EASL Members Challenged by Weather at this year’s Saltwater Challenge

August 4, 2014 By

For the second consecutive year, foul weather proved to be the most challenging part of the “Terry Melancon Saltwater Challenge”.

EASL hosted this popular annual event for the tenth time, July 17 through 20 in Grand Isle. Turnout was a little lower than usual, probably due to the 70% chance of severe thunderstorms that was forecasted. But most of the regulars were not deterred, and even when that 70% turned into 100, they certainly didn’t let it spoil their fun.

The festivities didn’t officially kick off until Friday evening, but many folks extended their weekend by arriving a day early for some extra fishing and crabbing. EASL reserved three nights at two brand new camps, located adjacent to each other and right on Caminada Bay. Twenty-five members spent the weekend there, and the camps also served as the perfect headquarters for event activities.

The Friday night registration supper featured a full 18-gallon pot of delicious jambalaya cooked by Charlie Moore. It was as good as it gets, but it almost didn’t happen! At about 3 that afternoon, just as Charlie and his help were getting started, a terrible thunderstorm blew through for about an hour with heavy rain, lightening, and gale force winds – everyone was soaked. But after the storm finally passed through, it calmed down nicely and Charlie was able to do his thing – just a little later than planned. At the registration, thirteen teams, a total of 40 people, signed-up for the Challenge.

At around 3 a.m. Saturday morning, anxious fishermen were awakened by the distant rumble of approaching thunder. The storm was returning, and well before daylight the entire island would be slammed with high winds, heavy rain, frequent lightening and thunder so loud it rattled the dishes in the camp kitchen. It would have had to get better to be called a hurricane, and this went on all morning. But to everyone’s surprise, at around noon the storms finally cleared out, the wind calmed, and the sun even came out a little. There wasn’t much time before the 3 p.m. deadline so most people left the boats on the trailers, grabbed their tackle and headed up Hwy. 1 for some side-of-the-road tailgate fishing. The strategy didn’t work for everyone, but enough fish were caught to fill out every category, and more importantly, provide supper that evening.

And a fine evening it was; a beautiful island sunset, great food, good friends, and even some live entertainment. Good times, for sure.

-by Keith Saucier

SWC Neuts Raiders

“Newt’s Raiders”  Vince Diez Sr. and Thelma Diez; Frank King and Beverly Cook captured 1st place in 3 categories; 5 Largest Trout; Largest Redfish; & Other Fish

SW Bama Toad Stranglers

Team “Bama Toad Stranglers” Torey & Joe Hayden, James Mason, & Len Higginbothom took 2nd place in the category “2 Largest Reds under 27”.

 

SWC Team Optomism

Team “Optomism”; Vince Diez Jr (pictured), Valerie & Brad Hymel (not pictured) placed 1st in the “Largest Trout” category; and 2nd place in the “5 Largest Trout” category. At right is Krissie Deshautelles of Team “Fishy Business”. Krissie was the award presenter for the evening.

SWC Team Chasin Tail

Team “Chasin’ Tail”; members Steve Peltier, Keith Tassin, Jim Scott, Steve Shesser, & Rick Store, were the big money winners this year. They took 1st in the “2 Largest Reds Under 27”, Flounder, and Cajun Slam

SWC Barney & Dominic

Barney Callahan & grandson Dominic , part of Team “Red Runners”.

SWC Charlie Moore big trout

Charlie Moore caught the undisputed biggest trout of the weekend (one day too early). Charlie cooked an awesome jambalaya for everybody Friday night.

SWC Vince Jr frying fish

Vince Diez Jr. was the head chef Saturday night. Fresh caught fried fish & french fries.

SWC Fish cleaning

Fish cleaning experts Barney Callahan, Vince’s Sr. & Jr. gave a fish cleaning clinic.

SWC Friday night supper

Good friends enjoying the Friday night supper; Jambalaya & white beans by Charlie Moore. Good as it gets!

 

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Results of the EASL Turkey Contest for 2014

August 4, 2014 By

Turkey Contest photo 1Results from EASL’s Turkey Contest are in!  There were 8 entries – 5 from Mississippi and 3 from Louisiana.

 Marigny Broussard won the Youth Division with a score of 34 (beard 10”, spurs 5/8” and 3/4″)

 Jason Lipoma won both the Louisiana Division with a score of 37-3/4 (9-1/2” beard, spurs 1” and 7/8”) AND the Out of State Division with a score of 64-1/2 (beards 7-1/4”, 7-1/2” and 10”; spurs 3/4″).

 Jason also won the $50.00 gift card to Cabela’s.

 Thanks to Thad Bellow for coordinating the contest and to Fins To Feathers Taxidermy for the awards.

Turkey Contest photo 2

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EASL Supports Proposed Ascension Rec Plan

June 19, 2014 By

Ascension deserves better recreation now!  On June 16th at the EASL general meeting, the EASL Board of Directors voted to support the proposed Ascension Recreational plan and the proposed funding needed to support it. EASL is asking the Ascension Parish Council to approve bringing the proposed millage to the voters in the Fall.

