Earlier in the year Drew Gregory and I had a conversation about Google alerts and how he uses them to inform him of specific things that he’s interested in.   Last month I remembered that conversation and decided to set up a few alerts of my own.  I’ve been trying to figure out how to stay on top of upcoming local tournaments and this seems to be the best way.  A day after I set up the alert “Louisiana Fishing Tournament” my email was hit with a bunch of local tournaments that I knew nothing about.  There was one in particular that really caught my attention, Fishing for Memories.

“Fishing for memories is a three day fishing rodeo that began in 2009 after event organizers Carrick and Holly Boffy decided to bring the family fun of a fishing rodeo back to Intracoastal City, Louisiana.  Carrick Boffy grew up enjoying the Kiwanis Tarpon Rodeo held at the same location from the 1950’s – 1990’s.  The Boffys selected the Alzheimer’s Association as the rodeo’s beneficiary because Maxie Pierce, Carrick’s grandfather, died of the disease.”

After reading over the rules I saw nothing that would exclude a kayak from participating, but I sent an email to the contact address to make sure.  Shortly thereafter I received a response saying that I would be allowed to compete in my kayak.

Being that I found out about this event a few days before the start I could only squeeze in one day to fish it.  I fished Lake Calcasieu in one of my favorite holes but unlike the week before the water was really stained and the water level was a bit higher. I managed to catch some nice speckled trout in the 2 – 3 pound range, not heavy enough to take over one of the top three spots on the leader board.  I also caught a few flounder, one which weighed in at 2.4 lbs and allowed me to take over second place for a while.  I was really surprised that I didn’t catch any redfish in this location; it’s usually a good spot that produces chunky reds just under the 27” mark.  After the final day I placed 6^th in the flounder division.

“The number of anglers participating in the tournament has increased each year.  In 2009, 250 anglers participated.  The number was 350 in 2010, 400 in 2011 and 450 in 2012.”

The weigh-in was in Intracoastal City at the landing next to Maxie Pierce’s Grocery.  I arrived to the sound of music playing, folks sitting in chairs enjoying the beautiful weather, and kids running around having a good time; the goal of bringing family fun back to the area was clearly visible.

If you plan to be in Louisiana or if you’re a local angler mark your calendars, Fishing for Memories 2013 will be held Thursday, June 20^th – Sunday, June 23^rd.

Tray Collins – Kayak Fishing Guide