Destin Fishing Fleet Charter Service, Inc.

DESTIN FISHING FLEET MARINA
In January of 1991, one of the largest charter boat docks in Destin made headlines. Long-time land owner, Mattie Kelly, had leased the Kelly Docks, the largest charter boat marina in Destin, to a non-fisherman developer. At about that same time, another large marina came under the control of another non-fisherman developer, and another one was up for sale. Rumors flew. The charter fishing fleet in Destin was suddenly at risk as the fishermen's future was threatened with high dock rent prices and no security. The Destin Harbor was changing, the land was becoming increasingly more valuable, and men with vision could see the unlimited possibilities surrounding the one of a kind body of water. Dock rent from local fishermen was not necessarily the highest and best use for this prime property, and there was a lot of speculation about yachts taking over the boat slips in the Destin Harbor, but the charter boat captains had no where else to turn. It was either develop their own marina or be run out at the mercy of other landowners. It was a very critical time for these Destin locals.

Possibilities were explored - one of them being the fishermen purchasing their own land to have forever, but the prices were astronomical. It seemed like a long shot, but they were an independent group - all head strong and opinionated but when they joined forces, they stood united. It was all for one and one for all. They decided to go for it.

The next question was how to purchase the land. They had formed the Co-Op as a means of purchasing bulk fuel, bait, and ice, and the Co-Op was a strong corporation. However, the Co-Op's corporate structure and By-Laws made the purchase impossible. In the meantime, the fishermen had found a perfect piece of land that was vacant and for sale. The only problems that remained were how to purchase it, where to get the money, could the State and Local Permits be obtained, and could they get a congressionally designated channel moved?

A corporation was formed, Destin Fishing Fleet, Inc. The stock was sold primarily to Co-Op members. To be a member of the Co-Op, you have to own at least 51% of your boat, have a Captain's license, earn at least 50% of your income from fishing, be a member of the Destin Charter Boat Association, and live in the immediate area. Stock was also sold to "Friends of Fishermen" who were approved by the Co-Op members.

The fishermen looked beyond the enormous risks. They raised most of the money by placing liens on their boats and mortgages and second mortgages on their homes. This was a chance to secure their future in the fishing industry. They raised over 3/4 of a million dollars and bought the land where the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina stands today. It was a gutsy move.

The Destin fishermen, an independent group, put their money where their mouth was. They put mortgages on boats, second mortgages on homes, called on customers for support, and whatever else it took for them to pull as much money together as possible. They weren't about to give up. The fishermen found a large parcel of land in the center of town that ran from Highway 98 to the Destin Harbor. The land was owned by the Spence family of Niceville, a family with strong fishing ties in their community. They worked with the Destin fishermen to make the project work.

The fishermen had their work cut out for them. The State of Florida permitting agencies were not looking favorably towards granting permits for construction in the Destin Harbor. The City of Destin backed the fishermen and threw considerable weight. Their Harbor flushing system was a tremendous help, but it wasn't enough. So, local politicians got involved. Finally, after a long hard struggle, the permits were granted. Even a congressionally designated navigational channel had to be relocated for the marina to be built as planned. It was a large endeavor, but it was a necessity.

The Destin Fishing Fleet Marina was completed in September of 1994. It proudly hosts 40 boat slips and was built by Destin fishermen to preserve and protect their future in the fishing industry. Located about a half mile East of the Destin bridge, the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina is on Harbor Boulevard, formerly known as Highway 98 East, between AJ’s and Harbor Dock’s Restaurant.


Less than a year into operation, Hurricane Opal descended on Destin with all of her fury at the beginning of the Destin Fishing Rodeo. All of the marina's boats were evacuated and spared from harm. However, boats from other marinas broke loose and crashed the dock tearing down pilings, the dock, the boardwalk, electrical and water lines, boat signs, the booking booth, light fixtures, and even the parking lot. Two large boats landed in the middle of the parking lot eating the asphalt with their oil and fuel spillage. It was devastating to see the beautiful marina destroyed. The Destin Fishing Rodeo was prepared to cancel the tournament for the year, but the fishermen wouldn't hear of it. The very next day, the fishermen and their families, friends, neighbors, and allies came out and manually put the marina back together. Within three days, the dock was operational, and the Destin Fishing Rodeo began weigh-ins again. The spirit of a fisherman can and will prevail over most hardships.

The marina is home to the biggest charter fleet in the State of Florida. Upland conveniences include the Fisherman's Wharf Seafood House which is a fresh seafood restaurant with a family atmosphere where one can order off the menu or bring in your catch from the boats and have it cooked to specifications, Destin Ice and Seafood Market with freshly caught seafood and prepared seafood delicacies for sale, Real Estate Professionals of Destin which specializes in the sales and marketing of Destin area properties, Lighthouse Tackle & Apparel which features gifts, conveniences, tackle, t-shirts, shorts, hats, quick food and drinks, etc., and the Destin Fisherman's Co-Op which services the entire Destin Harbor with fuel, bait, ice, and other fishing related necessities. If you need it, we've probably got it on site.

Local fishing tournaments will be held at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina site. In fact, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has officially moved its tournament to the Fleet site. Rodeo officials say it is now the biggest and best Rodeo ever. The Rodeo is a month long tournament beginning October l and ending October 31. It boasts of over $100,000 in prizes with over 30,000 competing anglers. It has been run out of the Destin Harbor for 49 years. Many other fine tournaments are hosted at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina such as the Fort Walton Beach Sailfish Club Tournament, the Coca-Cola Classic Cobia Tournament, the Children's Pinfish Tournament, and the Fisherman's Wharf King Mackerel Classic Tournament.


The Destin Fishing Fleet Marina has a family atmosphere where children are welcome. Tourists and locals alike love to watch the boats come in and see the huge catches of fish thrown on the dock, hung up for photographs, and filleted on site for the customers to take home. One of the most exciting places to be in Destin, come visit one afternoon and be sure to bring your camera.