View the flyer:  Flyer 6 12 14

Express your opinion to your council member or go to the Council Meeting on Thursday, June 19th at 6:00 pm – Ascension Parish Courthouse @ 1210 S. Irma Blvd., Gonzales, LA 70737.

The proposal is for a dedicated fund for recreation. It will be supported by a 5 mill property tax, costing $3.13 to $5.21 per month for the average homeowner which is about the cost of one or two gallons of gasoline.
The Plan Includes:
● Upgrades for every local park
● 4 New Splash Parks
● Jogging and Hiking Trails throughout the Parish
● New Kayak/Boat launches/Waterway Access
● Fishing Ponds and Campgrounds
● Big Park at the Donaldsonville Fairgrounds (Splash Park, Softball, Soccer, Baseball Fields. Basketball Courts)
● Ascension Recreation Complex-East Bank (Soccer, Football, Baseball, Softball Fields. Basketball, Volleyball Courts)
● Performing Arts Theatre
● Outdoor Amphitheater
● Expanded Shooting Range

shooting series 1

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EASL Kids Fishing Rodeo Set for August 2

June 3, 2014 By

EASL’s 54th Kids Fishing Rodeo Set for Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Twin Lakes in Dutchtown (where Hwy 74 crosses I-10). FREE to all Kids 2 thru 14 years of age.  Easl Fishing Rodeo 2014 Flyer

Details:

•Registration starts at 6:30 am

•Fishing is from 7:00 am – 9:00 am

•Several age groups and prize categories, so even the “little ones” can win.

•Trophies awarded immediately after tally of results.

•Lots of door prizes for all age groups.

•FREE hot dogs, jambalaya and kool-aid while the judges tally the result

To Parents:
•Kids must bring their own rod and reel or cane pole and must use live bait (crickets, worms, etc.) No artificial lures allowed.

•Bring a bucket for the fish and a couple of chairs.

•Keep all fish that are caught, no matter how small (sorry, no turtles or eels)

•Kids are allowed to fish with only one rod and reel or cane poles

•Parents may help bait the hook and cast but the kids must land the fish.

•Parents do not have to be EASL members for their kids to fish.

*Children must never be left unattended*

For more information contact Ryan Schilling (225)413-9193

Kids Fishing Rodeo girl angler

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POSTPONED – ATV Trail Ride at Kisatchie National Forest – Saturday, May 17th

May 12, 2014 By

POSTPONED – Join EASL members on an ATV trail ride in Kisatchie National Forest on Saturday, May 17th.  If interested contact Francis Gautreaux at 225 715 5749 about the logistics, including time to meet and where.

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Kisatchie Trail Ride 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos of previous Kisatchie visits on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.222853881059251.68376.196631917014781&type=3

 

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Terry Melancon Saltwater Challenge: July 18-19, 2014

April 20, 2014 By

Saltwater Challenge Time!  EASL’s 10th annual “Terry Melancon Saltwater Challenge” is coming next month: July 18th and 19th in awesome Grand Isle.

You don’t need a boat to fish with us. Some past winners have been surf fishers. Last year, Mac Daigle caught a 5 pound trout right off the pier of the camp – but it didn’t count because it was before the official start time. – sorry Mac! Also, the island has two brand new fishing bridges, and at Elmer’s Island you can drive a car right up to some of the best surf fishing in the world. There’s even a good lighted fishing spot right under those camps we rented.

EASL has reserved two really nice waterfront camps for our members to use. They’re almost full, but as of this writing there were still a few spots available. You can call Keith (225-715-9487) to check availability. Friday evening sign-up and all other event activities will be held at these camps. They’re located right behind the “Cajun Holiday Inn”, right over the bridge on your left.

If you haven’t yet made reservations for the weekend, it’s not too late, but you better make them now. There’s lots of lodging info on Grand Isle’s official website: http://www.townofgrandisle.com/lodging/

One more thing – we added a new optional “Cajun Slam!” category. See details below.

Friday, July 18th events:

  • 6:30 p.m.: Team sign-up at the camps behind Cajun Holiday; free supper (BYOB and chairs).
  • Midnight:  Fishing starts

Saturday, July 19th events:

  • 3 p.m.: Weigh-in at camps behind Cajun Holiday
  • 6:30 p.m.: Back to the camps for free fish fry (BYOB and chairs) and announcement of winners

Registration fee:

  • $10 for EASL Members, $25 for non-members (includes EASL membership). Registration fee includes dinner Friday & Saturday evenings. 100% payback to the winners.
  • Optional $10 per team for the Cajun Slam! category

Rules:

