72nd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo

The 72nd annual Destin fishing rodeo is here! Locals and visitors alike look forward to this event for the awesome family fun and fantastic fish catches. The annually anticipated event kicks off October 1st and lasts the entire month. This year's Destin rodeo may look slightly different in a post COVID world. Helen Donaldson, executive director of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, is making sure everyone is well informed on how participate in the event safely during the present epidemic. Who says safe can't be fun! From new t-shirt designs to Destin Fishing Rodeo face masks, there are souvenirs for the whole family. Daily weigh-ins are from 11 am - 7 pm behind AJ's, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of the day's catch. The leaderboard is displayed behind AJ's along with a grandstand for those who would like to watch.

Check out the October rodeo schedule below: 

Shark Saturdays - Every Saturday in October 

Come see the monsters of the deep! Forget shark week; Destin has shark month! 

Destin 5K Rodeo Run - October 4th 

The 5k run starts and ends at Clement Taylor Park and winds through neighborhoods. Proceeds benefit the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Kids Fall Movie Festival - October 12th 

Mondays can be mundane! Make your Monday better by attending the movie festival! AJ's will be playing a FREE movie on the Jumbo-Tron! Enjoy a movie outdoors with hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones! 

Bruce Cheves Day - October 16th 

Come celebrate the day the City of Destin has declared Bruce Cheves Day! Cheves is one of Destin's Fishing Rodeo top weighmasters! 

The ringing of the Bell - October 16th 

Each year at 5 p.m. on Bruce Cheves Day, the Rodeo celebrates the lives and legends of those we have lost this past year. A moment of remembrance to honor each their legacy.

Larry Hattchett Fishing Foundation Day - October 24th 

Every October, The Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation brings children from foster situations to fish and learn about marine habitats and environmental awareness. 

Halloween on the Harbor - October 31st 

Wear your best costume and join Captains, Judges, Anglers, and more! Be a part of the largest Halloween Party in Destin! Don't miss a minute of this fun and festive night that ends with  fireworks as AJ's host the Rodeo/Halloween Fireworks Finale! 

Fishing Rodeo Awards - November 6th 

Come celebrate with our rodeo winners on Friday, November 6, 2020, at 4 pm.