William Hetzer, Sr.
June 1, 2007
Gerald Hite, Sr.
June 8, 2007
Bob Sevin had an epiphany while throwing back a few suds with some buddies at a local watering hole.
And it was big.
“More than 90 percent of the people who fish at Grand Isle go after speckled trout, but no one was targeting speckled trout at any other fishing derbies. So I thought ‘Why don’t we do it?’”
Now, more than 11 years since the inception of Grand Island Speckled Trout Rodeo, Sevin can only look back and marvel at how big his annual tournament has become.
More than 1,100 tickets were sold for the 2007 edition of the event, which was held May 25 through 27 in the Grand Isle’s Bridgeside Marina.
“When we started this, only 96 people showed up that first year,” he quipped. “I remember thinking that it was going to be difficult to continue.”
Sevin no longer worries. Despite windy weather and poor fishing conditions, the rodeo drew a record attendance.
“Grand Isle is known as the speckled trout capital of the world,” Sevin said. “This was a perfect way to kick off the summer fishing season, and it was good for local businesses on Grand Isle.”
Brian St. Cyr won his second “Louisiana State Speckled Trout Master Angler” title by hooking three speckled trout over a three-day period totaling 8.12 pounds.
His effort was rewarded with a crystal bowl and the coveted Master’s jacket, which was bequeathed to him from 2006 Master Angler champ Beryl Eisworth.
St. Cyr was also named “Master Angler” in 2005 when he amassed a combined weight of 16.64 pounds. His father, Terry, captured the crown in 1998, 1999 and 2002.
“I’ve been fortunate to fish with my dad for such a long time,” St. Cyr said. “A lot of times, we don’t catch many fish. But I always enjoy being with him.”
Eisworth won the award for “Largest Speckled Trout by Female Angler” with a speck weighing 3.2 pounds.
Sevin’s 4.64-pound speck was tops in the male division.
Highlights of the weekend rodeo included good food, live music and many prize giveaways. Proceeds from the tournament went toward improvements to the Grand Isle community.
Sevin is already looking ahead to the Red Fish Rodeo, which is set to run at Grand Isle over Labor Day weekend. As vice president, he will serve as one of the main coordinators of the tournament.
Nonetheless, the Speckled Trout Rodeo will always hold a special place in Sevin’s heart.
“Speckled trout are unique because there are so many of them,” he explained. “You can catch them without a boat, you don’t need exotic tackle and this type of fish will always give you a fight. Plus, they are excellent to eat.”
Contributed Photo * Brian St. Cyr, the 2007 Louisiana State Speckled Trout Master Angler, receives a crystal trophy and winner’s jacket from 2006 rodeo winner Beryl Eisworth.
