Taylor Waterfowl fishing tournament fundraiser

DELACROIX – Paradis-based Taylor Waterfowl will hold a fishing tournament fundraiser on Saturday, June 14.

The tournament will benefit the Taylor Waterfowl Organization whose goal is to raise funds to build a wheelchair accessible boat for charity duck hunts.

“To get the boat made it is going to cost us around $3,000, but the builders, Fins and Feathers, are only charging us for materials. They are donating the cost of labor,” Nathan Verdin, president of Taylor Waterfowl, said.

A captains’ meeting and registration deadline will be Friday, June 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at which time at least one fisherman from each boat must be present in order for a boat to fish the tournament.

“There is going to be food and drinks at the captains’ meeting, Friday, the night before the tournament, we will be cooking jambalaya and will have beverages,” Verdin said.

The heaviest two fish under 27 inches wins first place.

There will also be second and third place cash winners. The pot will be split with 75 percent of the entry fee going to the winners and 25 percent going to the fundraiser.

Any fish over 27 inches is disqualified and any fish with any kind of deformities is disqualified. Only healthy fish with no mutilations whatsoever are allowed.

All contestants are expected to be back at the dock and ready to weigh-in by 3 p.m. There will be an 8 ounce per-minute penalty for any late contestants.

All contestants are expected to abide by all Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries state-issued fishing and boating laws and wear a life jacket while their engine is running. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on any boat while fishing the tournament. No fishing within 100 yards of an anchored contestant. Air-cooled engines are allowed.

A $100 entry fee per boat is non-refundable. Payment does not include the $10 launch fee which will also be collected at the captains’ meeting.

The event will be held at Sweetwater Marina located at 6205 Delacroix Highway in Delacroix.

Contestants should call Nathan (985) 722-7729 for pre-registration.