Jefferson Parish Fishing Tournaments

Did you know that Jefferson Parish is surrounded by Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico? You know what that means, right?

Fishing! It's a 365-day adventure here in Jefferson! And when the weather warms, fishing tournaments or "rodeos" abound! And our rodeos aren't just about who can catch the biggest redfish. There's live music, arts & crafts, local food, and so much more! I think of them more as festivals than simply tournaments. Check out our fishing rodeos below, and we hope to "catch" you there!

Caption Swollfest
Caption Swollfest

Paddle Palooza Kayak Tournament

Date: Last weekend of April
Location: Bridge Side Marina | 1618 LA-1

The Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club is a volunteer-run organization with a strong focus on developing all aspects of kayak fishing and paddling as a recreational and competitive sport in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf Coast. Each year, they host the Paddle Palooza Kayak Tournament, featuring fishing, prizes, a raffle, and lots of fun!

Learn More

ABC of Louisiana Fishing Rodeo

Date: June 11-13, 2025
Location: Grand Isle Marina | 167 Sandollar Ct

Every year, ABC of LA hosts a fishing rodeo in Grand Isle, where hundreds of our members come out to cast a line and network with peers.

Learn More

Swollfest Fishing Rodeo

Date: June 10-13, 2026
Location: Grand Isle Marina | 158 Sandollar Ct

The annual Swollfest Fishing Rodeo captures the heart and soul of South Louisiana, combining love of the outdoors, Gulf Coast fishing, compassion for those in need, and laissez les bons temps rouler, all for the sake of charity.

Learn More

Credit Swollfest

Louisiana Billfish Classic

Date: April 28 - May 6, 2026
Location: Grand Isle

The Billfish Classic Cup (BCC) was developed to reward competitive teams fishing in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, the Louisiana Billfish Classic, and the Texas Billfish Classic. The BCC is a winner-take-all award, and the Champion will receive a cash award of $15,000 and the BCC Trophy.

Learn More

Louisiana Pipeliners Fishing Rodeo

Date: Third weekend in June
Location: Grand Isle Marina | 158 Sandollar Ct

Get ready for the Louisiana Pipeliners Fishing Rodeo, where anglers and supporters gather for a weekend of fishing, live music, tasty eats, and friendly competitions, all to raise funds for student scholarships. Enjoy events like the cornhole tournament, shrimp boil, and a block party before casting off for the big catch.

Learn More

Grand Isle Annual International Tarpon Rodeo

Date: Last weekend of July
Location: Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion | LA-1

The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, established in 1928, is the oldest fishing tournament in the United States. Held annually on the last weekend of July, this prestigious event, often called the “grand-daddy of fishing rodeos,” attracts anglers and spectators across the nation to Grand Isle.

Learn More

Credit International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo

Ride the Bull Kayak Tournament

Date: August 21-22, 2025
Location: Bridge Side Marina | 1618 LA-1

Join in the fun of the world's largest kayak tournament in Grand Isle, Louisiana! Ride the Bull (RTB) is a live catch and release bull red tournament confined to Caminada Pass in Grand Isle. Whether you are one of the hundreds of participants or one of the hundreds of spectators, this is an event you need to see!

Learn More

Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo

Date: August 29-31. 2025
Location: Bridge Side Marina | 1618 LA-1

The Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo is the original redfish rodeo. It supports the community of Grand Isle through contributions and fosters good fishing for all ages, including men, women, and children.

Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo

Date: October 10-11, 2025
Location: Bridge Side Marina | 1618 LA-1

The Grand Isle Ladies Rodeo benefits Breast Cancer Awareness through donations to the Hope House in New Orleans, Mary Bird Cancer Center at TGMC (Houma), Thibodeaux Regional Cancer Center, Our Lady of the Sea Wig Room, and local cancer assistance programs.

Learn More

Learn More

As you can see, fishing is a way of life in Jefferson Parish! Want to learn more? Order a FREE visitor guide here.

Get inspired! Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook. Make sure to use our official hashtags #VisitJeffersonParish and #FishJefferson in your photos to be featured on our website and social media!

You May Also Like

Dani Kennedy

About the Author

Dani Kennedy

Dani is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. She's passionate about Louisiana, the New Orleans Saints, pizza, grammar, live music and playing dodgeball. On the weekends, you will probably find her at a local festival, or if it's football season, at a Saints game hollering "Who Dat!"