About the Rodeo

Kaylynn Hayles
Miss Destin 2026

My name is Kaylynn Hayles, and I am incredibly honored and grateful to serve as your Miss Destin 2026.

Being born and raised in Destin, this community has always held such a special place in my heart, and becoming Miss Destin is truly a dream
come true. I feel so blessed to represent the town that has shaped me into the person I am today.

I am the daughter of Eric and Angela Hayles and have an older brother, Maddox, who has always been someone I look up to. Growing up in Destin gave me the opportunity to experience an amazing childhood surrounded by a close-knit community, beautiful beaches, and lifelong friendships.

From a young age, I have always loved being involved in the community and participating in activities that helped me grow both as a leader and teammate. I cheered for the Destin Dolphins football team and participated in local dance and gymnastics programs.

Outside of volunteering, I love spending time with family and friends, being out on the water, relaxing at the beach, and taking my dog, Bettie, on walks. I also work two jobs, hostessing at Harbor Docks and making snowcones on the beach with Sunrise Beach Chair Company.

I attended Destin Elementary School and later Destin Middle School, where I became heavily involved in athletics and extracurricular activities. During middle school, I served as president of the fishing club, was a four-year member of the cheer team, and competed on the track and field team for four years. I ran the 800-meter race and threw discus, and one of my favorite memories was qualifying for the state competition in eighth grade with my school’s 4×8 relay team.

This upcoming year, I will be a senior at Niceville High School. I am an honors student with a 4.2 weighted GPA and a proud four-year member of the nationally and state-ranked Niceville High School cheerleading team. I am also involved in several organizations including Beach Clean Up Club, National Honor Society, Women in Sports Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Leadership, where I have had the opportunity to give back to the community.

One of the biggest parts of my life has always been fishing. I grew up spending countless hours on the boat with my dad, whether it was joining him on fishing trips or spending time with my family on our boat. A favorite memory of fishing of mine would be during Harbor Docks Cobia Classic when I was younger and I caught the biggest one out of everyone!

October has always been one of the most exciting times of the year in Destin because of the Destin Fishing Rodeo. I always joke that I was born September 30th, the day before October started, just so I could enjoy all 31 days of rodeo season! I am beyond excited to be part of the 78th Destin Fishing Rodeo and welcome everyone with open arms. Serving as Miss Destin 2026 is an honor I will never take for granted, as I am the luckiest girl in “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.