For years Destin has been known as the "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village", and from the looks of the catches that are brought in daily, it truly is a fisherman’s paradise.
So what better place to have a Rodeo? Not a rodeo where horses and cowboys are needed, but one where all that is needed is an angler with a desire to catch fish.
The Destin Fishing Rodeo, now in its 53rd year, is the ultimate fishing tournament for anglers of all kinds. Last year more than 35,000 anglers from all over the United States competed in the month-long fishing extravaganza that kicks off annually Oct. 1.
If you’re the kind of fisherman who likes trolling inshore for king mackerel or riding offshore in search of marlin or sailfish - the Rodeo has a division for you.
If you’re the kind of angler who likes bumping the bait off the bottom for a catch of red snapper, grouper or Amberjack - the Rodeo has a division for you.
If you don’t have a boat and just want to try your luck fishing off the beach, jetties or bridge - the Rodeo has a division for you. Fact is, the Rodeo gives out daily, weekly and overall prizes in men’s, women’s and junior angler categories for virtually every gamefish you might reel in.
Another fact. The Rodeo is free to anglers who fish aboard boats registered in the Rodeo. Destin boasts the largest fishing fleet in the state of Florida and is said to be the billfishing capital of the northern Gulf. The Destin Charter Boat Association currently has 95 boats listed on its roster, but there are about 110 boats in the harbor ready for charter.
So hook up with a boat registered in the Rodeo and there’s no fee to fish the tournament anytime during October.
The weather in October is usually great, with sunny skies, moderate sea breezes and gorgeous sunsets. Average high temperature is about 80 degrees, average low is in the 60s. The water temperature is a mild 81 degrees with an average of only 3.0 inches of rain during the entire month.
Now where is this fisherman’s paradise with the ultimate of fishing tournaments? Destin is halfway between Pensacola and Panama City on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, otherwise known as the Panhandle. Destin traces its roots through American Indians and Spanish explorers, but the immediate history of Destin can be credited to Capt. Leonard Destin, who settled here in northwest Florida about 1845 and pioneered the fishing industry here. And Destin has maintained its fishing heritage up until the present.
Besides the great fishing, Destin claims the whitest beaches in Florida and beautiful, clear waters for swimming, diving and snorkeling. Resort facilities in Destin have developed rapidly in recent years. Today there are literally thousands of condominium apartments and motel accommodations to choose from, along with excellent golf courses, restaurants and other facilities.
So what are you waiting for? Bring a boat or charter a boat, make your reservations and come and try your luck in the "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village."