Got fish? Creole Classic does

Normally, an idea concocted by a group of guys sitting at a camp drinking beer is doomed from the get-go. But 25 years ago, a group of friends with camps at the BBY Marina in Leeville thought it would be fun to have a fishing competition against each other and anyone else who wanted to participate.

Little did they know it would be the start of a summer tradition in Grand Isle.

They decided on the name “Creole Classic,” and the rest, as they say, is history. The tournament returns for its 25th year at the Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle from June 25 to 27.

The first tournament had 32 registered fishermen. Three years later, in 1987, the Creole Classic had become so popular its headquarters had to be moved to Bridge Side Marina.

The tournament has evolved into one of the premiere fishing events on the island, drawing thousands of fishing enthusiasts and those who just come for the party. They come from Grand Isle to Thibodaux, and even into parts of St. Mary Parish, according to board member Rene “Buggie” Vegas.

The rodeo’s concept hasn’t changed since its inception; it’s still a fun, family-oriented tournament. And the proceeds are still donated annually to worthy charities.

“It’s a family affair. Children even get involved,” Vegas explained. “We have high school cheerleaders serve our stuff and sell our shirts. We get everybody involved.”

Vegas attributes the tournaments growth to the board of directors enthusiasm. “It’s one of the biggest rodeos on the island other than the tarpon rodeo,” Vegas said. “It’s been so successful and lasted so long because of the people involved in it. The oilfield industry and tons of local people are involved and they’ve all worked hard at getting it going. Plus, they enjoy it.”

The tournament has been held the first weekend after Father’s Day each of the last five years for good reason, according to Vegas.

“We used to hold it the week of Father’s Day but the guys would catch a lot of heat because the rodeo would last until Sunday and the wives would always wait for the fathers who were out there fishing,” he joked. “So we had to change it.”

The tournament is divided into three divisions. The sponsor division is for sponsors spending $200 or more. The division for adults and children (under 12) are open to all.

In the sponsor division, the categories are speckled trout, mangrove snapper, jack cravelle, lemonfish, rat red (must be 27 inches maximum length), bull red (must be over 27 inches length) and tuna.

The adult division contains the same categories as the sponsor division with the addition of white trout, flounder, amberjack, triggerfish, drum, bluefish, red snapper, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, wahoo, dolphin and grouper.

The children’s category contains speckled trout, catfish, white trout, rat red (must be 27 inches maximum length), flounder and croaker.

Prizes are awarded for the first three finishes for the best all-around fisherman and fisherette and the best all-around in the children’s division.

For more info, call (985) 787-2419.