It’s Mullet Toss, time, and there’s more to throwing a fish than you might think.

First, the basics: Every spring, the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar presents an event known as the Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. The basic idea is undeniably silly: People pay good money to line up on the beach and throw a small dead fish from Florida in the general direction of Alabama. Tens of thousands of dollars from the three-day event go to youth charities in the Perdido Key area.

The 2025 toss opens on Friday, April 25, and continues through Sunday, April 27. Kids get priority from 10 a.m. to noon, with kids’ awards presented at 2 p.m. Adults continue throwing from noon to 4 p.m., at which point owners and celebrities take a turn. Adult awards are presented at 4:30 p.m. daily.

It costs $20 or $25 to throw, depending on the size of the commemorative T-shirt that comes with your registration.

When it’s your turn, you’ll select a dead mullet from one of the coolers on hand, step into the launching circle, and hurl the fish downrange. You can’t wear gloves and if you “accidentally” drop your fish to get some sand on it, you’ll have to rinse it off.

After your throw is measured, you’ll have to retrieve your fish and return it to the cooler. There’s a 90% chance you’ll forget this part and have to be reminded by the Master of Ceremonies, even though you just watched 90% of the people in front of you forget it and have to be reminded by the M.C. What can we say? There are bushwackers involved.

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Parking is not to be taken for granted, unless you arrive early. The Flora-Bama’s official guidance: “Parking will be extremely limited. Please respect our neighbors and do not park in private condo residences or on the side of the road. Uber, Lyft, or many local cab companies will be running to get you to the Flora-Bama! We highly suggest using rideshare options!”

Those are the fundamentals. However, for those interested in the fine print, the Flora-Bama and the adjacent Phoenix X Condominiums have come up with a list of guidelines so extensive that they seem ripe for DOGE to come along and do some trimming.

They are, as follows:

Information Regarding Mullet Toss:

• Chairs around the Mullet Toss will be free, and there will be areas blocked off for standing room.

• Personal beach chairs are allowed on the Flora-Bama beach, but tents and umbrellas are prohibited. Space is first come, first served.

• No outside coolers or alcohol can be brought onto Flora-Bama’s licensed property. The Flora-Bama will have multiple bars on the beach selling drinks and plenty available inside the bar.

• Parking on Flora-Bama property is free, however, extremely limited. Taxis, rideshare apps and carpooling are encouraged. Any vehicles left overnight will be towed at the owner’s expense.

• The Flora-Bama beach is open to the public. However, to enter the Flora-Bama you must purchase a wristband. Entry can be accessed via the Flora-Bama beach as well as the main entrance on Perdido Key Drive.

• As always, you must be 21 to drink. Patrons must have a valid ID that will be checked upon entry.

• Cover charge to Flora-Bama begins at 9 a.m. Fri-Sun, $10/day for 21 and up, $15 for 16–20-year-olds, and 15-under are free. All ages are welcome until 6 p.m., then 21 and up only.

• Flora-Bama Membership cards are good for free entry to Flora-Bama for Mullet Toss.

• Tossing of the mullet is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with kids toss at 10 a.m. and adults beginning at noon until 4 p.m., kids finals at 2 p.m., owners & celebrity tossers at 4 p.m., then finals each day at 4:30 p.m. It is $20 to toss a mullet and all tossers receive a T-shirt. Proceeds go to local charities.

Information Regarding Phoenix X & Tent Rentals:

• Access to the Phoenix X condo building & property will be limited to Phoenix X residents and renters. Wristbands will be issued upon check-in.

• Only Phoenix X residents & renters can park at the Phoenix X parking garage and must have a parking pass. Renters will receive their parking pass upon check in.

• Tent space rentals on the beach behind the Phoenix X are available for rent ONLY for those who are renting at the Phoenix X for Mullet Toss weekend or owners at the Phoenix X. Please contact Ike’s Beach Service at 251-948-3757 to rent a tent or for any questions.

• Coolers are ONLY allowed in the Phoenix X beach area if you are an owner of a Phoenix X unit or have rented a Phoenix X condo for the weekend. Outside guests will not be permitted on Phoenix X property with coolers.

• Flora-Bama wristbands will allow access into the Phoenix X beach area for foot traffic only. You may not bring coolers into this area with this wristband.

• Amplified music is prohibited on Phoenix X beach. No large speakers or DJs. The Flora-Bama will be providing music on the beach for this area.