have histories stretching back 60 or 70 years, he said. 

"We are a baby compared to them right now, but if we continue this and deliver the product that we deliver, we see ourselves doing the same thing for many, many years."

Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring also prides itself on its hospitality and entertainment, which set the tournament apart from others.

The weeklong tournament starts July 12 with an opening ceremony and party at Golden Nugget’s Rooftop. A closing ceremony and party will be held July 18 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

After boats come in for the day, the crews can check out the city’s nightlife. The event has a dockside party each night at the Frank S. Farley’s restaurant from 4 to 9 p.m.

"We think it's always more than just a fishing tournament, you know. It's an event, and we want to be the best, as far as hospitality," Roy said.

People can win prizes while watching weigh-ins, like T-shirts. There will also be dance, karaoke and sponsor giveaways and trivia contests, all while boats come in.

"We think we have the most things to do and the most fun. We try to be better at gifting than everybody else when it comes to angler gifts and the captains of the boat."

Many local tackle and fishing stores are around the resort for boats to purchase supplies, and the tournament is very accommodating, Gallop said. There are dinners for the competitors each day, and fuel delivery and ice for the ice are easily accessible.

Anglers and boats have the option to donate one or more of the fish they catch to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.

Still, the biggest thing is those rings for the winning boats.

"Instead of just a trophy, these guys are like any other professional team playing for that ring," Roy said.

"The money is nice and good, but that ring, like Jimmy says: 'It's all about the ring.'"