3 Major Fishing Rodeos In Louisiana

This weekend, three major fishing rodeos will have fishermen headed into the Gulf of Mexico from marinas across South Louisiana. The Faux Pas Lodge Invitational and the West Delta Kingfish Invitational will be held in Venice, La., and the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo will take place at the Grand Isle Tarpon Pavilion. All three tournaments offer up opportunities for fishermen of all levels.

"One of the best ways to enjoy summertime in South Louisiana is to head out into the Gulf during one of Louisiana's incredible saltwater fishing tournaments," said Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina. "I'd encourage folks to check out any of the three tournaments, those in Grand Isle or Venice. Whether or not you take home the grand prize you'll have a weekend full of memories with family and friends."

Tournament details and registration information are as follows:

• 13th Annual Faux Pas Lodge Invitational

The Faux Pas Lodge will hold its 13th annual Rodeo in Venice, next Thursday, July 28 through Saturday, July 30. The Faux Pas Lodge Invitation offers fishing opportunities for novice and professional anglers alike. The tournament is comprised of four different divisions: inshore, rig, offshore and live redfish.

To download an application click here: http://fauxpaslodge.com/index.asp?pg=registration.

For the first in the tournament's history, Faux Pas Lodge will also partner with Children's Hospital, the Miracle League of New Orleans, the Wish to Fish Organization and many volunteers that will bring children with special needs fishing on Wednesday, July 27.

For more information please contact Kleo Blue at [email protected] or (504) 834-8342.

• West Delta Kingfish Invitational

This year's West Delta Kingfish Invitational on the mouth of the Mississippi River will be held next Friday, July 29 through Sunday, July 31. This tournament is being held at the Venice Marina. Registration is Friday, July 29, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information contact Mike Butler at [email protected] or (504) 433-6832.

The West Delta Kingfish Invitational is a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) Division 7 sanctioned tournament. The SKA is the world's largest offshore fishing organization that sanctions or produces over 50 tournaments across the Gulf of Mexico and on the east coast up to North Carolina. More information may be found at www.FishSKA.com.

• Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo

The Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo was originally established in 1928 and is the oldest fishing tournament in the Unites States. The tournament will be held at the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion located at the end of Highway 1 in Grand Isle. The tournament dates are Thursday, July 28 through Saturday, July 30.

For more details and registration information visit http://www.tarponrodeo.org/GITR/Home.html.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter@LDWF.