COUNTING THE CATCH: Rodeo has a banner year; who will win the biggest cash pot in Rodeo history?

The numbers are in and they are all good for the 63^rd annual Destin Fishing Rodeo.

As “time is” was called at 7:22 p.m. and the last fish was hoisted onto the scales, the total number of fish entries for this year’s rodeo came to 1,109, toppling last year’s total of 1,071.

“We’ve had a great rodeo,” Rodeo Executive Director Helen Donaldson said. “We only had really one bad weather day with no fish, and that’s a good year.

“We’ve had spectators here every night,” she said. Even as the rodeo came to a close Monday night, the bleachers were overflowing with folks lining the surrounding docks trying to get a last look at the fish.

 “It’s been a great time,” weighmaster Bruce Cheves said. “I’ve got to get my wishlist ready for what I want to weigh next year.”

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RELATED STORIES

For a day-by-day look at the 63rd Destin Fishing Rodeo and final results, click here.

For a photo gallery of tricks, treats and fish from the final day, click here.

Read more about the last day and see more photos, click here.

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This year, Cheves has weighed in two alligators, big and small fish and even a grandfather clock.

Not only were the number of fish entries up, but “we had the most boats ever,” Donaldson said. This year’s tournament saw 312 boats hit the water for 31 days of fishing.

“And we’ve had more anglers than ever from out of state,” she said.

Donaldson attributed a lot of the draw to the contribution made by the Emerald Coast Tourist Development Council. The TDC put up bonus awards for this year’s rodeo where anybody that finished with a spot on the leaderboard has a chance at $15,000 in prize money.

Three names will be drawn at Saturday evening’s awards banquet at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, and the winners will go home with $15,000 each.

“It’s just the luck of the draw … so that means anyone can win the big money,” she said, not necessarily the person with the biggest fish.

The adults wont be the only winners, four junior angler names will also be drawn for $1,000 education IRAs.

 “We have arrived,” Donaldson said. “We are a destination.

“And the Seafood Festival was a tremendous kick off for the rodeo,” she added. More than 51,000 hungry people packed the harbor for the three-day event.

Donaldson said AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, home of the rodeo for the past 10 years, “went over and beyond to promote the rodeo.”

“Also the barge itself has been an attraction,” said rodeo board member Tim Broom. Earlier this year, AJ’s bought a new barge to be used as the weigh station for the rodeo. Alan Laird, of AJ’s, had it decked out in a nautical theme and it proved to be quite an eye-catcher.

“The sponsors for the rodeo have really stepped up in the last couple of years,” Broom said.

“And we couldn’t have done any of it with out the dedication and generosity of our volunteers,” said Donaldson. She said the volunteers have put in more than 1,500 man-hours in the last 31 days.

“I never worry if we’ll have enough volunteers … they are always here. And it couldn’t happen without them,” she said. “I work for the luckiest organization in Destin.”