Leeville proves a worthy host for rodeo

Baton Rouge native Steve Lessard proved this weekend what a lot of folks locally already suspected: No one knows Louisiana’s marshes quite like a born and bred Cajun.

Lessard won the 2016 Hobie Fishing World’s Championship this weekend – a kayak fishing championship event held in Leeville at Moran’s Marina.

Lessard won the title, weighing 126-pounds of redfish and trout over three-days, outlasting Australian Richard Somerton, who was the runner-up with 110 pounds.

A total of 49 anglers competed in the event and 17 countries were represented. Lessard said winning the title was a huge honor – an accomplishment even greater because it took place in his home state.

“It’s a great feeling,” Lessard said. “There are some great fishermen out here, and to see some of the fish caught in not-so great conditions, it’s just a testament to how talented these people are. This was a wonderful event.”

Lessard’s knowledge of both the territory and also Louisiana’s climate allowed him to secure the title.

A cold front passed through the state in the middle of the event, causing conditions to be colder and windier than many expected, which made the Leeville waters muddy.

That weather change was an about-face for anglers, because pre-rodeo practice conditions were dry and calm and fished in clear water.

But Lessard stayed patient and accepted the challenge, snagging 31 pounds of fish in Day 2 of the rodeo – the day most unfavorable for fishing.

That day allowed him to catapult to the top of the leaderboard – a position he kept on day three after weighing 28 pounds of redfish and 19 pounds of trout.

Somerton also had a big day three, weighing 41 pounds of fish, securing a runner-up finish.

Rounding out the Top 5 were American Matthew Vann, Chinese angler Jianping Du and American Matthew Scotch.

“The cold front, honestly, helped me, because I knew fishing conditions would change drastically,” Lessard said. “I knew it was going to be a physical, as well as mental, challenge. It’s easy to get discouraged with muddy water and high winds, but I was able to settle in and catch a few fish on the worst day. … That made a huge difference for me.”

But while Lessard rejoiced and celebrated the tournament title, event organizers and competitors all seem to agree that Leeville, Louisiana was the real winner of the three-day event.

The championships were headquartered at Moran’s Marina, and anglers touted the hospitality of the marina staff in making sure their stay was pleasant.

By day, anglers fished.

By night, they gathered together and made friends – connections that many touted after the event will last a lifetime.

“I really appreciate the fact that Hobie put on such a great event at such a great venue,” said Texas angler Guillermo Gonzales, who finished ninth. “The people here in the South are wonderful and so hospitable.”

“I now have friends around the world and I’ve rekindled other friendships that will last a lifetime,” Canadian angler Tim Percy added. “The hospitality here in Southern Louisiana has been absolutely amazing. They have welcomed us with open arms. Bottom line, I want to thank Hobie Fishing and the people of Louisiana for a fabulous event.”

The fruitful waters helped, too.

Anglers up and down the leaderboard said Lafourche Parish’s canals, bayous and passes are some of the best places in the world to fish – even through difficult conditions.

Massachusetts angler Eric Harrison said before this event he’d never been to Louisiana. During it, he caught his first-ever black drum – a fish he couldn’t weigh, but yet he will always remember.

“It’s a really, really cool-looking fish,” Harrison said. “This was an amazing event.”

North Carolina angler Joe Komyati agreed and said during the trip, he ate crawfish for the first time, but also experienced a quantity of fish he’d not ever seen.

“This location is absolutely great for fishing,” Komyati said. “Around every corner in these bayous, you can catch a fish. Even foreigners who fish differently can do it. It’s an awesome area – the fishing, the food and the people – they’re all awesome.” •

Hobie World Championships

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