Tag: Destin Fishing Events

Destin, Florida’s signature event and a tradition since 1948, this month-long fishing tournament gives anglers of all ages a chance to get in on the fun! Not an angler? Daily weigh-ins at A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar provide entertainment in a harbor-front atmosphere you’re sure to enjoy. Over 30,000 anglers compete in the Destin Fishing Rodeo for a chance at their share of over $100,000 in awarded cash and prizes. The Rodeo is free to anglers fishing aboard registered boats and the tournament is open to both Private and Charter Boats.

Kids love the rodeo too! There are events and activities just for kids. For example, every child who enters a fish in the Destin Fishing Rodeo that weighs in at 1 lb. or more gets a rod and reel and a certificate for framing. During the Rootin’ Tootin’ Rodeo Round-Up Okaloosa Island Pier comes alive with junior anglers. This event wraps up with lunch on the dock. The entry fee for this event is nominal, and includes the pier fee for the angler and parents, a tee shirt, bait, a rod and reel to keep and lunch. Don’t miss out! This is a great weekend to plan on being in Destin and taking part of the culture for which Destin is famous. And don’t forget about “Make My Day” Shark Saturdays – anglers weigh-in sharks and the kids love it! In 2007, the largest shark caught was 638 pounds! Wow!

The 18th annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic takes place June 17-21, 2020. Timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season, and located at the South’s number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort sets the new precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments.

This annual event offers something for everyone. Most importantly, for the angling teams, there’s the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, red-hot billfish action, and cool green cash.

The competition takes place in one of the most productive fisheries in the United States. In the past several years two blue marlin “Granders” (blue marlin weighing over 1,000 lbs.) have been weighed in the Gulf, and state records for blue marlin and both bluefin and yellowfin tuna have been broken.

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is a “modified release” tournament; blue marlin are the only billfish that may be weighed and must meet a 110″ minimum length before they can be boated. Release points are awarded for blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish and spearfish. The three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are eligible for cash awards, as are the top three teams entered in the Release Division, and the top three Crews entered in the Crew Division. Awards are presented to the top overall, release, lady and junior anglers, and the top overall release team has its name engraved on the Magnificent Blue Perpetual Trophy, donated by Galati Yacht Sales and Viking Yachts, sculpted by Chris Barela and on permanent display in the Baytowne Marina Bar & Grill.