While many anglers see fishing as a contemplative and peaceful effort, and we think that’s OK, sometimes it takes some old-fashioned mano-a-mano combat to really get the blood flowing. Competing in fishing tournaments is a great way to test your skills, feed your competitive juices, and perhaps pay for your hobby.
Fortunately for residents of Destin and travelers to the Emerald Coast, our fertile waters and multiple world-class fisheries provide the playing field for everything from weekend small scale derbies to competitions that bring the best of the best from all over the globe.
The Destin Fishing Rodeo
Perhaps the best known is the October Destin Fishing Rodeo, which is more than just a fishing competition. It includes everything from a 5K run to a pageant to events and activities for kids too young to compete.
The Destin Fishing Rodeo is considered the “ultimate saltwater tournament” because of its incredible scale, which includes not only huge prize payouts, but also 29 divisions for over 33 species of fish. Virtually every meaningful gamefish found in local waters is eligible for some sort of prize. That means the various local snappers and groupers, as well as King Mackerel, and massive billfish like sailfish are marlin are all valid targets. In other words, no matter what your favorite species, what kind of craft you own, and where you think your competitive advantage lies, there’s a way to get in on the action.
It’s possible to competed out of a kayak or paddle board, or even from a bridge or the beach, but if you want to hit the depths and you don’t own a boat, you can charter one.
What makes the Destin Fishing Rodeo stand apart from other tournaments is the emphasis placed on children during the event. The biggest investment that the fishing communities across America have is in our children. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is a time to involve children and families in the traditions of coastal living.
Other Fishing Competitions in Destin
If you won’t be in Destin in October, or you want to fish a different time of year, or simply have the itch to fish multiple tournaments, there are other major events taking place throughout the calendar year.
One of the most exciting fish to chase, as well as one of the tastiest, is the cobia, and Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House runs a major Cobia tournament (the “Flathead Classic”) in April. Also in the spring, Harbor Docks runs a Cobia World Championship out of Destin Harbor.
In June, there’s the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Tournament, where competitors chase one of the Gulf’s apex predators for hundreds if not millions of dollars in prize money.
If none of these appeal to you, or more likely if you simply want more, consult the calendars of local fishing clubs, bait and tackle shops, and tourism boards. No matter when you’re coming, or what you want to catch, there’s an option that’ll fit your needs.
Tournament fishing takes a hobby and turns it into a serious competition, and possibly a business. While everyone has to start somewhere, this is a serious endeavor, and some of the best anglers in the world reside in or frequent Destin’s contests. Everyone has to start somewhere, though, so with a simple game plan you can make the most of your chances.
Do this to be your best on the water:
Pick Your Events Carefully – Know what species you are able to chase and might have a competitive shot at capturing. You’re probably not going to be able to compete in the blue marlin events from a paddleboard. Even if you have a larger craft, understand how far you’ll need to go and in what type of seas. Remember, there are always charter boats you can hire, but the best ones tend to fill up months or even years in advance.
Know the Rules – Each competition has slightly different rules and regulations and you’ll be expected to know them and abide by them. Read them in advance. If you have any questions, ask the tournament director. You don’t want to miss out on a valuable prize or honor because you violated a rule, nor do you want to get the reputation (deserved or otherwise) of someone who operates in a gray area.
Understand Seasonal Fish Habits – You may be the world’s greatest snapper or marlin or King Mackerel fisherman in a given month, or a given venue, but in the world of fishing, things are changing all of the time. Know where you’ll need to be to encounter the winning fish and how to tempt them at that particular time. Ninety percent of the fish are in 10 percent of the water, so if you’re in the wrong areas, you might as well not compete at all.
Come Up with a Game Plan – Look at past tournament results so that you know what it will take to win. That way you’re not tilting at windmills trying to chase a winner that doesn’t exist. Then take into account factors like tides, your gas budget, your time limitations and likely fishing pressure to give yourself the best chance to win. You don’t need to catch a world record, although they certainly exist in our waters, but you do need to beat everyone else.
Put Together the Right Team – Some fishing tournaments are individual affairs, while others allow you to compile a group of anglers to help your cause. If you’re participating in one of the latter, get the right folks on board, people who are willing to work and who know what they’re doing. Of course, it can behoove you to add in a newcomer to grow the future of the sport, but this is a time for seriousness and concentration.
Prepare Your Equipment – A pulled hook or a broken line can result in lost fish that cost you thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Prior to even loading gear on your boat, make sure that everything is in top notch shape and of premium quality. Once you’re out there, you’re limited on time and attention, so do the “busy work” when you’re onshore, waiting for competition to start. Halfway through the battle with a winning fish you don’t want to wonder whether you lubricated your reels, tested your drag or spooled on fresh line.
Gauge the Weather – The behavior of your quarry depends heavily on seasonal and daily weather changes, so be aware of what’s going on around you and what’s likely to ensue. You may have the best game plan in the world, but wind or rain or sunshine can impact it significantly. This is not just a matter of competition – it impacts safety, and you don’t want to put yourself in a position where chasing the winning fish puts you, your crew or your boat into a compromising position.
