78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo

• Date: 10/1/2026

The Destin Fishing Rodeo began in May of 1948 to bring people to Destin. It worked! Destin shortly became known as a summer tourist destination and “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”.  The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for salt water anglers of all ages.

The Rodeo founders, people such as Howard Marler, Jewel Melvin and Willie Marler, decided that moving the Rodeo to October would lengthen the tourist season another month. Today the Rodeo is held October 1- 31.

Oct. 1 - First Fish of the Rodeo 

Every Sat - Biggest Shark competition 

Oct. 3 - Rodeo 5K Run 

Oct. 18 - Kids Pier Fishing Day 

Oct. 31 - Rodeo Halloween Party 

Nov. 1 - Awards Ceremony at AJ's