Registration is now open for the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation’s annual Fish Dat Rodeo, as it returns for year six.
The event will take place on Saturday, May 9, at the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway Lower Guide Levee Boat Launch. Anglers of all ages are invited to participate in the fishing tournament, where they will strive to catch fish in the following categories: bass, bream, catfish, sac-a-lait and even a miscellaneous category.
“It’s a chance to get ourdoors and see what Louisiana has to offer,” said Duane Foret, St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Director. “We started this a few years ago to introduce kids to the wonderful natural resources we have in our area. To see how the event has grown … it’s truly heartwarming to see these kids enjoying the outdoors.”
In year one, the event brought just over 40 entries and that number doubled in year two. The event has continued to grow since. Foret said last year’s event blossomed to 180 participants.
“We’re hoping to reach 200 this year, which would be a new record,” Foret said. “It’s gotten bigger every year. We’re very fortunate here to have a parish president and council that believe in quality of life initatives and their support makes it possible.”
Foret noted there aren’t many events in southern Louisiana that offer the chance to fish from the bank and win prizes. Those prizes are courtesy of several local businesses and agencies who he said have stepped up in a huge way.
Registration will remain open through May 8 and one may register online. Cost for anglers 12 years old and under is $10, and $15 for 13 years old and older or boat captains.
The rodeo was established with the intent of introducing or reintroducing local youths to the beautiful nature and resources of the area – away from the TV and their smartphones, perhaps inspiring a love of the outdoors that could last a lifetime. And while introducing children to nature is the main purpose, the hope is anglers of all ages will venture out and cast their reel.
Competition begins at safe-light with weigh-in at 1 p.m. Food, awards and door prizes will follow.
A kayak will be chief among the top 20 grand prizes given away at the event. That has become something of an annual tradition – the kayak a top prize lending to fun outdoors.
“It helps people get to places where a motorized boat can’t get to,” said Foret. “To fish some little canals and spots in the parish without having to bring a boat out and fuel up.”
The Fish Dat Rodeo is open to all St. Charles Parish residents and legal Louisiana fishing licensed persons. A Louisiana fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. All Louisiana fishing regulations apply.
The rodeo headquarters will be located at the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway Lower Guide Levee Boat Launch off of Hwy 61 on the Norco side. All St. Charles Parish residents and legal Louisiana fishing licensed persons are eligible to fish in the rodeo from a boat or from the bank. All bank fishing participants will only be allowed to fish in water located in sight of the rodeo headquarters. There will be multiple door prizes for registered participants. Only registered participants are eligible for door prizes.
