Off to the Rodeo — The Most “Destin” Event of them All

October 7, 2026

By Christopher Manson

If Frank Berte has an official title with the Destin Fishing Rodeo, he’s not aware of it. But the man wears many hats, and I was surprised—and grateful—that Berte was able to work in some chat time during the tumultuous three or four days leading up to the October event.

Working closely with Amber Helton, the new Destin Fishing Rodeo director, Berte writes and edits the annual event guide, touches up photographs, and handles—eep—last-minute press requests. His marketing and social media expertise have served the Rodeo well.

“I really like being a part of it,” says Berte. “It’s one of the most ‘Destin’ events we have.” His involvement with the Rodeo dates back at least a decade. Berte was brought in to redesign the event guide—“making everything look quasi-professional,” he says, an understatement if there ever was. In his early days, he spent hours on the road, distributing printed copies of “the book” to Atlanta, Birmingham, and beyond.

He didn’t tote bundles of Rodeo guides to Viet Nam, but a trip there allowed him to bond with longtime Rodeo weighmaster Bruce Cheves, who went to the Big Fishing Rodeo in the Sky in April. “He had some great insights,” says Berte.

This year, the weighmaster duties will be performed by a rotating cast of area notables, including Helton and musician (among other things) Hal Aiken. Visitors to the daily weigh-ins behind AJ’s will notice a tribute to Cheves in the form of a life-size standee that’s selfie-ready.

Once the Rodeo guide is put to bed, Berte says he’s “pretty much done. The girls head down to the office on the docks and the big commercial fisherman all meet up. I’m around to handle ‘emergencies’ and Instagram videos and things like that once it’s set up and rolling.

“I can safely say this is the biggest fishing event in the world because it’s all month, and the biggest by far when you factor everything in. I don’t know the exact number (of attendees and participants), but it’s a lot. Some fish all month long, and others come for a day or a week.”

The Rodeo comes together through the efforts of a handful of paid employees and many volunteers whom Berte credits for “rocking out” the t-shirts, hats and other Rodeo swag they sell during the event.

Berte enjoys fishing with his pals, but doesn’t have his own boat or even a dedicated “fishing outfit per se. I do it more for the glamour and fun. And the red snapper. It’s back this year, and I look forward to eating it!”

Among the highlights of the past decade for Berte? “The last three or four Miss Destins have been a fun bunch, and I think that keeps the vibe going.” The Destin Fishing Rodeo royalty actively participate in the daily weigh-ins, and Berte admires their commitment. “It’s an intensive undertaking for them.

“I like working on the guide. We try to make it unique each year,” he says. “I’ve gotten to retouch a lot of the older poster art, and that’s been really cool.

“The fishing community is the backbone of this whole town. Any day you get to go down to the docks and see everyone at the weigh-ins is very rewarding for me.”

For the uninitiated, Berte says the appeal of the Destin Fishing Rodeo “depends on how much they’re into fishing. You can bring your own boat or get on one of the many charter boats and bring in a bunch of fish. You can just kick it and have a great experience with these captains for as long as you want and as far as you want.

“You can get some huge fish going just 20 miles out, some big grouper and tuna. That’s why this is ‘The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.’”

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Destin Fishing Rodeo: Dates to Remember

October 2026

78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo | October 1–31
Daily weigh-ins behind AJ’s, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Destin 5K Rodeo Run | Sunday, October 4
Starting and ending at picturesque Clement Taylor Park on Choctawhatchee Bay, this run winds through historic Destin neighborhoods. Proceeds benefit the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund. For information, contact kimmymeyers@yahoo.com or register at destinfishingrodeo.org.

Kids Fall Movie Festival | Monday, October 12
School’s out for Columbus Day! AJ’s will show a FREE movie on its famous JumboTron, with hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones for the kids. Details: www.ajsdestin.com.

