In the early years it was the tarpon (the hardest fighting game fish in American waters) that brought the anglers to Grand Isle. Led by Hugh M. and Urban Wilkinson, brothers who were attorneys, business and civic leaders, and political players, the men who ran New Orleans, came to Grand Isle to pursue the tarpon in late July. It was a gathering of powerful men who loved fishing, Louisiana politics and good fun.
Soon, the last week in July became a time when men who were rivals in politics and business came to Grand Isle for the tarpon and put aside their differences in a spirit of camaraderie (a tradition that continues today). In 1928, the luggers and fishing boats would search for the schools of tarpons. But once a tarpon was hooked, the men fought them from skiffs. It was dangerous and thrilling (something a man never forgot and an experience to be recounted time after time for a lifetime).
Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo History
In 1928, there were 25 fishermen on hand for the first Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. The next year the number more than doubled and then doubled again the following year. Soon, the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo became a floating Mardi Gras parade. Weeks prior to the event, boats were painted and decorated for the occasion.
The boats would gather in New Orleans, at the Southern Yacht Club and in other harbors. Then, led by the boat of the general chairman, they would set sail through the Harvey Locks, for Grand Isle. In those years, the first day of the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo was spent parading from New Orleans to Grand Isle.
In the early years, because there were few hotel accommodations on the island, most of the fishermen slept on boats or in private camps with a few in tents. Most of the food for the fishermen had to be brought to Grand Isle, too. But the logistical difficulties were part of the fun of the event, and it kept growing.
Because Louisiana politics is inseparable from the rest of the culture, the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo soon became part of the political scene. It became traditional for gubernatorial candidates to attend the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo and make their intentions known during the festivities. It also became traditional for political leaders to take a leadership role in the perpetuation and administration of the Rodeo.
The list of Past Presidents includes Plaquemines Parish Presidents Leander Perez Sr. and Chalin Perez; Supreme Court Justice Walter Hamlin; New Orleans Mayor Victor H. Schiro; Jefferson Parish Coroner Charles Odom; Jefferson Parish District Attorney John Mamoulides; Jefferson Parish Council Chairman C.J. Eagan Jr.; Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee; Jefferson Parish Judge John Molaison.
By the 1960s the rise of recreational vehicles meant thousands more could be accommodated at the Rodeo. The event kept getting even bigger. There is no longer a flotilla of boats parading from New Orleans.
The Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo had ceased to be exclusive. It had become open to everyone who loved fishing and a good time. By the 1980s, there were 31 different categories of fish for which prizes were awarded. What once began as a New Orleans led event became a South Louisiana celebration. The Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is America's greatest event for fishing and fun.
