On Saturday June 4, fees were waived at Cypress Bend Park courtesy of the Sabine River Authority, as Seventy-five fishermen took to the banks for the thirteenth annual Fish Fest. The event was open to school age children registered in kindergarten through 12th grade for the school year 2021-2022 attending schools in Louisiana and Texas.
Fishing began at 7:30 a.m. The fishermen were reminded to make sure to have their heaviest fish to the scales for weigh-in no later than 11:00. A bagged lunch and cold drinks were served at 10:30 and then it was time to announce the winners. Sabine SWCD Supervisor, Mr. Chris Pearce was the emcee of the event. First thanks were extended to the TBLA. TBLA is a steward of the natural environment and the Sabine SWCD is delighted to partner with them to offer this youth fishing tournament. Mrs. Gaynell Goodeaux, represented TBLA. Mr. Pearce then thanked the business sponsors, Cypress Bend Park employees, and volunteers, along with the Fish Fest coordinators, Mrs. Becky Anderson, SRA and Ms. Nancy Windham, Sabine SWCD, Secretary.
Mr. Pearce went on to announce the winners in each of the categories. In the Bass Category, Landon Cutright of Zwolle, LA caught the only bass of the day weighing .11 lbs.
Placing in the Bream Category were: First Place, Reid Stewart of Many, LA Weight .46 lbs; Second Place: Landon Cutright of Zwolle, LA; Weight .33 lbs; Third Place: Kaylee Stewart of Many, LA; Weight .32 lbs.
In the Catfish Category First Place went to Ryan Rachel of Many, LA weight .62 lbs; Second Place Weston Byles of Florien, LA with a weight of .59 lbs; and Third Place went to Ann Michael DeBlieux of Many, LA weighing in at .45 lbs.
In the Other fish category First Place winner was Alaina Stewart of Noble, LA, her catch was the only fish caught in this category and weighed .01 lbs.
In the Turtle Category Bailey LeBlanc of Newton, TX, came in with First Place her turtle weight 3.68 lbs; Second went to Alaina Stewart, of Noble, LA, weight 3.01 lbs; and Third Place was Jaice of Zwolle, LA, weight 1.95 lbs.
The Grand Prize this year was a half day fishing trip, donated by Mr. Justin Cooper, a fishing guide on Toledo Bend Lake and owner of Coop’s East Texas Guide Service. Louis McNulty of Natchitoches, LA, was the winner of the grand prize. He and his family were very excited.
We had several other amazing prizes generously donated by our local business owners. Mr. Jonathan Porter and wife Holly Porter, Porter Guide Service, Zwolle, La donated a sunset cruise on the beautiful Toledo Bend lake, Jaice Young was the lucky winner. Mr. Roy Joe Harris, Owner Bridge Bay Resort, donated a two-night stay in one of their two-bedroom cabins. The winner of this prize was Garrett Alexander of Zwolle, LA. The Fisherman’s Galley Restaurant, owned by Mrs. Pam Tedder, donated a $25 Gift Certificate, winner Landon Cutright; Lee Lee’s Neu Designs, owned by Mrs. Natalie Neugent, Mrs. Lee Sepulvado, & Mrs. Candice Wilson also donated a $25 Gift Certificate, won by Lucas Lee; Mrs. Cheryl Palmer owner of Unique Nail Salon, donated a $20 Gift Certificate, won by Nola Bland; Bub T’s Tamale House owned by Bub and Trina Sepulvado donated a $20.00 gift card. Ronny Brandon Attorney donated $75.00 which was used to purchase some of the door prizes.
Other generous sponsors include, Toledo Bend Lake Association, Mr. Gary Moore, President, Zwolle, LA; Sabine River Authority, Mr. Warren Founds, Executive Director; Many, LA; Hale Lure LLC, dba Stanley Jiggs, Hosston, LA; Turquoise and Treasures, Mrs. Deborah West, Owner; Zwolle, LA; Bandidos Motorcycle Club, Sabine Parish; Huey & Lela Malmay, Zwolle, LA.
All fishermen still present at the end of the day received a door prize and we had lots of great prizes, thanks to the generosity of our local business owners, individuals, and Deborah West, volunteer, for contacting sponsors and businesses to donate door prizes.
This tournament would not be possible without our volunteers: Alan Williams, Gaynell Goodeaux, Ned Goodeaux, Becky Anderson, Anita Manshack, Jim Pratt, Chris Pearce, Jacky Craig, Priscilla Craig, Deborah West, Ana Thompson, Gloria Thompson, Drew Coombs, Alexis Coombs, and Nancy Windham. A big thank you to them for donating their time and energy.
News articles, letter invitations by mail, Facebook, and word-of-mouth are the methods used to locate youth fishermen to participate in Fish Fest. Registration is from April 1st through 30th every year or to the first 150 fishermen.
Be sure to like and follow Sabine SWCD on Facebook to see pictures taken at the Fish Fest and for updates on registering for next year’s event.
USDA NRCS and the Sabine SWCD are an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. To ask questions or voice comments call the Sabine SWCD at (318) 256-3491 Extension 0.