Report on Kids Fishing Rodeo Held in September 2017

November 9, 2017 By

Details and photos posted soon. Thanks to our sponsors and supporters who helped us provide this event free to the kids in our parish.

Sponsors for 2017 Kids Fishing Rodeo:

Shell Pipeline Company, LP
Tower Place LLC
MIC-LIN Enterprises, LLC (Geico Local Office)
Loyson Porta Accountant
Knights of Columbus/St. John the Evangelist
Melissa & Scott Kogler
Mobile Electric Supply, LLC
St. Elizabeth Hospital
David H. Wilcox Insurance Agency, Inc.
Academy Sports & Outdoors
Jumonville’s Bakery

Thanks to EASL members who donated throughout the year in support of the event:
Mark Gautreau
Barney Callahan
Jim Hebert
Barney Gautreau
Goosie Guice
Tommy Martinez
Dane Bourgeois

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Results of EASL 2016 Squirrel Rodeo

October 5, 2016 By

la-squirrelResults of EASL’s 2016 Squirrel Rodeo (photo of squirrel not to scale, also it’s not a real squirrel but enjoy!)

There was some discussion at the September EASL meeting as to the opening date of this year’s squirrel season. One faction contended that it opened on the third of this month and the other held to the first. Several members rose, and reminiscent of Doc Holiday at the O.K. Corral, drew their mobile phones, handily holstered on their hips, to confirm that opening day was in fact October first this year. Seems that those acting as the Clanton Boys were looking at last year’s opening date, an understandable error, and maybe even excusable. But not excusable by the State Game Wardens in a year where the first Saturday in October falls after the third of October and one is caught with squirrels in his hunting sack on the third.

For clarification, squirrel season always opens one half hour before sunrise the first full weekend in October…to simplify, the first Saturday in October. I could be partially incorrect if you bring up the Spring season. The 2017-2018 Fall season opens on Saturday, October 7, 2017.

To get to the business at hand…the rodeo was again held at Merle Gautreaux’s home. The new chairman was yours truly. Everyone was reasonably pleased with the new chair’s performance. He mostly sat in a chair, pointed his fingers and barked out orders. The past chairman graciously agreed to usher him through his first ordeal and was the only one who expressed displeasure with the new administration. The old chairman was appointed weighmaster and was called upon to weigh the bags of squirrels as they arrived. This seemed to interfere with the leisure time that he anticipated spending during his retirement as chairman.

There were seventeen hunters who participated. Fourteen weighed in squirrels. There was a total of fifty-seven squirrels weighed in. Three hunters had full limits. Most consisted of grey squirrels with a smattering of red squirrels.

The winner was Richard Gautreaux with a full limit of eight red squirrels weighing in at ten pounds even. Richard also had the largest squirrel which weighed in at one pound and five ounces. He claimed that he hunted near Opelousas in a section of woods that he had recently scouted.

Second place was Kevin Prettelt with eight squirrels totaling eight pounds three ounces; and in third place was Gary Lass with eight squirrels weighing seven pounds one ounce.

Special thanks to Perry Berteau for cooking the jambalaya and beans for the weigh-in and cleaning party. It was jam up!

Sunday’s gravy was cooked again this year by Todd Breaux. A few more squirrels were added from Saturday evening’s and Sunday morning’s hunts. Total squirrels weighed in was fifty-seven; total in the stew was around seventy-five. There was some talk about the possibility of subsidizing the stew with a couple of Merle’s laying hens in order to have enough for the crowd, but the extra squirrels gave them a reprieve.

The entire weekend was enjoyed by all, with much laughing, joking and retelling of old lies, and everyone went home with full stomachs, even the grumbling weighmaster.

There was one incident on Sunday involving a conspiracy and possible attempted theft of a chicken by one of the cooks…but then that’s another story.

— Byron Gautreau, Event Chair

 

2016-squirrel-rodeo-weigh-in-sheet

 

 

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EASL Turkey Contest Winners for 2016

July 28, 2016 By

Turkey Contest Winner 2016: Cody Braud won in the out of state category and Goosie Guice won the in-state category.

Turkey Contest winner 2016

Thad Bellow (left) with Cody Braud.

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Ashlee Fink Wins First Place in EASL Squirrel Rodeo

November 5, 2015 By

EASL’s 2015 Squirrel Rodeo on Saturday, October 3rd had 19 hunters this year.  First Place: Ashlee Fink, with a limit that weighed 8.7 lbs. Second Place: Mike Brown, with 7 that weighed 8.1 lbs, and also tied for biggest squirrel. Third Place was Gary Lass with 8 at 7.1 lbs. Hunters enjoyed a jambalaya cooked by Perry Berteau. On Sunday, EASL members enjoyed a tasty squirrel gravy cooked by Todd Breaux at Merle’s place. Thanks to our cooks, Dwain Gautreaux for chairing this annual event and Merle Gautreaux for hosting.

Ashlee Fink First Place Squirrel Rodeo 2015

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Results, Article for EASL’s 55th Kids Fishing Rodeo

August 10, 2015 By

Check out great photos from EASL’s 55th Kids Fishing Rodeo in The Advocate’s article:

http://theadvocate.com/news/ascension/13051440-123/rodeo-offers-some-reel-quality

WINNERS:
Biggest Fish Overall: Seth Baye, 3.3 pounds
Most Fish Caught, Girls: Elizabeth Kennison, 48
Most Fish Caught, Boys: Ayden Fatheree, 58

Age 2-4
Most Fish, Girls: Sophie Bordelon, 17
Most Fish, Boys: Leighton Fatheree, 17
Biggest Fish: Miles Bowman, .47 lbs.
Age 5-7
Most Fish, Girls: Braylee Lambert, 29
Most Fish, Boys: Nikolaus Kahn, 34
Biggest Fish: Keenan Wilson, .63 lbs.
Age 8-10
Most Fish, Girls: Kaylyn Carter, 47
Most Fish, Boys: Wesley Robinson, 41
Biggest Fish: D’Shawn Hunt, 2.80 lbs.
Age 11-14
Most Fish, Girls: Sadie Bourgeois and Karlie Delhommer, 12
Most Fish, Boys: Kanaan Watts, 27
Biggest Fish: Rosa Rodriguez, .60 lbs.

