Rodeo gets Shark Saturday

DESTIN, FL - Whether it's the "fear factor" or sheer curiosity, there is something about sharks that draws people.
 
And that's what the Destin Fishing Rodeo is hoping to capitalize on this year with Shark Saturday.
 
Every Saturday throughout the month-long rodeo in October, anglers will get the chance to weigh in a shark. The fisherman with the largest shark will take home a $250 prize.
 
The reasoning behind the new division is "to get more people fishing in Destin," said Helen Donaldson, the rodeo's executive director
 
The shark category came about because the red snapper fishery closes Aug. 15.
 
"We were just looking for a way we can help the charter boats," rodeo board member Tim Broom said. "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 captain Robert Hill of the charter boat Twilight hauled in an 800-plus pound mako two years ago. Crowds swarmed the docks as the shark was hoisted onto the scales.
   
"I think it will be a good time," said captain 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."
   
"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.
   
"It's that fear factor that gets people pumped up," added captain Jim Green of the New Florida Girl's American Spirit and rodeo board member. "You're catching something that can kill you."
   
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 fish per boat per day can be entered.
   
Lemon and nurse sharks are not eligible, as well as any other shark that is protected by state or federal law.    

Sharks that are open game are bulls, makos, hammerheads and tigers, among others. 

"I think every Saturday, the docks will be covered up with people waiting to see a big one come in," Broom said.
   
About 35 charter boats already are registered for this year's 61st rodeo, Donaldson said. The registration deadline is June 30.