Reeling Them In, Destin Style

Everybody loves a good rodeo. The outdoor life, the sun on your back, the competitive camaraderie, the smell of fish in the air. Huh? The smell of... what?

It seems that all rodeos are not the same, and down at Destin, Florida there ain't a horse, steer, or cowboy in sight at their annual rootin' tootin' jamboree. This is the Destin Fishing Rodeo, and it has been reeling saltwater anglers in to the Emerald Coast town, for over sixty years.

This popular event, which takes place throughout October, has grown into a family orientated tournament and attracts up to 30,000 participants every year. Entry to the rodeo is totally free, to any fishermen aboard a registered private or chartered vessel, and there are daily, weekly and overall prizes to be won. Spectators and competitors alike, gather excitedly around the docks for the daily weigh-ins, where anglers of all ages hope to hook some of the $100,000 worth of prizes on offer.

For the younger anglers, there are a number of special events including the Destin Fishing Rodeo Kid's Kick-Off and Wagon Boat Parade, plus every child who enters a fish weighing 1lb or more, over the duration of the rodeo, receives a rod, reel and certificate.

Most species of gamefish are eligible for consideration, so whether you are delving deep for snapper, chasing turbo-powered sailfish or casting for king mackerel, you're in with a chance. Shark Saturdays run throughout the month too, and cash prizes are on offer for the biggest fish caught on each of those days.

Destin, known as the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village', is a major vacation destination, on north west Florida's gulf coast, and has been at the center of the region's fishing industry since the mid-1800s. For those whose interests do not necessarily involve a rod and reel, Destin boasts beautiful white beaches, crystal clear waters and breathtaking sunsets. And if you happen to prefer your fish on the end of a fork, as opposed to a line, you'll be in for treat. Destin area restaurants are proud to serve a vast array of fresh seafood, much of it straight off the local boats.

Even when the rodeo isn't on, the Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island area is alive with activity. Both visitors and residents, enjoy the wide range of shopping, dining and recreational facilities available in this tropical paradise, and that's no fisherman's tale.