America’s Oldest Freshwater Fishing Rodeo Celebrates it’s 75th Anniversary

The oldest freshwater fishing rodeo within the nation is about to hit a milestone! The New Orleans Metropolis Park Massive Bass Rodeo will have a good time its seventy fifth yr in operation on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Metropolis Park in New Orleans, LA.

The Massive Bass Rodeo is a catch-and-release match for anglers who fish the lagoons in Metropolis Park from land. The match is a “biggest-bass” match for these over 13 and older.  For junior anglers (ages 12 and below), the rodeo contains aggressive classes for heaviest bass or heaviest bream.

Along with the Massive Bass Event, there can be different actions and contests just like the Battle for the Bass which is division that provides Seventh-Twelfth graders a chance to compete.  College students in grades 7 – 12 will symbolize their faculties in groups of as much as 5 anglers. The workforce that weighs within the heaviest two-bass (mixed weight) will take dwelling a three-foot Battle for Bass trophy to show at their faculty. The winners may also obtain   $500 in reward playing cards for Berkley merchandise together with bragging rights for the yr!

For these fishing from a kayak, there can be a separate division known as the Boats on the Bayou. This can be a kayak match that can be held in Bayou St. John which is positioned on the outskirts of Metropolis Park. This occasion is for kayaks and non-motorized boats solely. Boats on the Bayou presents two aggressive classes that embody the most important bass and an “Different” division which permits anglers to weigh any fish caught with a rod and reel. When you don’t have a kayak, don’t fear, Massey’s Outfitters can be there to hire one to you freed from cost. Anglers are inspired to register early for the kayaks as there are a restricted quantity to be rented. Massey’s additionally can be donating $1,400 in reward playing cards to their shops all throughout Louisiana.

For these not competing there can be loads of leisure because the rodeo will maintain its Feshtival occasion which incorporates video games, raffles, meals, and music. The occasion is free to everybody and households are inspired to attend. The Fishtival can be held from 9 a.m. to midday within the grandstand space in entrance of Cafe du Monde on Dreyfous Avenue in Metropolis Park. The occasion will function music in addition to academic and hands-on actions for youths. LDWF mascot, Robbie the Redfish, can be available for picture alternatives.

TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS:

Massive Bass Rodeo

• 6:30-11 am; should be in line at weigh station earlier than 11 am
• $20 (13 and older); $10 (12 and below)

Battle for the Bass Pupil Fishing Competitors

• 6:30-11 am; should be in line at weigh station earlier than 11 am
• $20 (13 and older); $10 (12 and below)

Boats on the Bayou

• 7-10:30 am; should be in line at weigh station earlier than 10:30 am
• $35 pre-registration payment; $40 on website

Fishtival

• 9 am-Midday | Popp Bandstand by Cafe Du Monde
• Free

For extra data, go to www.bigbassfishingrodeo.com. Registration is open and costs fluctuate relying on division. Contact Danica Williams at dwilliams@wlf.la.gov with questions.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award successful outside journalist that resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outside column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith e mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com