Irma Vedros
August 9, 2016
Saints look to avenge 2-straight losing seasons
August 10, 2016
More than $12,000 will be at stake this weekend in the waters of Southeast Louisiana.
The Hercules Festival on the Bayou and Fishing Rodeo will take place this weekend at the Agriculture Pavilion at the Houma Airbase — a three-day event, which will begin Friday and end Sunday afternoon.
Proceeds for the event go to the Krewe of Hercules — one of the most prestigious and longest standing Mardi Gras krewes in the area.
The event features several categories throughout saltwater and freshwater divisions and cash prizes total $12,575, making it the largest cash rodeo in Louisiana.
“It’s a good time,” event organizer Dwayne Boudoin said. “Folks come out, and usually enjoy themselves. It’s a weekend with good, clean family fun. And the fishing is usually good, too. People come in and catch some really nice fish.”
Because of all the money at stake, the fishing is a huge draw for the weekend event.
A $1,000 prize will be given to the angler that catches the largest redfish greater than 27 inches, the largest redfish smaller than 27 inches and also the largest five-redfish stringer.
Prizes of $800 are available for the largest largemouth bass and also the largest largemouth bass stringer.
Tickets for the event cost $25 and are for sale at all local marinas and sporting goods stores. Included with a ticket are nightly entertainment and a rodeo t-shirt.
If not wanting to fish, one can attend the event with a $10 cover charge.
“It’s an event that people really have come to look forward to,” Boudoin said. “It’s competitive because of the money, but it’s friendly competition. Everyone’s main focus is just on having a really good time.”
But the event is more than just a fishing rodeo. It’s a community-wide party, as well.
Throughout the weekend, music will fill the air at the Agriculture Pavilion, as several well-known bands are booked to perform at the event.
On Friday from 8 p.m. — midnight, the Aaron Foret Band will perform.
Saturday’s lineup will also be good and will feature Justin Cornett and the Top Gun Band and Ryan Foret and the Foret Tradition.
In addition to the music, a jambalaya cook off will take place Saturday morning and a live auction is set for Saturday night.
“It’s more than a fishing rodeo. It’s an event,” Boudoin said. “Anyone can come to this and have a good time. It’s not just limited to fishermen or outdoorsmen. It’s an event for anyone who wants to pass a good time. We welcome anyone in the community. The more the merrier. Just like it always is in Louisiana.”
For more information, visit the Krewe of Hercules website at www.kreweofhercules.com.
An angler shows off a fruitful catch during last year’s Hercules Festival on the Bayou. This year’s rodeo will take place from Friday-Sunday. Cash prizes for the event will total more than $12,000.
