They did it again.
One of the Bayou Region’s most anticipated events of the summer once again hosts a huge event for the community to enjoy – an event that will now benefit the community in the forms of college scholarships for youth and full year’s work to promote water and drowning safety. prevention education for our youth.
The annual Blue Boot Rodeo hosted its latest event Thursday-Saturday in Grand Isle with a huge crowd in attendance to celebrate Riley John’s Blue Boot Foundation.
The annual rodeo is now one of Grand Isle’s biggest summer events where thousands fish, eat, shake feet and have a good time in the company of friends, family and community members who all united to support the cause.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Corey Hebert, Chairman of Riley John’s Blue Boot Foundation. “To see the support and the growth, it’s been an amazing thing to see and witness. The community has gotten behind us. The Town of Grand Isle has given us so much support. It’s been great and we’re proud to see how far we’ve come. to grow.
The rodeo began Thursday with anglers fishing in the safelight to catch and weigh their biggest catch.
Fishing continued into Saturday and the fish were biting. Several large fish were caught and weighed throughout the rodeo weekend, including a 225.80-pound Swordfish, a 163.80-pound Yellowfin Tuna and other large fish. The Gulf was smooth, Mother Nature cooperated and anglers did their thing on the water, keeping the weigh stations busy all weekend.
“We showed up here to set up earlier in the week and it was pouring,” Hebert said. “But we were blessed with good weather. And anglers say they are biting and it made for a good weekend.
But the Blue Boot Rodeo is more than a competition of our area’s amazing fishing talent — it’s a family event that’s fun for everyone to enjoy.
Throughout the weekend, the rodeo served up some of the best food South Louisiana has to offer with a full menu of delicious food.
The event also has activities throughout the weekend, including a corn hole tournament, DJs, live bands and more. The ever popular Saturday morning tradition of Bingo and Mimosas returned in 2024 with the pavilion filled with people enjoying their morning bingo. The event also features a live auction, rodeo awards and a weekend-long kids zone where the little ones can have a good time.
Speaking of kiddos, the Blue Boot Rodeo annually partners with the Lifejacket for Life program. All children attending the event aged 12 and under were able to be measured and given a free life jacket — which they could exchange for a different size as they continued to grow.
“We have something for everyone. We’re a family event. We always be a family event,” said Hebert. “Our people know that. People who come here come to have fun. There’s no drama. There’s no trouble. . People who come here know what our message is, they know what our mission is. They’re here to support us and have fun.”
Hebert said he wants to thank the community for the support, but also the huge group of volunteers who come out every year to support the event. Hebert said more than 150 people volunteered on their team to make the event a success — people who selflessly work hard and do whatever they can to help the event succeed.
“They say it takes a village,” Hebert said. “We have that and more.”
Check out the winners of the 2024 Blue Boot Rodeo Fishing Categories below:
ADULT DIVISION OFFSHORE
Mangrove Snapper: Britton Comeaux, 11.93 pounds
Cobia: Rudy Guidry, 54.20 pounds
Red Snapper: Georgia Kate Garvin, 20.94 pounds
Mahi: The Grease Monkey, 16.70 pounds
Grouper: Southern Pride Charters, 61.50 pounds
Yellowfin Tuna: Dante Torres, 163.80 pounds
Blackfin Tuna: Corey Sabio, 27.75 pounds
Swordfish: Maiden America, 225.80 pounds
DULT DIVISION INSHORE
Speckled Trout: Travis Dardenne, 4.40 pounds
Sheepshead: Gabe Bollinger, 6.62 pounds
White Trout: Lucy Dupont, 1.11 pounds
Flounder: Jenna Pinell, 6.07 pounds
Black Drum: Corey Wooddall, 39.18 pounds
Redfish under 27”: Jenakalyn Wunstell, 8.85 pounds
CHILDREN’S DIVISION
Speckled Trout: Beau Bagala, 3.53 pounds
Croaker: Anistyn Dubose, 2.06 pounds
Sheepshead: Beckham Hebert, 5.51 pounds
White Trout: Drew Suffrin, 2.82 pounds
Black Drum: Henry Babin, 27.37 pounds
Hardhead Catfish: Beckham Hebert, 2.81 pounds
Gafftopsail Catfish: Trey Stein, 6.35 pounds
Redfish under 27”: Kenna Ledet, 7.59 pounds
KAYAK DIVISION
Speckled Trout: Davie Breaux, 3.05 pounds
Redfish Under 27”: Jody Cheramie, 6.66 pounds
Sheepshead: Sebastian Willis, 3.60 pounds
