“World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” Hosts 16th Annual Destin Cobia Tournament

DESTIN • FORT WALTON BEACH • OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. – Fishing fanatics of all ages are invited to try their luck this Spring in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” during the 16th Annual Destin Cobia Tournament -- March 1 - April 30, 2012 -- along Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast. Each year the competition hooks hundreds of anglers in the fish-filled waters of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island, providing an unparalleled fishing experience and excellent payout, with more than $35,000 in cash and prizes awarded last year.

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The extravaganza kicks off with the first Cobia caught and weighed-in by a boat officially entered in the contest. Whether a first-time fisher or “seasoned old-salt,” the tournament yields a number of festivities and special events along the 24 miles of sugar-white sand and brilliant, emerald-green waters of Northwest Florida’s upper Gulf coast. Events range from the kick-off party at the Emerald Grande Ballroom and Super Saturdays at the weigh-in stations, to the awards ceremony at Harry T’s -- all taking place near HarborWalk Marina, just steps from the docks. Registration for the 16th Annual Destin Cobia Tournament may be completed by visiting Destincobiatournament.com or calling 850-837-2343. All proceeds from the event go towards the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund -- created in 1951, three years after the Destin Fishing Rodeo debut -- assisting aspiring young women in furthering their educational goals. A wide-range of accommodations are available, from beachfront hotels and a bed-and-breakfast, to condominiums and vacation homes. A sampling of accommodations and great rates during the Destin Cobia Tournament include: Southern Vacation Rentals from $105 per night Jetty East Condominiums from $137 per night Resorts of Pelican Beach from $175 per night Emerald Grande from $289 per night Unpretentious, breathtakingly-beautiful and named “No. 1 Place to Live & Boat” by Boating magazine, Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast is famous for 24 miles of sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters. Yearround, vacationers get a little sand in their soul by indulging in simple pleasures - from the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and spirited beachside celebrations to eight prestigious golf and country clubs featuring championship courses and nearly 13,000 Gulf-edged accommodations. To take part in the 16th Annual Destin Cobia Tournament or to receive more information on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, contact the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. by visiting Emeraldcoastfl.com or calling 800.322.3319.