Making my way down to the action today, it was hard not to notice all of the out-of-state license plates in the parking lot at AJ’s. Our neighbors on all sides were with us and others came from as far as Kansas and Illinois.

The bleachers were full and weighmaster Bruce Cheves was swamped on the barge with one fish after another getting its turn on the scales. And our 2008 Miss Destin was flashing her smile for the flashing cameras with each proud catch.

Mike Barnett from Montgomery, Ala. flaunted his 13.6-pound red snapper. He is a veteran angler around Destin, but it was his first time reeling the fish in for the rodeo.

There were some special visitors at the docks today. A large bunch from the Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation piled onto the barge to have their photo made in a group. The foundation brought in foster kids from all over the south for a weekend of fishing and fun aboard the New Florida Girl.

The scales saw a little bit of everything… mackerel, snapper, amberjack… you name it! And the crowd got a rendition of “Dead Men Tell No Tales” from Destin’s resident wiley pirate that entertains the youngsters along the docks.

It’s not too late to catch the weekend excitement at the rodeo— it’s only Saturday!

-Jenni Rich

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