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 the charming island of Grand Isle. Over three days, the island's population swells as fishing enthusiasts compete for impressive catches and enjoy the festivities!
Thursday, July 23 - Saturday, July 25, 2026
The International Tarpon Rodeo takes place at Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion, 4500 Highway 1, Grand Isle, LA 70358
Tournament Registration can be completed on Eventbrite
Whether you’re an angler or a spectator, you won’t want to miss a minute of the fun! Check out the event schedule below:
11am: Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion opens to the public (including registration, vendor booths, and food and drinks)
11am-6pm: Scales open for weigh-in for children and adult divisions at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
11am-2pm: children’s crab race registration
2pm: Children’s crab race at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
7pm: Welcome to the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo Party (open to the public)
6pm-10pm: Music at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion (Shorts in December)
11am: Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion opens to the public (including registration, vendor booths, and food and drinks)
11am-6pm: Scales open for weigh-in for children and adult divisions at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
11am-2pm: Children’s crab race registration
12pm-4pm: DJ and activities at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
2pm: Children’s crab race at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
6pm-10pm: Music at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion (Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition)
11am: Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion opens to the public (including registration, vendor booths, and food and drinks)
11am-2pm: Scales open for weigh-in for the children’s division at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion, children’s crab race registration
11am-6pm: Scales open for weigh-in for adult divisions at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
12pm-4pm: DJ and activities at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
2pm: Children’s crab race at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion, children’s division fishing tournament scales close
3pm: Children’s division fishing tournament awards ceremony
6pm: Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo scales close
6pm-8pm: Music at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion (The Wise Guys)
8:30pm: Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo award ceremony
9:15pm: $10,000 grand prize drawing; music and celebration resume
The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is the oldest fishing tournament in the United States, held annually on Grand Isle, Louisiana, since 1928.
No. The Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion is open to the public Thursday through Saturday starting at 11am. Spectators can watch the fish weigh-ins, browse vendor booths, enjoy food and drinks, and watch the live entertainment — no registration required.
Yes. Each day features children's crab races, and there's a dedicated Children's Fishing Tournament division with its own awards ceremony on Saturday. Children 12 and under are free to enter the fishing competition.
Yes. The tournament actively supports responsible fishing practices and has partnerships with research institutions that study tarpon migration. The Tag & Release division is a key part of these efforts. Anglers who catch and release tarpon must submit a mandatory report card, contributing data that helps researchers track tarpon populations along the Gulf Coast.
A full rules PDF is available at tarponrodeo.org/information.
Grand Isle is Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island, and there's plenty to keep you busy beyond the Pavilion. Grand Isle State Park offers beach access and some of the best surf fishing on the Gulf Coast. The area is a renowned stop along the Mississippi Flyway, making it a draw for birders, especially in spring and fall migration seasons.
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