Benefitting guide Dennis Bardwell’s wife Cathy, who is battling liver cancer
The Venice fishing community has organized a one-day tournament this Saturday, June 20, in support of longtime guide Dennis Bardwell, whose wife Cathy is battling liver cancer.
Capt. Rene Dandry, with Louisiana Delta Outfitters, said the Bardwell Family Benefit Tournament will be based out of Venice Marina, and will begin at midnight Saturday morning, with weigh-in ending promptly at 6 p.m. that evening.
The entry fee is $25 and the event features six categories: tuna, dolphin and wahoo in the Offshore Division, and speckled trout, redfish and flounder in the Inshore Division.
There also will be a Calcutta for the heaviest five-fish stringer of red snapper, and the Calcutta entry fee is $50 per boat.
“The main reason for the whole tournament is to help raise money for hospital bills and whatever they need it for,” Dandry said.
A captain’s meeting will be held at Venice Marina at about 6 p.m. on Friday, and participants can also register for the tournament on Saturday.
“I’ll be at the marina at 4:45 Saturday morning ’til whenever,” Dandry said. “I’ll be there all day long.”
Prizes include K2 coolers, rods, reels, tackle and more, he said. A live auction will be held, a band is scheduled to play and fried fish plates also will be available for $10.