Bruce Cheves Day | Friday, October 16
Come to the docks to celebrate the date the City of Destin declared “Bruce Cheves Day.” Honor the Rodeo’s late weighmaster, remembering his best tales and the legacy he built over 41 years.

Ringing of the Bell | Friday, October 16, 5 p.m.
Held annually on Bruce Cheves Day, this tribute celebrates the lives and legends of those lost during the year.

Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation Day | Saturday, October 17
The foundation brings children in foster care to fish and learn about marine habitats and environmental awareness. Sponsors include The New Florida Girl’s American Spirit, Fish Florida, AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Pilot Company, Zup-Med Memphis and Destin Realty.

4th Annual Miss Destin Mingle | Saturday, October 24
Miss Destins from near and far reunite to welcome the newest member of their “club,” reminisce on an afternoon harbor cruise and enjoy photo opportunities at the weigh-in. Come celebrate these incredible women!

Halloween on the Harbor | Saturday, October 31
Wear your costume and join Rodeo captains, anglers, judges, Miss Destin and volunteers for the largest Halloween party on the Destin Harbor!

November 2026

78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Awards | Thursday, November 5, 5:30 p.m.
Anglers, captains and mates will receive awards and prizes at a festive, fun and casual gathering in the downstairs restaurant of AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar!

Meet 2026 Miss Destin Kaylynn Hayles at the Destin Fishing Rodeo!

By Kaylynn Hayles

My name is Kaylynn Hayles, and I am incredibly honored and grateful to serve as your Miss Destin 2026. Being born and raised in Destin, this community has always held such a special place in my heart, and becoming Miss Destin is truly a dream come true. I feel so blessed to represent the town that has shaped me into the person I am today. “One of the biggest parts of my life has always been fishing.”

I am the daughter of Eric and Angela Hayles and have an older brother, Maddox, who has always been someone I look up to. Growing up in Destin gave me the opportunity to experience an amazing childhood surrounded by a close-knit community, beautiful beaches and lifelong friendships.

From a young age, I have always loved being involved in the community and participating in activities that helped me grow both as a leader and teammate. I cheered for the Destin Dolphins football team and participated in local dance and gymnastics programs.

Giving back to the community means so much to me. I enjoy volunteering as a coach for the Destin Dolphins and Destin Marlins cheer teams and mentoring younger athletes in the same programs that helped shape me growing up.

Outside of volunteering, I love spending time with family and friends, being out on the water, relaxing at the beach, and taking my dog, Bettie, on walks. I also work two jobs: hostessing at Harbor Docks and making snow cones on the beach with Sunrise Beach Chair Company.

I attended Destin Elementary School and later Destin Middle School, where I became heavily involved in athletics and extracurricular activities. During middle school, I served as president of the fishing club, was a four-year member of the cheer team, and competed on the track and field team for four years. I ran the 800-meter race and threw discus, and one of my favorite memories was qualifying for the state competition in eighth grade with my school’s 4×8 relay team.

This upcoming year, I will be a senior at Niceville High School. I am an honors student with a 4.2 weighted GPA and a proud four-year member of the nationally and state-ranked Niceville High School cheerleading team. I am also involved in several organizations including Beach Clean Up Club, National Honor Society, Women in Sports Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Leadership, where I have had the opportunity to give back to the community.

One of the biggest parts of my life has always been fishing. I grew up spending countless hours on the boat with my dad, whether it was joining him on fishing trips or spending time with my family on our boat. A favorite memory of fishing of mine would be during Harbor Docks Cobia Classic when I was younger and I caught the biggest one out of everyone!

October has always been one of the most exciting times of the year in Destin because of the Destin Fishing Rodeo. I always joke that I was born September 30th, the day before October started, just so I could enjoy all 31 days of rodeo season! I am beyond excited to be part of the 78th Destin Fishing Rodeo and welcome everyone with open arms. Serving as Miss Destin 2026 is an honor I will never take for granted, as I am the luckiest girl in “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”

Reprinted with permission from 2026 Destin Fishing Rodeo program.