The Destin Fishing Rodeo, first held in May 1948, was created to attract visitors to Destin. It succeeded spectacularly, establishing Destin as a premier summer tourist destination and earning it the nickname “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. To extend the tourist season, the Rodeo’s founders, including Howard Marler, Jewel Melvin, and Willie Marler, decided to move the event to October. Today, the Rodeo takes place from October 1st to 31st.

How to Participate

Participation in the Destin Fishing Rodeo is open to everyone, whether you’re fishing from a private boat, a charter boat, or even from the shore. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Private Boats and Charter Boats: Register at least 24 hours before weighing your fish. There’s no entry fee for anglers on registered vessels.
• Shore Fishing: Simply bring your catch to the scale.

Fishing categories include:

• Charter Boat Fishing: Free for anglers. Find a registered boat to join.
• Private Boat Fishing: Also free for anglers.
• Kayak Fishing: Registration required. Learn More
• Paddle Board Fishing: Registration required. Learn More
• Pier, Bridge, and Jetty Fishing: Registration required. Learn More
• Surf and Shoreline Fishing: Registration required. Learn More

Destin Fishing Rodeo Events

The Rodeo offers a variety of events and activities for everyone. Come join the fun! All weigh-ins are free and open to the public daily at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar from 10 am to 7 pm. Here are some key events:

• Daily Weigh-Ins: The weigh-ins are free and open to the public. Enjoy the excitement as anglers display their catches of the day. When a large fish, like a shark or a big grouper, is weighed, the crowd often reaches “standing-room-only” status.
• Rodeo Events:
  • Destin 5K Rodeo Run
  • 45th Annual Destin Seafood Festival
  • Kids Fall Movie Festival
  • Bruce Cheves Day (October 16)
  • Ringing of the Bell
  • Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation Day (October 20)
  • Halloween on the Harbor

Destin Fishing Rodeo Awards Event

The Rodeo Awards Event will be held on Tuesday, November 5th at 4 pm at AJ’s World Famous Seafood and Oyster Bar on the Destin Harbor.

Awards & Rules

Established in 1948, the Destin Fishing Rodeo is a premier fishing tournament open to saltwater anglers of all ages. Over 30,000 anglers compete throughout October for over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Here are some key points:

• Free Entry: Anglers fishing from a registered boat can participate for free.
• Fishing Categories: Open to private and charter boats, as well as pier, bridge, and jetty fishing. Anglers aged 14 and under fish for free; those aged 15 and over require a $25 fee.
• Prizes: Awards are given daily, weekly, and overall, with divisions for juniors, teens, ladies, and seniors. Almost every game fish is recognized with an award.

The Rodeo is governed by a Rules Committee, ensuring fair competition with 75 specific rules covering 33 species in 29 divisions. As state and federal fishing regulations evolve, so too will the Rodeo rules.

Where to Park

The event is located on the Destin Harbor, a quarter mile east of the Destin Bridge. Parking is available at the city lot on the north side at the corner of Marler Street and Harbor Boulevard (Highway 98).

• Address: 116 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541

For more information, visit AJ’s Destin.

Join us for a fun-filled October at the 75th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo!