While the Covid-19 pandemic put a grinding halt to all indoor gatherings, it has affected outdoor events – such as fishing tournaments – to a lesser degree. That’s because outdoor spaces are well suited to increased social distance. Tournaments can also minimize the time that anglers come in contact with others. In addition, fishing itself has proven to be a calming influence in a time of high anxiety.
While there has been a significant increase in the last couple months of people infected with the Coronavirus, scientists who study pandemic statistical models tell us that we may be weeks away from a strong decline in the number of new cases. If this holds true, the timing couldn’t be better.
Two of the oldest and most popular fly fishing tournaments within the Gulf Coast Council are scheduled for early Fall – the Cedar Lake Bluegill Tournament and the Rio Grande Rodeo.
8th Cedar Lake Bluegill Fly Fishing Tournament
Saturday, September 19, 2020
6:00am to 12 noon
Road 536, House #5132, Biloxi, MS
hosted by Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers
$25 entry fee, includes lunch
This event was postponed from its usual time in May. But September can still be a good time for catching bluegills. Please note: this is “bluegill only” tournament. Other sunfish are not eligible. In addition, the fish must be weighed in alive. (Note kayakers: a small ice chest with a battery-powered aerator works nicely!)
The legal waters for this tournament are from Popp’s Ferry Road westerly to include Big Lake and adjacent connected bayous and waterways, Biloxi River in its entirety, and The Tchoutacabouffa River in its entirety.
The host, “Camp Contributions” has stepped up to the plate and offered this facility to hold the tournament. This tournament is non-profit and was set out to be so by the originators. The mission? Have a good time and keep things as simple as possible. Winners will receive a nice wall hanging plaque, fond memories, and of course, bragging rights!
Here are a few particulars:
– entry fee due prior to tournament
– participants must sign in that morning
– all fishing must be from boat, kayak, canoe, float tube
– awards for six heaviest bluegill (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
– heaviest bluegill overall (1st only)
– only live fish to be weighed
For complete tournament rules, location, registration forms and other details, click on this link.
12th annual Rio Grande Rodeo
Saturday, October 3, 2020
8:00am to 12:00pm (weigh-in)
LaFreniere Park, Metairie, LA
Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers
$15 entry fee, includes lunch and refreshments
Mail-in registration deadline – September 21st
Onsite registration deadline – October 3rd, 8:00am
The Rio Grande Perch is native to southern Texas and northern New Mexico, but due to aquarium dumpings has become established in extreme southeast Louisiana. Since rios are more cold-tolerant than other cichlids, most are able to survive the mild winters there.
Rios make excellent fly fishing quarry. While not the greatest of fighters, they can get up to 2 pounds, and when hooked, “fight like a wet cat”. They are also very wary, making presentation and choice of fly critical. Deemed an invasive species by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, at the weigh-in the fish can be “dead or alive”.
Here are a few particulars:
– unpaid registration onsite from 7:00am to 8:00am
– participants can fish anywhere in the area
– awards for biggest and the most rios brought in
– fishing boundaries Orleans, Jefferson, and Plaquemines parishes
– fishing is not allowed on any City Park golf courses
Complete details to be posted soon on the NOFF website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com (click on Rio Rodeo)
In addition, the club will hold a raffle for a TFO fly rod at the rodeo, with tickets priced at $10 for 1 ticket or $20 for 3 tickets. A donation will be made to Casting for Recovery based on the outcome of the Rio Rodeo.
