New Larose bridge in works to replace pontoon path
June 3, 2008June 5
June 5, 2008
What started with a couple of fishing buddies drinking beers around their Leeville camp has become a premier fishing tournament in Grand Isle.
This year marks the 24th annual Creole Classic Fishing Tournament from Bayside Marina and takes place June 19-21, the first weekend after Father’s Day.
“It’s easy to remember,” said Brent Barker, chairman of the Creole Classic for six years. “The days change but the weekend never does.”
The Creole Classic lineup is jam-packed. Besides the fishing tournament, there is a kickoff party under the Pavilion, live music from Diversionz and Good Feelin’s, a fish fry, door prizes, a charity auction and awards for the top finishers in each category.
Adult tickets cost $20; tickets for children under 12 cost $15.
Proceeds from the Creole Classic go to several charities including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Baton Rouge Burn Center, Make-A-Wish Fund, Lafourche Child Advocacy Center and the Grand Isle Police Fund.
The first Creole Classic in 1985 had 32 participants; 2007 saw a record turnout.
“Last year there were 900 participants in the tournament, and the charity auction raised over $24,000 for the charities,” Barker said.
He expects a similar crowd this year. “So far, we have about 300 registered and we are shooting for over 900-plus,” he said.
Anglers of all experience levels and fish preference will find a suitable option.
“There are 20 open fish categories, six children’s fishing categories and seven sponsor categories,” Barker said.
While the general public is welcome to compete in the open division, the sponsor division is for any business with at least a $200 sponsorship (Gold level).
Other sponsorship levels are Silver ($100), Platinum ($300), Master ($400) and Corporate ($1,000-plus), which entitles companies to tournament tickets and hats.
After the Thursday night kickoff party, fishing dominates Friday and Saturday. The scale opens from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
All fish categories will be awarded by weight. The first fish entered will break any ties in weight. All decisions of the Weigh Master, Jack Clements, are final.
The top three finishers in each category receive a certificate bearing their name and the size of the fish they caught on it. Plus they get a prize – either a combination rod and reel donated by Puma Rods and Reel, a 120-quart ice chest or a soft tackle bag, Barker said.
“The way we give our prizes is we call up the first-place winner, and he picks which prize he wants,” Barker explained. “Then the second-place person picks from the remaining two, and third-place gets what is left. It’s been working good like that.”
Barker is already looking forward to the silver anniversary tournament.
“This is 24th year; we’re trying to push it and make it really big next year for your 25th anniversary,” he said.
He surmises the 2008 edition will be pretty nice as well.
“There are a lot of door prizes, lots of auction items, lots of good food, lots of fun.”
For more information, visit www.creoleclassic.com online.