  • Entry fees must be paid no later than the Friday evening team sign-up.
  • Maximum of 5 anglers per team. (Note: Surf fishing, kayakers, & other anglers not sharing the same boat must remain within sight of their teammates at all times while fishing.)
  • Both live and artificial bait are permitted.
  • Fishing boundaries – anywhere within boating distance of Fourchon/Grand Isle
  • Fishing begins at midnight Friday – ends at weigh-in time.
  • Must be at the weigh site no later than 3 pm Saturday.
  • 100% of registration fees will be divided among winners of the following categories;
    • Combined weight of 5 speckled trout;  1st & 2nd place
    • Big spec;  1st place
    • Combined weight of 2 redfish under 27”; 1st & 2nd place
    • Big red (any length);  1st place
    • Big flounder;  1st place
    • Biggest ‘other’ fish; 1st place (“other” means any legal fish that does not fit any of the above categories).
    • All above category winners will share equal percentages of the total entry fees with the exception of the “other fish” category which will receive $20.  Second place finishers will receive an amount equal to one-half of the first place prize.
    • Cajun Slam! is the combined weight of each team’s biggest redfish, trout, and flounder. You don’t have  to catch all three to qualify. You can weigh one of each, or all 3, and those fish are also eligible for the other categories. The team taking 1st place in the Cajun Slam! category will get 100% of the optional $10 entry fee

This is going to be a lot of fun. Looking forward to seeing you there!

or more event info, contact Keith (225-715-9487).

saltwater challenge food

2012 Saltwater Challenge

saltwater challenge 2012 team fish or die

2012 Saltwater Challenge

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Bluebird Boxes Now on Sale

April 20, 2014 By

Bluebird Boxes Now on Sale! How many EASL members and volunteers does it take to build 68 bluebird boxes? The answer came on March 15th when 8 people met at Vince Diez’s sign shop on Coontrap Road to help construct the boxes. The wood was donated by Warren Singer from an old cedar fence that he had replaced last year. The bluebird boxes are now on sale for $10 each, and can be purchased at EASL regular meetings while supplies last.

Bluebird Box Build - photo 3Although bluebirds are already nesting, it’s not too late to have a successful nest box. Bluebirds will nest more than once. They are very tolerant of humans, so be sure to monitor your boxes. After any nesting effort has ended, either due to nest failure or successful fledging of the young, remove the used nest from the box. When a bluebird nest is successful, re-nesting in the same box may be encouraged if the first nest is removed. This can be done as soon as all chicks have left the nest.

EASL’s bluebird nest box project has been very successful over the years. Many of our members let us know when bluebirds have nested and hatched. Thanks to Dwain Gautreaux for chairing the project for the last two years. And thanks to Dwain, Francis Gautreaux, Barney Callahan, Warren Herbert, Jodie Singer, Vince Diez, Ryan Schilling, and Carlos Noriega, Jr. for coming out on a Saturday afternoon and building these boxes. For their effort, several bluebirds will not be homeless for the next several years.

-Jodie Singer, EASL Treasurer

Bluebird Box Build - photo 4

Bluebird Box Build - photo 1

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Public Meetings on Outdoor Recreation Planning in Ascension

March 13, 2014 By

Ascension Parish is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. With a robust economy and forecast for future growth, planning for an expanding population is key to maintaining the parish’s great quality of life. A Citizens Advisory Group has formed to review the current plans for recreation, sports and the arts.
The plan has four components:
1. Upgrading and enhancing local parks all over the parish
2. Developing a Multi-Use Sportsplex
3. Completing the Donaldson Fairgrounds Sports Complex
4. Developing Kayak and Nature Trails
These plans are not finalized and The Citizens Advisory Group and Representatives of Ascension Parish Recreation are seeking input at public meetings. You are invited to share your opinions. Every person attending the meeting will have an input form and these opinions will be analyzed by the Citizens Advisory Group. Your input is vital to the planning effort.

Parks and Rec Mtg photo

 

 

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Volunteer to Build Bluebird Nest Boxes March 15th

March 13, 2014 By

You can help EASL build more bluebird nest boxes! On Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 1pm, volunteers will gather at Diez Sign Shop on Coontrap Road where wood and materials will be ready for preparing and assembling nest boxes.  We are asking volunteers to bring their own hammer.  Contact Dwain Gautreaux at 921-4173 for more information.

Blue Bird Boxes Built Jan 2013

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EASL’s Annual Squirrel Rodeo Oct 5, 2013

September 3, 2013 By

EASL 2013 Squirrel Rodeo set for Oct 5th .

DSC_1996

It’s time once again for our annual Squirrel Rodeo which is held opening day of squirrel season.  This year’s opening date is Saturday October 5th.  There is no entry fee for this event, but you do have to be a current member of the EASL.  Hunting starts at safe daylight and the weigh in begins at 11:00am and ends at 3:00pm.  Our weigh in location is at Merle Gautreaux’s house, 12400 Fernand Rd. in Gonzales.  Jambalaya will be served on our weigh in day and our cook is Perry Berteau.

 

Also, as part of our Squirrel Rodeo, everyone is invited to a squirrel dinner on Sunday Oct. 6th cooked by Todd Breaux.  The gathering is held at Merle’s house and will begin about 2:00pm.  If anyone has any questions please contact rodeo chairman Dwain Gautreaux at (225) 921-4173.

 

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