‘Take A Kid Fishing’ rodeo offers fun, prizes for young anglers

For the sixth year, the Cut Off Youth Center is hosting a fishing rodeo, not focused on the adults in the area, but instead aimed at the kids whose vigor for fishing matches that of the older, more seasoned fisherman of Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.

On June 23 and June 24, the Take A Kid Fishing Rodeo casts off for the younger fishing enthusiasts in the area.

In an area filled with fishing rodeos, it is somewhat surprising that so few focus on children who fish, said Youth Center Director Daniel Callais. “There are fishing rodeos all over,” he said. “And being we are a community center for children, we were thinking of another program we could offer to the kids. That’s how we came up with the idea.”

Callais said he only knows of one other fishing rodeo aimed toward kids, which takes place in Montegut.

Taking place in all local waters of Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, there are eight catch categories: speckled trout, redfish under 27, drum, sheepshead, catfish, flounder, perch and largest crab.

But while the focus of the rodeo is on the children, Callais says that parents won’t be left in the cold. “We name it Take a Kid Fishing because that’s what we stress,” he said. “A kid is not going to go out fishing on his own, but if the parent brings him out fishing, that’s what we want.”

Adults taking their kid fishing will have separate catch categories, including speckled trout, redfish, drum and bass. “You have to have something for (parents) to fish, also,” Callais said while chuckling.

Taking place over the summer, Callais believes the time of the kid’s rodeo is perfect to maximize those who participate. “They’re out of school,” he said. “It’s a weekend, and a lot of parents go to their camps, and things like that. A lot of them have the opportunity to fish at that time.”

Callais said last year 18 kids participated, but he expects there to be more, this year. “It keeps getting bigger and bigger every year,” he added.

Just like any other rodeo, prizes will be awarded. For kids, medals will be given out — gold, silver and bronze. Red, white and blue ribbons will also be awarded.

The award for adults is an ice chest.

On Saturday weigh in is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays are open from noon to 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., there will be a fish fry for participants.

The entry to participate is $5. To get a ticket, call (985) 632-7616, or pick up a ticket at the Cut Off Youth Center located at 205 W. 79th Street.