Destin Fishing Rodeo Rounds Up & Celebrates Seafood Every October!
The Ultimate Fishing Tournament
From October 1st to the 31st, the 77th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place, featuring a month-long celebration of fishing with various competitions and events for fishing enthusiasts of all ages. Described as “the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages,” the Destin Fishing Rodeo features more than $100,000 in cash and prizes, and attracts more than 35,000 fishermen annually.
Just about every kind of game fish is recognized with awards during the rodeo, so no matter whether you’re trolling offshore for sailfish and marlin or inshore for king mackerel, you’ll be in the running for prizes.
All ages are welcome to compete, and participation is free for everyone fishing aboard a boat that has been registered for the rodeo. Both Destin charter boats and private boats are eligible for the competition. Boat registration fees are based on the size of the vessel. Visit here to register online.
Anglers can opt to fish from the pier instead of a boat (the cost is $25 for adults), and contestants under the age of 14 can fish for free. And, of course, there’s no charge to watch the daily weigh-ins from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the docks outside AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar.
Other Fishing Tournament Facts
The Destin Fishing Rodeo has been held annually since 1948. Its fishing competitions, live entertainment, and scores of other fun activities keep attendees busy and having fun every day. Daily, weekly, and overall prizes are awarded during the Rodeo. The competition includes Junior and Senior divisions. In addition to special fishing competitions, engaging activities for youngsters, including face painting, games, arts and crafts, and more take place during the month.
Where to stay for the Destin Fishing Rodeo
Need a place to stay? We have you covered! Our Destin vacation rentals include a wide range of accommodations, everything from hotel rooms and suites to spacious, fully furnished beach houses and villas. Best of all, many of these can be booked online directly from our website, or you can call a vacation planner 7 days a week at 888-404-2602.
Sandpiper Cove is a unique beach-to-harbor gated community with boat launches, multiple pools, fine dining onsite, tennis, hot tubs and 1,100+’ of private white sand beach. Next door is Harbor Landing, a luxurious high-rise with boat docks, beach access, and expansive harbor and Gulf views. Located right on Destin Harbor is Emerald Grande, a luxurious high-rise with dining and Destin’s harbor activities just a stroll from your condo. A boat shuttles guests to the beach on Destin’s East Pass where you can watch boats come and go, or walk a short distance to enjoy the waves and surf of the Gulf of Mexico. A few other condos to consider for the Destin Fishing Rodeo, nearby on Holiday Isle, are Oceania, Holiday Surf and Racquet, Inlet Reef Club and upscale Destin Pointe Homes, and Magnolia House Condos, within the Destin Pointe gated community. Down Highway 98, but not too far, are low-rise beachfront condos at Destin Beach Club and Destin Seafarer. A popular high-rise with an indoor and outdoor pool is the newly renovated SunDestin Beach Resort.
This article was originally written by S. Lynne in 2022 and updated by BeachGuide editor, N. Thrasher to include 2025 information.
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