Awards presented for trout, redfish, cobia, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, mangrove snapper and white trout
The annual Grand Isle Speckled Trout Rodeo is set for May 25-27, and there’s no better place such an event right now. Setting out from Bridgeside Marina in any direction will land you on fat and hungry trout.
“You can fish inside, outside and even on the pier and you won’t have any problem finding trout,” local charter Capt. Danny Wray said.At a recent media event to showcase the action that awaits rodeo participants, it didn’t take long to get the point. A short walk on the newly reconstructed public fishing pier revealed rafts of large mullet lazily swimming below, with huge specks appearing right in the thick of things.
Trout up to 6 pounds were cruising on the surface in broad daylight.
Although none of those giant trout were hungry at the moment, dozens of 1- to 2-pound fish readily inhaled Gulp or plastic tails rigged on 1/4-ounce jigheads. One after another, fat trout were flung over the pier rails and onto the deck.
Even anglers without a boat will have a good chance of winning the rodeo, with the pier teeming with trophy-sized fish.
The next morning, Wray backed up his words with a short boat ride to the backside of Grand Isle. Stopping at a rock jetty, trout action was readily apparent: Shrimp frantically broke the glass-calm water in every direction as trout hunted them down.
A live shrimp under a popping cork sent into the fray, and it was game on. Although we likely could have limited without moving from that one spot, Wray wanted to prove that the trout were literally everywhere.
On our way to filling the fish box, there was not one spot we tried that didn’t produce trout.
The Grand Isle Speckled Trout Rodeo is a unique event that offers three days of competition, awarding daily prizes in the trout category as well as an overall award for the “Louisiana State Master Speckled Trout Angler.” The winner will receive the coveted blue Master Angler Jacket.
All profits from the rodeo support “Caring for the Community” projects, which this year will go toward purchase of athletic equipment for Grand Isle High school, as well as other charitable contributions.
Entrance fee to the rodeo is $20, which includes a rodeo cap, dinner and a dance that Saturday and lunch that Sunday.
Additionally, $3000 in cash prizes will be drawn as entry prizes from among all the participants.
Fish awards categories include trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead, cobia, mangrove snapper, drum and white trout.
Go to the rodeo Web site for more information.
