October is one of our favorite months to fish the Emerald Coast, and this year we're especially excited: both Salty Endeavors boats will be participating in the 78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo!
For the entire month of October, anglers from across the country come to Destin to compete, bring their catches to the scales, and take part in one of the area's longest-running fishing traditions.
Whether you're a serious angler looking to put a big fish on the board or you're visiting Destin and Fort Walton Beach with the family, October is a great time to book a fishing charter and experience the excitement for yourself.
Both Salty Endeavors Boats Are Fishing the Rodeo
This October, both boats in our Salty Endeavors fleet will be participating in the Destin Fishing Rodeo:
29' Tidewater Center Console
Our larger Tidewater is federally permitted and built for offshore fishing. With plenty of seating, shade, a private bathroom, quality fishing equipment, and room for groups of up to six guests, it's an excellent choice for anglers looking to spend more time offshore.
24' Mako Center Console
Our Mako is a versatile center console that's perfect for getting out on the Gulf and putting your group on the action. It also accommodates private groups of up to six guests.
Having both boats participating means even more opportunities for our guests to get involved in the excitement throughout October.
What Is the Destin Fishing Rodeo?
The Destin Fishing Rodeo has been a part of Destin's fishing culture since 1948. The 78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place October 1–31, 2026, bringing together local captains, visiting anglers, families, and spectators for an entire month centered around fishing.
Anglers can compete across numerous species and divisions, with catches brought back to Destin Harbor for official weigh-ins.
Even if you're not fishing, you can stop by the harbor and watch the action. Daily weigh-ins are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. behind AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar.
Learn more about the 78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo through Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Come Fish the Rodeo With Us
One of the best parts about the Destin Fishing Rodeo is that you don't have to own a boat or be a lifelong tournament angler to experience it.
Book a fishing charter with Salty Endeavors this October and let our captains take care of the rest.
Our trips include the fishing equipment, bait, fishing licenses, cooler space, and fish cleaning you'll need for your day on the water. Our captains fish these waters throughout the year and tailor each trip around current conditions, what's biting, and the experience level of your group.
You just need to show up ready to fish.
What Can We Catch in October?
October can offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities around Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Depending on current seasons, regulations, weather conditions, and where the fish are biting, potential catches can include:
Red Snapper
Grouper
Amberjack
Triggerfish
King Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Mahi Mahi
Bonito
Sharks
And more
If you're hoping to target a particular species or make a serious run at getting your name on the Rodeo leaderboard, talk with your captain when booking so we can recommend the right trip length for your goals.
Make Fishing Part of Your October Trip to Destin
There's already plenty to do along the Emerald Coast in October, but the Destin Fishing Rodeo makes this month especially unique.
You can spend the day fishing aboard Salty Endeavors, then head over to Destin Harbor to experience the weigh-ins and see some of the biggest catches being brought in from boats across the area.
It's a chance to experience a piece of the fishing culture that helped make Destin famous as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village."
Book Your October Fishing Charter
Both Salty Endeavors boats are fishing the Rodeo this October, and we'd love to have you aboard.
Whether you're coming to compete, hoping to catch the biggest fish of your vacation, introducing your kids to Gulf fishing, or simply looking for a great day on the water, we'll build the