Angler's Royale offers inshore anglers chance for big payout in festival atmosphere

Saltwater tournament based at historic French Market

Fish the Angler's Royale tournament this weekend for some competitive speckled trout and redfish fun. The event is based at New Orleans' French Market.

Are you the best speckled-trout angler in Southeast Louisiana?

It'll take you only $50 to find out.

This Saturday, anglers from across the region will be competing in the Angler's Royale, a first-of-its-kind fishing tournament that will award some huge cash prizes.

There is no captain's meeting, and competitors will weigh their fish between 3-5 p.m. Saturday (April 21) at the French Market.

Dedicated parking will be made available to all participants.

Anglers are allowed to fish anywhere in Louisiana, and the winner-take-all tournament pays $2,500 to the angler bringing in the heaviest speckled trout. Additionally, the heaviest redfish will net $1,000.

Upon checking in, participants will present their fish to Tournament Director Justin Duncan. At the check in, they will receive a T-shirt, towel and hot meal and drinks, all of which is included in the entry fee.

"They can just lounge around and enjoy the French Market until the winner is announced at 5:30," Duncan said.

After the announcement, a brass band will entertain participants and their friends and family.

"We wanted to make it a festive, upbeat, New Orleans-style event," Duncan said. "The French Market is the oldest market in the United States, so I thought it would be interesting to have a weigh-in there because there are so many folks from out of town. They'll get to see what kind of fishing we have."

For more information, email Duncan at theanglersroyale@gmail.com or visit http://www.frenchmarket.org/events/.