October is a very special time of year in the World’s luckiest fishing village. Fishermen from all over the world make their way to Destin for the annual month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo – Destin, Florida. This year marks the tournament’s 78th year. Over the years the Rodeo has been host to many everyday citizen fishing enthusiasts as well as many well known celebrities including comedian Bob Hope, Football player Peyton Manning, & singers Britney Spears & Sheryl Crow among others.Bob Hope on his first excursion successfully reeled in a winning White Marlin. And the next day caught several Warsaw Grouper.The rodeo literally has something for everyone. There are daily, weekly & monthly prizes for Party Boats, Charter Boats, Private Boats, & much much more including division for Jr. & Lady Anglers. 33 different species of fish are eligible to be weighed in & there is even a category for “Oddball Fish” a fish that is legal to catch but not represented on the leader-board. This year the tournament was temporarily interrupted by a hurricane but like a screaming line things are off and running again.October on the scenic Gulf Coast has some of the best weather of the the year too with 75 degree days & 65 degree nights.Anyone who has read Flicker in the Water knows about “Marble Eye” the 110 lb. Amberjack caught aboard the Twister. Although Marble Eye would have qualified for a Rodeo Record he was caught in November.Whether you are an experienced angler or a celebrity, the Destin Fishing Rodeo will give you a greater appreciation of the Sea & who knows you may even find yourself on the Leader-Board.We can all “Hope” for that.
