Get Your Bass Out There April 6th

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big-bass-rodeo

If people concentrated on the really important things in life,
there’d be a shortage of fishing poles. ~Doug Larson


BigBass
To welcome springtime fishing, New Orleans City Park will host its Big Bass Rodeo and Fishtival, the oldest freshwater rodeo in the country. This 66-year-old event attracts over 600 participants and affords an opportunity for anglers of all ages and backgrounds to catch those elusive lunkers for bragging rights and trophies.

Unlike high caliber bass fishing tournaments, this nonprofessional rodeo encourages families and friends to enjoy a day in the park. This year’s Rodeo will be held on Saturday, April 6th with registration beginning at 6:00 a.m. at the Casino Building (presently Morning Call Café).

Fishing begins at 6:30 a.m. and weigh-in ends at 11:00 a.m. by the Bandstand. The entry fee is only $10 for Adults (13 and older) and $5 for kids (12 years and under). Be sure to visit: www.neworleanscitypark.com/bigbass for details, online registration, registration forms, rules & regulations and a fishing map.

There are 5 fishing categories:
1. Bass by baitcaster, spincast or spinning reel.
2. Bass by fly rod and reel.
3. Team Event-Rio Grande Roundup for the team bringing in the heaviest stringer of cichlids.
4. Junior Anglers for those 12 years and under catching the heaviest single bream or cichlid.
5. Champion’s Challenge for past 1st place winners of the Bass category compete against one another for the largest bass.

Catfish Kids is a bonus for those 16 years and under catching the 3 single heaviest catfish.

The Fishtival complete with music by a DJ begins at 9:00 a.m. (its free!) around the Casino and Bandstand area and offers activities for young and old alike. A special section for children by Wish To Fish La. offers a casting contest for ages 6-15, free casting and cast net throwing lessons and other activities. Wildlife educators from Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries will have demonstrations and exhibits as well as their pellet-shooting trailer. Numerous other exhibitors include local artists, ecology, wildlife, conservation groups, kayak displays, live “critters” to pet and more! And if you are feeling lucky you can participate in the $1 raffle for great fishing and outdoor gear including a fishing kayak or the $5 raffle to win one of 3 charter boat fishing trips with well known Captains C.T. Williams, Dudley Vandenborre or Aaron Gelfand. The popular Mardi Gras toss of fishing tackle during the awards ceremony affords an opportunity to put up your hands and catch baits to fill up your tackle box.

The Big Bass Rodeo was founded in 1946 by Paul Kalman. Paul spent many hours of his childhood fishing the tree-framed waters of City Park. For Paul, it was an angler’s urban heaven. After serving in World War II, Paul conceived the idea of an annual fishing rodeo, planting the seeds of what would become City Park’s Big Bass Rodeo. A reporter for the New Orleans Item at the time, he persuaded his bosses to sponsor the inaugural event. So armed with a meat scale borrowed from Schwegmann’s original grocery store, the Rodeo was launched. Under his guidance, the rodeo grew to where it drew as many as 1,000 participants. Although he passed away in 1987, his legacy lives on today with the Paul Kalman award presented to the angler 12 years old or less who lands the largest bass. The Joe Courcelle award has since been added to rodeo to honor his 30 years plus serving as Weigh Master and is given to the angler 13 years and up landing the largest bass.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 6th and try your luck to catch a record-breaking bass. Good Fishing!

Big Bass Rodeo

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If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.
~Doug Larson
BigBass
To welcome springtime fishing, New Orleans City Park will host its Big Bass Rodeo and Fishtival, the oldest freshwater rodeo in the country. This 66-year-old event attracting over 600 participants affords an opportunity for anglers of all ages and backgrounds to catch those elusive lunkers for bragging rights and trophies. Unlike high caliber bass fishing tournaments, this nonprofessional rodeo encourages families and friends to enjoy a day in the park. This year’s Rodeo will be held on Saturday, April 6th with registration beginning at 6:00 a.m. at the Casino Building (presently Morning Call Café). Fishing begins at 6:30 a.m. and weigh-in ends at 11:00 a.m. by the Bandstand. The entry fee is only $10 for Adults (13 and older) and $5 for kids (12 years and under). Be sure to visit: www.neworleanscitypark.com/bigbass for details, online registration, registration forms, rules & regulations and a fishing map.

There are 5 fishing categories:
1. Bass by baitcaster, spincast or spinning reel.
2. Bass by fly rod and reel.
3. Team Event-Rio Grande Roundup for the team bringing in the heaviest stringer of cichlids.
4. Junior Anglers for those 12 years and under catching the heaviest single bream or cichlid.
5. Champion’s Challenge for past 1st place winners of the Bass category compete against one another for the largest bass.

Catfish Kids is a bonus for those 16 years and under catching the 3 single heaviest catfish.

The Fishtival complete with music by a DJ begins at 9:00 a.m. (its free!) around the Casino and Bandstand area and offers activities for young and old alike. A special section for children by Wish To Fish La. offers a casting contest for ages 6-15, free casting and cast net throwing lessons and other activities. Wildlife educators from Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries will have demonstrations and exhibits as well as their pellet-shooting trailer. Numerous other exhibitors include local artists, ecology, wildlife, conservation groups, kayak displays, live “critters” to pet and more! And if you are feeling lucky you can participate in the $1 raffle for great fishing and outdoor gear including a fishing kayak or the $5 raffle to win one of 3 charter boat fishing trips with well known Captains C.T. Williams, Dudley Vandenborre or Aaron Gelfand. The popular Mardi Gras toss of fishing tackle during the awards ceremony affords an opportunity to put up your hands and catch baits to fill up your tackle box.

