IT'S ON: Shark Saturday is on for Destin Fishing Rodeo (with PHOTOS and VIDEO)

Whether it’s the “fear factor” or just sheer curiosity, there is something about a shark that draws people.

And that’s what the Destin Fishing Rodeo is hoping to capitalize on this year with the new category — Shark Saturday.

Every Saturday throughout the month-long October fishing Rodeo, anglers will get the chance to weigh in a shark. And the angler with the largest shark takes home a $250 prize.

The reasoning behind the new division is “to get more people fishing in Destin,” said Rodeo Executive Director Helen Donaldson.

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DESTIN LOG PHOTOS AND VIDEO

To check out a photo gallery of the 844-pound mako, click here.

To watch two videos of the monster mako being hauled up, click here.

To find out how the record breaking shark tasted, click here.

To read about the controversy of shark fishing, click here.

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With the lack of red snapper on the boards for the Rodeo, due to the closure of the fishery as of Aug. 15, the new category was birthed.

“We were just looking for a way we can help the charter boats,” said Rodeo board member Tim Broom. “And not having the red snapper, we needed something else to fish for that will draw excitement.

“And a shark on the docks creates more excitement than any other fish,” Broom said.

That was proven when Capt. Robert Hill of the Twilight hauled in an 800-plus pound Mako two years ago. Crowds swarmed the docks at the Rodeo as the shark was hoisted onto the scales.

“I think it will be a good time,” said Capt. Bud Miller, a Rodeo board member and captain of the Melanie Dawn.

“And I think it will draw a big crowd when the Rodeo needs one,” he said.

“You’ve heard it said, ‘People will step over a 1,000 pound blue marlin to see a 200 pound shark,’ — and they will,” Miller said.

“Just being able to see a predator up close and touch it ... people are intrigued by it,” he said, thanks to the movie “Jaws.”

“It’s that fear factor that gets people pumped up,” said Capt. Jim Green of the New Florida Girl’s American Spirit and Rodeo board member. He agrees that it goes back to “Jaws.”

“You’re catchin’ something that can kill you,” he said.

Shark Saturday will be an open category to all boats. And there will be no special entry fee for registered vessels. The shark must weigh at least 100 pounds to be eligible and only one per boat per day can be entered.

Lemon and nurse shark are not eligible as well as any other shark that is state or federally protected.

“We’ll make sure all the regulations are spelled out before a hook goes in the water,” Donaldson said.

However, shark that are open game are bull, Mako, hammerhead and tiger to name a few.

“People love to see a shark and it is a legal fish to catch,” Donaldson said.

“I think every Saturday, the docks will be covered up with people waiting to see a big one come in,” Broom said.

With about 35 charter boats already registered for this years 61st Rodeo, Donaldson said captains still have time to get their boats registered in time to make the Rodeo book. Deadline to make the book is June 30.