Those fishing for a day of family fun will have quite the catch before them on May 20.
The third annual St. Charles Parish Fish Dat Rodeo is set for the date, presented by the parish’s department of parks and recreation. The event will be held 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 miscellaneous.
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.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to spend time with their father, mother, grandparents … come out and enjoy the day and have a chance to win some door prizes through our wonderful sponsors. Hopefully, the weather cooperates,” said Duane Foret, parks and recreation director.
And while introducing children to nature is the main purpose, the hope is anglers of all ages will venture out and cast their reel.
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.
The top door prize was donated by Councilwoman Beth Billings of Destrehan – a single man kayak, one of a number of prizes related to fishing or outdoor activities.
In year one, the event brought just over 40 entries. Last year, the number more than doubled to nearly 100, and Foret hopes to see the entrants cross that mark this year.
“We’re on a strong pace so far (in registration) … we’re excited. We feel really good about where that number will be,” he said. “We also hope this spurs a lot of interest in (the planned upcoming) Des Allemands boat launch, to one day be able to make this even bigger and hold it there.”
Competition begins at safe-light with weigh-in at 1 p.m. Food and fun will follow the weigh-in as awards and door prizes will follow.
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.
Registration for anglers 12 years old and under is $5, and it costs $10 for those 13 and older or boat captains. Participants can register online through May 18.
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