Kids fishing rodeo set for May 7

In its 11th year, the Terrebonne Sportsman’s League Youth Fishing Rodeo continues to strive to reach its ultimate goal — to get area kids interested in fishing and to promote and preserve the area’s heritage of fishing and boating.

The annual rodeo is set for May 7 at Pointe-aux-Chenes Marina and is hosted by Barry and Angie Fanguy.

Terrebonne Sportsman’s League President Larry Jordan said the free event has continued to grow.

“We have had close to 150 or 160 people who have fished it when the weather’s been good and it’s open to all kids in Terrebonne Parish between 4 and 15 years old,” Jordan said. “It’s totally free. We serve hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks.”

All children must be accompanied by an adult and may fish from a boat or the bank.

Anglers under 12 must wear approved flotation devices, which along with tackle, will be provided if needed.

Registration is from daybreak to 1 p.m. and everyone gets a cap and T-shirt.

The categories are redfish over 27 inches, redfish under 27 inches, speckled trout, black drum over 27 inches, black drum under 27 inches, sheepshead, catfish, crab, miscellaneous and best boys and girls all-around angler.

All fish must be of legal size and trophies will be awarded for the Top 3 places.

Those who fish from a boat must be back by 1 p.m. to weigh fish and scales close at 2 p.m.

“At the end of the rodeo each winner receives a trophy and each person who fishes the rodeo receives a certificate of participation,” Jordan said. “We also have prizes that we give away. Every person who registers for the rodeo gets a ticket and gets to pick a prize. That’s for all of the kids. Everyone is going to get a prize of some kind, whether it’s an award of a door prize.”

Pointe-aux-Chenes Marina, Southern Outdoors and Marina Supplies Inc., Supreme Services and Speciality, Rouses Supermarkets, Dugas Oil, Academy Sports and Outdoors and Bayouside Seafood and the Terrebonne Sportsman’s League Board of Directors are the event’s major sponsors.