Destin Fishing Rodeo - Destin, Florida

Y'all made this HARD! 😅
We received so many fantastic entries for our Kids' T-Shirt Art Contest, and narrowing it down to just one winner was incredibly tough.
Congratulations to Ember on creating the winning design!
We'll be turning Ember's artwork into shirts very soon, so keep an eye out! Thank you to every young artist who entered—we were blown away by your creativity!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out this evening to celebrate the life of our forever weighmaster, Bruce Cheves.
A special thank you to AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar for their hospitality and support, and to the crew of the American Spirit Party Boat for providing such a meaningful and beautiful burial at sea and to Father Mike Hesse for his heartfelt prayers and words of comfort during the ceremony.. The love, stories, laughter, and memories shared tonight were a true reflection of the impact Bruce had on so many lives.
Seeing so many friends, family members, captains, anglers, and members of the Destin community gathered together reminded us just how deeply Bruce was loved. Your presence, kind words, and support have brought comfort during this difficult time.
Bruce spent his life bringing people together, and tonight was a fitting tribute to a man who meant so much to so many.
Thank you for helping us honor him in such a special way.
📸 Patrick Wilson

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a true Destin legend, Bruce Cheves—better known to so many as the Wandering Weighmaster.
For 41 incredible years, Bruce was the heartbeat of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, greeting anglers with a smile, a story, and an unmatched passion for the sport and this community. Whether you brought in a guppy or a Godzilla, Bruce made every catch feel like a winning moment.
His presence was larger than life, and his absence will be deeply felt. This year’s Rodeo will look a little different without him—but his legacy, laughter, and love for Destin and the Destin Fishing Rodeo will live on in every cast, every weigh-in, and every memory shared.
Please keep Bruce’s loved ones and rodeo family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon. If you have a favorite memory or photo of Bruce, we encourage you to share it below as we celebrate a life that meant so much to so many.
Tight lines forever with fair winds and following seas, Bruce—you will never be forgotten. 🎣