In the high heat of high noon on the harbor, foot traffic was pretty negligible this Saturday. But those in the know are counting down the mere hours until all the fun begins on Monday. The stage is set up; the scales are onsite (though not yet in place) and the portable trailer is stocked to sell everything from T-shirts ($20) to seat cushions ($7) and visors ($20).

The leader board is up, too, waiting for the first name to be written on it. Rodeo weighmaster Bruce Cheves says that’s sure to happen first thing Monday morning.

“When I come, there’s usually somebody sitting there,” Cheves said. “I’ve had five people waiting on me, arguing. ‘I was the first one!’ “No I was the first!’ ”

A “nice glass trophy” and the glory of hooking the first fish of the 59th Rodeo await the lucky angler.

- William Hatfield

With the 59th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo just four days away, the phone was ringing off the hook Thursday morning. Executive Director Helen Donaldson had her hands full fielding calls and taking boat registrations.

As of noon Thursday, 70 private boats and 76 charter boats had registered for the month-long fishing tournament. Donaldson anticipates having at least 100 more private boats register by the time the Rodeo begins.

The Rodeo begins Monday with the scales opening at 10 a.m. on the docks behind AJ’s.

However, there will still be time to register your boat. Donaldson said boats can register up until Oct. 30. — if they only want to fish one day.

-Tina Harbuck

Less than a week from the start of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, work continues at A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar for the month of October.

Wednesday afternoon, one set of bleachers had been completed and another set was under construction as the restaurant prepares to host the Rodeo, which celebrates its 59th year in 2007.

The Rodeo’s mobile office and merchandise trailer has arrived on-site and the staff is working dilligently to get ready for 10 a.m. Monday morning, when the scales open and the Rodeo officially begins.

-Patrick Donohue

This blog is coming to TheDestinLog.com very soon!