NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Registration is now open for the 76th annual Big Bass Fishing Rodeo in New Orleans City Park.
City Park Conservancy (CPC) and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) invite anglers of all ages to the 76th annual event on Saturday, March 29. The family-friendly fishing competition will take place throughout City Park and along Bayou St. John.
“City Park has been a haven for urban fishers for over a century, and we’re thrilled to celebrate that with the nation’s oldest event of its kind,” said CPC President and CEO Rebecca Dietz in a statement about the event. “Combine that with the incredible partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and you have one of our favorite Saturdays of the spring.”
Big Bass Rodeo is a catch-and-release bank-fishing tournament and there are multiple ways to participate. Students in grades 7-12 who wish to represent their schools can team up in the Battle for the Bass competition. Kayakers can compete in the Boats on the Bayou event on Bayou St. John for non-motorized watercraft.
Also included is the free Fishtival featuring music, exhibits as well as educational and hands-on activities for kids. Jambalaya provided by the Knights of Columbus will be available for purchase.
“Anytime we can bring the community together to enjoy the great fishing opportunities Louisiana has to offer is something to celebrate,” said Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan. “Family, friends, great food, good music, and lots of fishing is what Louisiana is all about, so we are excited to continue in this partnership with the City Park Conservancy to bring this historic and well-loved event to the people of New Orleans.”
All lagoons in the park are open to fishing except the Louisiana Children’s Museum campus, Bayou Oaks North Course, Bayou Oaks South Course and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Boating is not allowed in the lagoons and bayous within City Park except Bayou St. John. To view the full map and to register, visit NewOrleansCityPark.org.
A recreational fishing license is required for participants 18 years and older. To purchase a license online, click here.
Tournament Divisions/Schedule
Big Bass Rodeo
6:30-11 a.m.; must be in line at weigh station before 11 a.m.
$20 (13 and older); $10 (12 and under)
Battle for the Bass Student Fishing Competition
6:30-11 a.m.; must be in line at weigh station before 11 a.m.
$20 (13 and older); $10 (12 and under)
Boats on the Bayou
7-10:30 a.m.; must be in line at weigh station before 10:30 a.m.
$35 pre-registration fee; $45 on site
Fishtival
9 a.m. – Noon | Popp Bandstand by Café Du Monde
Free
