The Destin Fishing Rodeo

Destin is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and is located in the Florida Panhandle. It is a city filled with a rich history and heritage dating back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers surveyed Florida (1538 to be exact). However, Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman by the name of Captain Leonard Destin, who relocated there in 1845 from London, Connecticut to start life anew in the small quaint area of Northwest Florida. He was the pioneer of the fishing industry, and the city has maintained that heritage to this very day with his name and fishing legend looming large.

Among the main attractions of Destin that attract millions of tourists here every year are the emerald green ocean waters and the white, sugar-sand beaches. Destin's beaches have a reputation for having the whitest sand in the area. The fact that Destin also offers several dozen beach access points makes it very popular for visitors, as well. The beaches are a huge reason that fishing in Destin is very popular, of course. There are thousands of different species of fish that thrive in the ocean waters of Destin, from blue marlin and red snapper to swordfish and many other fabulous varieties. The possibilities are endless when it comes to reeling in a great catch.

Destin is known not only for its fishing industry but also as a major tourist attraction full of recreational activities and wonderful places to explore and play. This includes tennis, golfing, sailing in Destin Harbor, every kind of water sport, snorkeling, diving, surfing, swimming and, of course, fishing.

King of Destin's delights

Fishing in Destin happens to be the most popular of all sports in the city, king of the many delights you will find there. With a permanent population of 11,119 residents, just about everyone that lives in Destin gets involved in the industry or sport of fishing (or both) and makes it a full-time family-oriented career or pastime. Since the sport of fishing has become so popular here over the years, the city has developed a great tournament called the Destin Fishing Rodeo that takes place once a year in the month of October.

The Destin Fishing Rodeo was established in 1948 and has been attracting anglers from all over the world ever since. Over 30,000 people come to Destin every year in order to compete in this fantastic tournament. Not only do adults get the chance to reel in some prize fish but kids, women and even seniors can join in the fun of the tournament. The tournament begins October 1st and ends October 31st. Anglers are able to join for free as long as they are aboard a boat that has been registered into the rodeo.

The rodeo can be very exciting as there is more than $100,000 in cash prizes awarded to daily, weekly and overall winners. A.J.'s Seafood and Oyster Bar is where you can do your daily weigh-ins from 10am until 7pm daily. You can be assured that every game fish that gets reeled in will be recognized in the rodeo and can also qualify for a prize. From marlin, king mackerel and sailfish to grouper and red snapper, all the fish you catch are in the running for a prize. However, not all prizes include cash, as there are several trophies given out as well as other merchandise.

On October 17, you can bring the kids down for the 12-and-under Okaloosa Island Pier fishing event. This fun-filled fishing event begins at 9am and ends with a yummy lunch at noon. This event is a great way to encourage parents to bring their children out for a fabulous fishing experience. The charter boat crews of Destin are very family oriented and simply love introducing kids to their very first fishing trips on charter boats. If boating is out of the question for your child then take them to the pier for some fun. They can cast their lines from there and get hooked on fishing as they reel in some fine specimens of fish themselves.

The Destin Fishing Rodeo is an event that is an all-around wonderful experience for both beginners and those that have tons of experience. It's a great opportunity to win some fabulous prizes and spend time with family and friends, while you cast, fish and reel in some gorgeous catches.