The last entry for the 60th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo was #1182, a historic first as the Rodeo has never had more than 909 entries in the past. Bruce Cheves, resident historian for the Rodeo and Weigh Master explained. He added that the tournament was started to extend the fishing season in Destin and began as a three-day event; progressed to a 7-day event and with time became the month-long 31-day-event that it is now.

The last fish came in on the “Sweet Jody” and was a 13.8 lb Black Snapper caught by Jim Richards. Captain Cliff Cox brought the boat in just in time and Miss Destin, Leah Stuart seemed sad to place the last entry back into the bucket to hand over to the anglers.

For a video of the closing hours of the Rodeo, click here.

- paula Kelley

Darla Smith, a hair dresser from Destin was bedecked as the dalmation stealing Cruella de Ville from the Disney movie “101 Dalmations”.

Bruce said in some of his fish talk, “stick around this place is gonna turn into Mardi Gras” and within minutes the “Lady Em” backs in and a party exploded! Her crew and anglers were decked in Halloween regalia and threw t-shirts and tons of beads. Most made it to the waving arms of the crowds others fell into Davy Jones’ locker. Captain Michael Eller had a blast with the crew and applauded Miss Destin for her annual fishing trip aboard his boat. Tonight he had the photographers from Reel Fish aboard.
Costumed fishermen, Paul Schoemeberg of Navarre weighed in a 38.2 lb Grouper and John Brashears of Fort Walton Beach hauled in a 14.4 lb red snapper as a few of the last to weigh.

Ann White, long-time Rodeo Volunteer and all around great person costumed for the evening with Bobber ear-rings and Lady Em beads.

The Anglers and Crew of the “Sure Lure” pulled into the Weigh-In and brought out several fish to weigh but none took the lead. Until the dolphin…all in fun they had Bruce lean over the boat where he declared, “That’s the biggest fish I’ve seen today!” Hauling it up on the scale the crowd roared with laughter as Bruce declared “the time is 5:34 and the fish weighs 8.8 lb!” It was perfect for a brightly painted metal wall mount! A good time was had by all.

Lucus Hart was an adorable land shark for the final night of the Destin Fishing Rodeo. The seven-week-old was enjoying his first Halloween with his mom, Lisa and his pacifier. His 15-year-old brother, Andrew was leading the Swordfish division with a 94.0 lb monster.