Hundreds expected again at ‘mega-kayak’ fishing festival in Caminada Pass
Billed as the world’s largest kayak fishing tournament, Ride the Bull V is scheduled for Aug. 16 on Grand Isle and if last year’s turnout in rainy weather is indication, the 2014 version could shatter its own record.
In 2013, 523 people registered and 488 actually participated, and event organizers are preparing for an even bigger crowd in Caminada Pass during the live-weigh, bull redfish-only tournament.
“I told the caterer to plan for 700 and we’ll adjust as the event gets closer,” said Capt. Danny Wray, tournament organizer. “Last year’s theme was ‘Bring a Friend’ and it helped propel the event into world-record status.
“This year, everybody can bring two friends and we will shatter our own record.”
In a great mix of fishing, fun and conservation, motorized assist boats take the captured reds in an onboard tank to Bridge Side Marina where they are weighed, measured and tagged before being released.
The tournament is as much about luck as it is skill – even novice kayakers and fishermen can do well since most participants are bottom-fishing with live or cut bait.
Last year’s winning fish weighed just under 33 pounds, and it took a 24-pounder just to get in the Top 10.
Anyone intending to borrow or rent a kayak for the event should start planning now as the entire rental fleet of kayaks from New Orleans south is expected to be sold out for the tournament, organizers said.
Prizes are still being acquired, but as of now, four Wilderness Systems kayaks, a KC custom kayak and GoPro cameras will be given away at the event.
The entry fee is $65 for adults and $50 for kids 17 and under, and all registration prior to Aug. 1 include dinner on Friday night and a tournament T-shirt.
Entries received after Aug. 1 are not guaranteed requested shirt size, and entries after Aug. 10 are not guaranteed a shirt.
For more details and to register, click here.
