Weather Channel blows into Destin for fishing, family fun

The Weather Channel was in town and there wasn’t even a threat of a hurricane.

When hurricane season begins in June many locals tune in to watch The Weather Channel and keep track of tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

However on Tuesday, locals will want to turn to channel 38 for another reason.

The Weather Channel will be airing a series entitled “Why I Love Spring Week” and Destin will be featured in the series.

Kerrie Levick, field producer for The Weather Channel, said they visited five different areas that are “family friendly.” And here along the Gulf Coast, they hit places from Pensacola to Panama City.

While in Destin, they spoke with Mayor Craig Barker and City Manager Greg Kisela and took a ride/fishing trip aboard the Silver King with Capt. Mike Parker.

Parker, who was just going to take the TWC folks around the harbor, suggested that Barker and Kisela come along and they could interview them in the process.

So what started as just a ride around the harbor, turned into a short fishing trip.

“Kerrie had never been fishing before,” Capt. Parker said. “So they liked the idea of killing two with one stone.”

“It was a spectacular morning,” Barker said. They started out at 7:30 a.m. and got back to the docks just before noon.

“They really had a good time. They got to film bottlenose dolphin playing in the pass ... they swam right up to the boat.”

The crew then ventured out for a little fishing.

“We were able to catch some amberjack, red snapper and redfish,” Capt. Parker said noting they were able to bring in the redfish.

As the first-time fisherman, Levick said, “They kept putting the rod in my hand ... I got the little silver something, then I helped reel in a redfish.”

Levick also caught an amberjack, but it was an inch too short to keep.

As for the redfish they brought to the docks, “We  didn’t get to eat any of it, but I’m sure they were good,” she said.

“It turned out to be a banner day,” Capt. Parker said. “Everything was right for a perfect day.”

Levick said they enjoyed their visit to Destin.

“It’s beautiful and the beaches are fantastic with the white sand and emerald blue water.”


WANT TO WATCH?
The Weather Channel will be airing from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. a series entitled “Why I Love Spring Week” and Destin will be featured in the series.