International Tarpon Rodeo

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!

When & Where
Event Schedule
Extend Your Stay

The rodeo features a variety of fishing categories, including offshore, inshore, and tag-and-release divisions, as well as competitions for kids. There are also daily weigh-ins, live entertainment, and local food vendors, making this festival a family-friendly event that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Despite interruptions over the decades from World War II, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Hurricane Ida, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the rodeo has always rebounded, reflecting the resilience of the Grand Isle community. In recent years, the event has placed greater emphasis on conservation, partnering with research institutions to support tarpon migration studies and promoting sustainable practices like catch-and-release. The Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo remains a beloved tradition and a highlight of Louisiana’s fishing culture. Don’t miss the fun in 2025!

Official Event Website

Credit International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo

2025 Event Details

Dates

Thursday, July 24 - Saturday, July 26, 2025

Location

The International Tarpon Rodeo takes place on Grand Isle

Registration

Tournament Registration can be completed on Eventbrite or by filling out this form and sending it in with your registration check.

Event Schedule

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:

Thursday, July 24

11am: Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion 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 Pavillion
11am-2pm: children’s crab race registration
2pm: Children’s crab race at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion
7pm: Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo Party (open to the public, includes free boiled shrimp plates)
6pm-10pm: Music at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion

Friday, July 25

11am: Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion 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 Pavillion
11am-2pm: Children’s crab race registration
12pm-4pm: DJ and activities at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion
2pm: Children’s crab race at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion
6pm-10pm: Music at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion

Saturday, July 26

11am: Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion opens to the public (including registration, vendor booths, and food and drinks)
11am-2pm: Scales open for weigh-in for children’s division at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion, children’s crab race registration
11am-6pm: Scales open for weigh-in for adult divisions at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion
12pm-4pm: DJ and activities at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion
2pm: Children’s crab race at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion, 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 Pavillion
8:30pm: Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo award ceremony
9pm: $10,000 grand prize drawing

Credit International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo

Extend Your Stay

Plan your trip and book at a nearby hotel in Jefferson Parish. Check out these local accommodations, from budget-friendly options to full-service hotels. Explore things to do in Jefferson Parish, including dining options, family fun, and outdoor activities.

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