More than 800 anglers and 150 boats expected, coordinator says
The 15th Annual Faux Pas Lodge Rodeo is slated for July 25-27 in Venice.
Rodeo Coordinator Kleo Blue said he’s expecting another big turnout for the event, which is based out of the Venice Marina.
“We usually have anywhere from 800 to 1,000 participants, and from about 150 to 170 boats,” Blue said.
The rodeo offers anglers of all skill levels four different divisions: Inshore, Rig, Offshore and Live Redfish.
Additional prizes include calcuttas for the largest fish per species, grand slam calcuttas per division, blue marlin tag and release, live redfish and redfish with the most spots.
Fishing begins at midnight that Thursday, and scales will be open from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. In addition, scales will be open on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for live redfish only.
Saturday will be the last day of fishing, and scales will be open from 3-6 p.m.
All boats weighing fish must be checked in by a tournament committee boat at the mouth of the Venice Marina.
A very special event will take place even before the rodeo officially begins, Blue said.
“One thing we’re very proud of is that on Wednesday, we take 20 special needs kids from Miracle League and Children’s Hospital, and ten of the guides donate their time and take these kids fishing,” he said. “Hotard Coaches donates a bus to transport them to Venice, the kids all get a pole, we feed them and provide them with lots of rodeo swag. It’s a really great deal.”
Registration is $40 per angler, with $5 from each entry fee donated to the Recreational Fisheries Research Institute, a non-profit conservation, research and outreach group.
For more information, or to register for the event, click here.
