By Frank Berté, aka Capt. Lucky
As the captain of a charter boat plying the emerald waters off Destin Harbor, I’ve seen firsthand why we’ve earned the nickname “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Each October, during the Destin Fishing Rodeo, the spectrum of species that makes its way to AJ’s weigh-in dock is nothing short of spectacular. There are over 30 recognized species across 29 divisions—each with its own division and prize category! So, here’s my rundown of the most sought-after species you might reel in at the Rodeo:
King Mackerel
Razor-sharp teeth, jet-fast, and relentless. These migratory speedsters swarm our nearshore reefs and structure, delivering high-speed thrill to anglers.
Vermilion Snapper – Mingo
This deeper-hued Vermilion Snapper— is prized for delicious table fare. Bottom-dwelling, robust fighters that frequent reef habitats.
Grouper (Gag, Snowy, Warsaw, Yellowedge)
Stalwarts of the reef and wrecks: deep-bodied, heavyweights requiring patience and power to haul. The Deep Drop division targets these bottom fish.
Amberjack
Known as “reef donkeys” for their stubborn, heavy pulling power—strong and often caught offshore.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado/Dolphin Fish)
Flashy, colorful, acrobatic — the offshore champion. Quick to strike, fun to fight and excellent on the plate.
Wahoo
Slim and fast, built for drag-popping runs. Found in deeper offshore waters like the 100-fathom curve.
Yellowfin Tuna
Sleek, powerful pelagics that challenge anglers with sustained speed. Prized for its sushi-grade filet.
Billfish: Blue and White Marlin, Sailfish
The marquee stars of the Offshore and Billfish divisions.
Renowned for sky-rocketing leaps and marathon battles
Triggerfish
Tough-mouthed reef fighters—compact but feisty.
Redfish
Bay-fishing favorites. This species—get inshore bragging rights for the highest fun vs. flavor balance.
Cobia
The “Black King” of nearshore currents: massive, slow and a true trophy in spring to early summer—but occasionally hanging around come October.
Swordfish
A deep-water titan. Catch-and-release is typical, but swordfish presence adds prestige to the deep-drop battle.
Pompano
This highly migratory, coastal species is as delicious as it is beautiful.
From the Helm: Pre-Rodeo Feel
Dawn on October 1, 2024: Moored amid the fleet behind AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, I watched the harbor buzz with tournament energy. Long-time clients and fresh faces, lines in hand, all eager. As we cut through the swells toward the shipping channel, I felt the same tingle I’ve felt since my first season.
Destin’s geography gives us an edge: shallow bays, jetties, reefs—to the edge of the continental shelf—all reachable in a morning run. For lucky locals like me, it’s a playground unmatched anywhere else.
Day 3 – Nearshore Triumphs
We hit the reef zone first light. Within minutes, anglers were rod-in-hand, bait streaming. First haul: Tripletail, then juvenile Amberjack.
By noon, we’d pulled in Gag Grouper that tested the reel drag. And a bull Redfish & drifting Speckled Trout inshore as we re-positioned near the jetties.Trophies await on those early reefs.
Deep Drop Division
One of my trusty crews hit the 300-foot mark. We dropped gear—baited jigs designed for the bottom. After a tense wait: A Snowy Grouper, then a Tilefish, sleek and silver.
Barrelfish—a rarity, but eligible in this division. Yellow edge Grouper to round things out.
Late night deep drops pay off in the morning weighing-in on the dock—catching prize money.
Mid-Rodeo
Campaigning the Continental Shelf edge
(~20 miles out). There’s a rhythm: Spectacular Mahi Mahi erupts on a spread—bright and agile.
A pair of Wahoo blaze off the port side. By midday, we tempting a Blue Marlin. Line whistles. The fight lasts 45 minutes—100 lb. leader against simmering Gulf tension.
Why Destin Dominates the Game
Why does this place yield such a variety? Because Destin is uniquely positioned—port closest to the deep edge, nearshore reefs, inshore waters—all in swift run time. That’s what earned us “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” We didn’t just earn the title—it’s a way of life.
This Rodeo isn’t just a tournament; it’s a celebration of heritage. Since its 1948 inception by early Destin families and local captains, it’s been the anchor of Destin’s fishing identity.
The Final Day is a Carnival
Costumes, celebrations, costume weigh-ins, poster-board photo blasts and the final tabulation of winners. For some, it’s a dream realized. For my crew and me, it’s one more glorious month behind the wheel, rod bent and hearts roaring.
Because here in Destin, we’re all in on three simple truths:
Fish are our living trophies — every haul, every ounce, tells a story.
Community is our sea — anglers, families, spectators, captains all ride this together.
Luck? Nah brah. It’s skill, tradition, location—and a love for the fight.
Remember, when you are one hour out from the dock, be sure to call Gnarly Harley, to have him meet you on the docks. He will immortalize your catch with his special Gyotaku technique, seen in the art of this article. gnarlyfishprints.com
So welcome aboard—whether you’re here in 2025 or a future Rodeo. The harbor’s call is irresistible. Whether you’re chasing the flash of a Mahi, the grit of a Grouper or the leap of a Marlin, Destin delivers.
Tight lines and fierce friendships!
See you on the AJ’s docks this October.
— Captain Lucky, Destin Harbor
