The Destin Fishing Rodeo began in 1948 to bring people together for the ultimate fishing experience in Destin. Every October for the entire month, the city brings anglers from across the nation to compete and win prizes in this annual fishing competition.
The Destin Fishing Rodeo lasts from October 1-31st and includes several divisions, prizes, events, and opportunities to fish and enjoy the city of Destin. The fishing tournament is free and open to the public, and you can choose to visit on specific dates or join the fun all month long. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is supported by rodeo memberships, donations, and sponsorships from anglers, charter boat captains and associations, local businesses and community supporters.
How Do You Enter the Destin Fishing Rodeo?
The Rodeo is free to anglers fishing aboard a registered boat in the Rodeo and open to private and charter boats. A valid fishing license is required for fishing. For more information on registration and rules, check Destin Fishing Rodeo which makes it easy to find a registered boat and book your passage. If you book with a registered boat, your tournament entry is free.
Prizes in the Destin Fishing Rodeo
Over the years, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has handed out some wild prizes including a 12-pack of beer, a windshield wiper, and a brand-new kitchen boasting a refrigerator, stove, and even kitchen sink. These days, the loot’s just as exciting, with top-notch Shimano rods, reels, and some serious cash up for grabs.
The prize stash is fueled by a mix of local sponsors, entry fees, and merch sales, so the exact cash pot changes every year, but it usually adds up to around $100,000. Past anglers have walked away with all kinds of goodies, gift cards, pier passes good for a whole year, shiny trophies, and stacks of cash ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand bucks.
Come by for the Daily Weigh-Ins
Visitors love to experience the excitement as anglers show off their winning catch of the day at the harbor. You will want to come join the fun with daily weigh-ins that are free and open to the public on the docks at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar from 10 am until 7 pm. Awards and prizes are a part of the fun of the daily weigh-ins.
Shark Saturdays
Saturdays are a fun day, as each Saturday in October you’ll be able to compete with other anglers for the biggest Shark of the Day. You are sure to see all types of sharks from Mako, Hammerhead, Thresher, Tiger, and Bull Shark. Anglers are allowed one entry for the day, and since the entry with the largest shark wins, the shark hunters are aiming for the big ones.
Destin Fishing Rodeo Divisions
There are several divisions that anglers can participate in for awards and prizes. Each division covers a variety of species, techniques, fishing grounds, and skill levels. We have listed some of our favorite divisions.
Inshore Division is great if you’re new to the sport or want to get your kids involved. You will experience calm waters, grassy flats, and tasty fish, all without venturing far from shore. You can catch redfish, speckled trout, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and sheepshead. Their peak season is in full swing by the time the rodeo comes around.
Oddball Division is ideal for those who like to try for something a little more unique. This means that you can weigh in any legal fish that’s not in the rodeo books, and you might even get a prize for it. Anything from trumpet fish and African pompano to Cubera snapper is fair game, so long as you catch these fish legally.
Offshore Division is for experienced anglers and for those who enjoy fishing out on a boat. You will head at least ten miles offshore to try your luck with bigger fish. This is where you’ll find tough big game fish such as yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi or barracuda.
Deep Drop Division offers a chance to catch some large fish that live at the depths of the seafloor. You’ll head to waters measuring at least 300 feet in depth to try and pull up a variety of bottom dwellers. You can catch barrelfish, tilefish, and a variety of groupers including snowy, warsaw, and yellowedge species.
Bill Fish Division is recommended for serious anglers who want to put all their experience and hard work to the test. Blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish, and sailfish are lurking in the deep waters, just waiting to put on a display. These fish are loved by anglers because, when hooked, they’ll taunt you with a display of acrobatics, speed, and strength. It can also take hours for them to submit, which makes for an exciting battle.
Billfish are subject to strict regulations throughout Florida and, because of this, it is strongly encouraged that participants take part in the rodeo’s Catch and Release Division, where you can take a photo with your catch and then release it. Releasing your catch means you’ll help preserve these fish for generations of anglers to come.
You can learn more about proper catch and release and sustainable fishing practices by taking the free online Friendly Angler Course through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and the University of Florida. You will even receive a certification upon completing the course.
Kids Fishing Activities at Destin Fishing Rodeo
The kids always have a great time with kid-friendly activities throughout the fishing rodeo. Every child who enters a fish in the Destin Fishing Rodeo that weighs 1 lb. or more gets a rod and reel and a certificate suitable for framing.
There is an annual Kids Wagon Boat Parade that takes place on Destin Harbor. Kids can decorate their wagons to resemble a pirate ship, sail boat or any creative design. There is no registration fee and the participation in the parade is open to all elementary school aged children.
Each October, the Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation brings in children from foster situations to fish and learn about marine habitats and environmental awareness. This is sponsored by the New Florida Girl’s American Spirit, Fish Florida, A.J. 's Seafood & Oyster Bar, Pilot Company, Zup-Med Memphis, and Destin Realty.
The kids all love Halloween on the Harbour, the biggest family-friendly costume party in Destin. Everyone can join rodeo captains, anglers, rodeo judges, Miss Destin, and volunteers to be a part of the Halloween festivities in Destin.
Miss Destin Pageant is a big part of the Destin Fishing Rodeo
The Miss Destin Pageant selects a local high-school girl to represent the Destin Fishing Rodeo during October, offering a $2,000 scholarship. Judging focuses on personality, maturity, and communication skills and availability to fulfill duties at the annual fishing rodeo.The winner serves as a public ambassador throughout the year including the Destin Fishing Rodeo. You’ll see Miss Destin on the dock posing for photos with some of the daily catch.
Destin 5K Rodeo Run
Part of the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo celebration includes the 5K Rodeo Run, normally held on the first Sunday in October. The route takes you through the historic lanes of Destin, where you can choose to run or walk the three-mile flat course. There are free refreshments and beer for participants, as well as a big party at AJ’s right after the award ceremony.
There will be awards for runners in different age groups, overall walkers and recreational walkers are encouraged to participate. The entrance fee costs $35 and commemorative t-shirts are given to the first 200 participants to register. All proceeds go to local charities and more information can be found at the Destin 5K Rodeo Run website.
Where to Stay if you’re coming to the Destin Fishing Rodeo
Panhandle Getaways makes finding and booking a vacation rental in Destin simple. So book your stay, and start planning your trip to the Destin Fishing Rodeo.