Sophie Singer win kids rodeo 2015

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Another Successful EASL Kids Fishing Rodeo for 2014

February 16, 2015 By

EASL’s 54th Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo

By: Dane Bourgeois

Waiting for My Door PrizeOn Saturday, August 2, 2014, 175 kids showed up for the “54th Annual EASL Kids Fishing Rodeo.”  It was a big success! Once again it was held at Twin Lakes Mobile Estates in Dutchtown. Thanks to Mr. Bobby and Mr. Virgil for their hospitality and hard work in preparing the grounds so that the kids had easy access to the lakes.

OK, Let's Fish As always, there were several kids in line to register before our team of EASL members and volunteers were set up to sign them up. But it didn’t take long to get everything lined out. In just a short while, kids were getting signed up and donuts were being handed out. It seems everything was lined out.

Wait, not so fast. Did I say that “everything was lined out?” Everything but the crickets, that is. It seems like no one thought about getting cups to put the crickets in. I told a couple kids if they could carry a couple crickets in their hands, they would catch more fish. They weren’t buying it. These kids were young, but not all that gullible. We needed to do something, and do something quick! So I jumped into my truck and was off to EASL’s storage shed. Within a couple of minutes I had the cups and lids and was headed back toward Twin Lakes. As I approached the lakes I could hear everyone cheering… “Here he comes to save the day!” Not really. I don’t know if anyone even knew that I went to pick them up. What’s important is that shortly after the cups arrival, there were crickets all around the lakes and at 7:00 sharp a horn was blown to signal that it was time to fish.

Patience Before the Horn BlowsThere was a big chance of rain early in the day. But as the morning played out the weather gods shined on us. The sun never poked out from behind the clouds, so the temperatures stayed a little cooler than normal which was a blessing. There was a lite sprinkle for a few minutes, but didn’t discourage any of the kids, or should I say “the fishermen”. It actually felt good.

Well as always before you knew it, two hours had passed by and the horn sounded once again. It was time to stop fishing and start counting and weighing fish.

Kids Rodeo 2014 A Weigh We GoWhile the fish were being counted, a delicious jambalaya cooked by Mr. Pete and Jeff Bourque and Mr. Barrett Jenkins was being served, as well as all the hotdogs and cool-aid one could want. Thanks to some fast counting & weighing, it was time to announce the winners.

Kids Fishing Rodeo and Bike Winners

 

 

There were 175 kids that participated – 116 boys and 59 girls. The results are as follows:

Overall Winners:

Biggest Fish – Caden Hughes with a 2.7 lb. catfish

Most Fish (Girls) – Mikaylah Bordelon with 54

Most Fish (Boys) – Ayden Fatherree with 48

Age Group 2-4:

Biggest Fish – Miles Bowman with .33 lb.

Most Fish (Girls) – Abbygail Lambert with 9

Most Fish (Boys) – Phoenix Townsend with 21

Age Group 5-7:

Biggest Fish – Cleore Billiot with .59 lb.

Most Fish (Girls) – Lillian McClure with 53

Most Fish (Boys) – Kace Poche with 40

Age Group 8-10:

Biggest Fish – DeShawn Hunt with 1.05 lb.

Most Fish (Girls) – Emilee Kennison with 43

Most Fish (Boys) – Caleb Gautreau with 41

Age Group 11-14:

Biggest Fish – Garrett Leeper with .73 lb.

Most Fish (Girls) – Elizabeth Kennison with 31

Most Fish (Boys) – Garrett Leeper with 29

Bike Winners:

Girls – Olivia Hutchinson and Tiffany McCormick

Boys – Carson Dabadie and Jackson Peltier

 

Support from Shell Pipeline Company LPAfter the rodeo and bike winners were announced, all kids registered were awarded a pickup truck full of door prizes. Thanks to the following sponsors & contributors who helped make this possible:

-Twin Lakes Mobile Estates

– American Sportsmen Against Poachers

-Benton Equipment Co.

-Shell Pipeline Company LP

-Bayou Metal Works

-Motiva Rec Club

-Parish President Tommy Martinez

-Pure Fishing

-Fluker’s Cricket Farm

– St. John Knights of Columbus council 8342

-Cabela’s

-Jumonville’s Bakery

-Riverside Barber Shop

-Canal Bank

-Acadian Ambulance

– Diversified Materials & Consulting

-Industrial Consulting & Supply Corp.

-Robert Taylor Enterprises

-Harry Robert Insurance

-Diez Sign Co.

-Hutch’s Ace Hardware

-Ryan Shilling

-Mike & Carrie Brown

-any others I may have failed to mention

All the kids were on their way home by 11:00a.m. I tip my hat to all EASL members who helped put this together and made it such a success. We will need a rodeo chairman for next year. There is a list of things that need to be in place prior to the weekend of the rodeo and it’s the chairman’s duty to see that these things are being taken care of. I ask that someone consider stepping up and volunteering to chair this outstanding event. I promise it will be a rewarding experience.

 

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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 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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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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