Jimmy Johnson’s ‘Quest for the Ring’ Fishing Tournament Returns With $1 Million Prize in 2026

The sixth Quest for the Ring fishing contest will hit Atlantic City's waters from July 12 to July 18, 2026. Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson made the call: winners take home $1 million and join the tournament's Ring of Honor.

"Team, you have exactly one year to execute the greatest fishing tournament the world has ever seen. Get ready for 2026," said Johnson on Instagram.

Anglers can cast lines from two spots: Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget in Atlantic City or Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland. During tournament week, each team picks three days to fish.

Last year marked the first Atlantic City showing. Eighty boats hit the water in July 2025, mixing serious competition with after-hours fun.

The rules keep boats within 145 miles of Atlantic City's shores. There's one exception: crews can chase a hooked fish past the line. Competitors can roam between Norfolk, Virginia, and Hudson, New Jersey.

Golden Nugget's ballroom hosts daily meet-ups. The week kicks off with a party and last-chance sign-ups on Monday. When it's all done, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino throws the final bash.

Fish weigh-ins happen at both marina spots. Each catch adds points to the team's spot on the board. The bigger the fish, the better the score.

Details about joining the 2026 contest and full fishing guidelines will come out soon.