With the 77th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo just weeks away, excitement is starting to stir.
“We are so excited that we are going to be absolutely ready for the Rodeo this year,” said Helen Donaldson, executive director of the Rodeo.
The Rodeo, Destin’s oldest tradition, is fishing tournament that takes place the entire month of October with more than 30,000 anglers coming in from all over the United States to fish.
Not only do they come to fish, but you have folks that love the Destin Fishing Rodeo merchandise.
“We are selling T-shirts right and left online,” Donaldson said.
This year will be Donaldson’s last Rodeo. She will be officially retiring at the end of August 2026, with Amber Helton stepping into the role of executive director.
“Amber is coming in several times a week and getting the hang of what it is like to set up for the Rodeo. We anticipate a fabulous year,” Donaldson said.
“Boats are registering and there is palpable excitement from boat owners and volunteers,” Donaldson said.
Last year the final count of fish entries written up for the 76th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo was 1,048.
But before that first line drops in the water for the 77th, here are a few dates to keep in mind:
Sept. 18 – Meet Miss Destin
On Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. come out and meet Miss Destin 2025 Bella Riggs at The Inn on Destin Harbor. Captains, crew, anglers, volunteers, and their families to attend the 23rd annual Meet Miss Destin tradition.
Sept. 25 – Captain and Mate’s Meeting
Boat registration begins at 4 p.m., downstairs at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in the restaurant area with the meeting to follow at 5 p.m. There will be free food and beverages for captains, mates, and their guests.
Boat captains can pick up their captain’s packages at this event. Rules changes will be announced at this mandatory meeting. Centennial Bank will give away $250 to two lucky registered boat captains. But you must be present to win. Angler entry forms will also be disbursed at this meeting.
Sept. 25 – 77th annual Rodeo Reel Local Rodeo Kickoff Party
Immediately following the captains meeting, at 6 p.m., AJ’s will host the kickoff party for the big event – the 77th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. This is a family-fun gathering with live music, sponsored by Bud Light and AJs.
Sept. 26-28 – 47th annual Destin Seafood Festival
The 47 annual Destin Seafood Festival will take place on Destin harbor Friday, Thursday, and Saturday. There will be live music on multiple stages all three days and admission is free. The Destin Fishing Rodeo merchandise trailer will be set up next to AJ’s and loaded with the 2025 merchandise from T-shirts, posters, caps and more.
Oct. 1 – 77th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo begins
Who will be the first to weigh-in a fish for the 77th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo? The scales are open daily from Oct. 1 until Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily behind AJs on Destin harbor.
Oct. 5 – Destin 5K Rodeo Run
The Rodeo Run has a new venue this year. The start and finish will be from Capt. Leonard Destin Park, located off Calhoun Avenue. The race will begin at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund.
Contact kimmymeyers@yahoo.com for more information or register online at destinfishingrodeo.org
Oct. 5 – 17th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Kid’s Wagon Boat Parade
The annual Kid’s Wagon Boat Parade will roll out at 4 p.m. from AJ’s and down boardwalk through HarborWalk. This is a free family-friendly event. Decorate your waqgon to look like a sailing sloop, charter boat, pirate, or a bathtub – whatever the youngsters dream up. There is no registration fee, and it is open for elementary-school aged children.
Oct. 13 – Kids Fall Movie Festival
School is out and AJ’s will be showing a free movie on the big jumbotron. Kids will be treated to hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones. For more information, go to ajsdestin.com
Oct. 16 – Bruce Cheves Day
Come down to the docks and celebrate the day the city of Destin declared Bruce Cheves Day. The Rodeo’s own weighmaster, Cheves, will be holding court and telling his best tales on this day.
Oct. 16 – Ringing of the Bell
Each year, at 5 p.m., on Bruce Cheves Day, the Rodeo takes a moment to celebrate the lives and legends of those who have passed away this year.
Oct. 18 – Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation Day
Each October a day is set aside, and the Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation brings in children from foster situations to come fish and learn about marine habitats and environmental awareness. The kids get a day of fishing aboard the New Florida Girl’s American Spirit. The event is sponsored by NFGAS, Fish Florida, AJ’s, Pilot Company, Zup-Med Memphis, and Destin Realty.
Oct. 25 – 3rd annual Miss Destin Mingle
On this day, Miss Destins from through the years come from near and far to celebrate the newest member of the club – Miss Destin 2025 Bella Riggs. The girls get together, share memories, enjoy an afternoon harbor cruise, and photo opportunities at the weigh in.
Oct. 31 – Halloween on the Harbor
The Destin Fishing Rodeo goes all out at Halloween. Wear your costumes and join the Rodeo captains, anglers, Rodeo judges, Miss Destin, and volunteers and be part of the largest Halloween party in Destin.
Nov. 5 – 77th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Awards
The fishing is done, all that is left are the awards. On Nov. 5, at 5:30 p.m., the lucky anglers, captains and mates will be given their prizes in a festive, fun, casual gathering downstairs at AJ’s.
Tina Harbuck is a member of the Destin Fishing Rodeo board of directors.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Destin Fishing Rodeo getting geared up for 77th tournament
Reporting by Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