The Big Bass Rodeo was founded in 1946 by Paul Kalman. Paul spent many hours of his childhood fishing the tree-framed waters of City Park. For Paul, it was an angler’s urban heaven. After serving in World War II, Paul conceived the idea of an annual fishing rodeo, planting the seeds of what would become City Park’s Big Bass Rodeo. A reporter for the New Orleans Item at the time, he persuaded his bosses to sponsor the inaugural event. So armed with a meat scale borrowed from Schwegmann’s original grocery store, the Rodeo was launched. Under his guidance, the rodeo grew to where it drew as many as 1,000 participants. Although he passed away in 1987, his legacy lives on today with the Paul Kalman award presented to the angler 12 years old or less who lands the largest bass. The Joe Courcelle award has since been added to rodeo to honor his 30 years plus serving as Weigh Master and is given to the angler 13 years and up landing the largest bass.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 6th and try your luck to catch a record-breaking bass. Good Fishing!

City Park Fishing Rodeo September 29th

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poster sent in by Michael Cohn

READ MORE ABOUT CICHLIDS HERE

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is taking measures to prevent the spread two of exotics, the apple snail and Rio Grand cichlid. Both species pose a threat to native habitat and fish populations.

In order to promote the removal of apple snails, the Commission made it illegal to buy, sell or possess the exotic species. Apple snails eat vast amounts of vegetation and reproduce at a rapid rate, disrupting the natural ecological process. They are primarily a threat to wetlands and rice plants.

The Rio Grand cichlid tends to outcompete native fish for habitat and bedding areas. The commission’s action revises the existing rule to allow an individual to retain the fish, as long as it is killed upon capture.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb, or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For more information, contact Rob Bourgeois at (225) 765-0765 or rbourgeois@wlf.la.gov. For press inquiries, contact Ashley Wethey at (225) 765-2396 or awethey@wlf.la.gov.

Update on Dam Removal

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photo by Albert “RUSTY” Gaude’, Fishery Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter/ LA Sea Grant Program

After years of effort on the part of many members of our community, the outdated Bayou St. John water control structure, or as some have called it the “waterfall dam”, at Robert E. Lee and the bayou, is being demolished.

The move to demolish the structure coalesced in December 2008 as neighborhood leaders called on the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with the Orleans Levee District to provide a sector gate in good working order and to remove the dam.

Please join Councilmember Susan Guidry and other concerned residents for an opportunity to celebrate the results of the hard work and persistence of everyone who has worked to have the dam removed. We will be gathering at the site on Robert E. Lee and the bayou on Monday, December 10, at 9 a.m. to cheer the demolition and take some celebratory photos!

Information and photo above sent by: Sherri K. Wilder | Community Liaison | skwilder@nola.gov
Councilmember Susan G. Guidry – District A | www.nolacitycouncil.com
City Hall | 1300 Perdido Street | New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Office: (504) 658-1012 | Fax: (504) 658-1016
…

December 5, 2012 UPDATE: REMOVAL WORK HAS BEGUN!

Currently, the unanticipated Scenic Rivers permit process is being worked.

The $234,000 project will be executed by the Orleans Levee District, and is partially funded by the Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant program. The funding came from NOAA hydro-restoration grants.

ABC 26 News did a story on this project in April, 2012.
http://www.abc26.com/news/newswithatwist/wgno-changes-in-store-for-bayou-st-john-20120409,0,137786.story

The project is currently estimated to be completed by January, 2013.

Bayou St. John – Removal of the Obsolete Flood Control Structure at Lake Pontchartrain
Start Date: 01/01/12
Duration: 2 years
Project Leader: Gillen, Gerard J.
Affiliation: Orleans Levee District
Sea Grant Funds: $94,000
Matching Funds: $103,330

Objectives:
1 – To attain permits for removal of old flood control structure.
2 – To remove old flood control structure hindering water flow into Bayou St. John.
3 – To schedule and implement openings of the new flood gate at Lake Pontchartrain.
4 – To monitor the increased recruitment of larval and juvenile estuarine fish, crabs and mussels.
5 – To monitor the improved water quality in Bayou St. John and City Park lagoons and waterways.
6 – To increase use of the Bayou by recreational groups.

Methodology:
The Orleans Levee District (OLD) has authority over the flood control structures located in Bayou St. John, New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the structures, built in 1962, is outdated and has been replaced by a more modern flood gate. The OLD plans to remove the old flood control structure located at Robert E. Lee Blvd and Bayou St. John. Burt-Kleinpeter, Inc. researched the hydrology of the area and has made recommendations on removing the structure. Permits will be attained from the Corps of Engineers, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. The RFP will be advertised and awarded to a contractor. The contractor will remove the old flood control structure. Monitoring of the Bayou will continue by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and other organizations.

Rationale:
Bayou St. John was once a natural tributary of Lake Pontchartrain, navigable from the Lake into the heart of the city of New Orleans. It was used as the main transportation waterway of goods into the city. Currently, the two flood control structures on the bayou inhibit both navigation and the natural water flow. The older structure, built in 1962, is composed of a cement bulkhead that incorporates a drain and butterfly valves to allow some water flow. The butterfly valves, meant to remain open, are mostly non-functional, with one valve open and others closed or mostly closed. The new flood gates, meant to replace the older structure, are located approximately 0.25 miles toward the lake from the old structure; these gates have opening and closing capability, which the operation of could increase water and fish access into the bayou. It also has navigation gates that can be opened when water levels allow, but are not presently used.
The new flood gate provides flood protection to the city of New Orleans. The old control structure only inhibits the exchange of biota and water from the lake.

The Coastal Use Permits for the dredging and demolition projects are almost approved. The public notices for the dredging and demolition projects have been advertised.

Questions? Please contact:
Albert “RUSTY” Gaude’
Area Fishery Extension Agent
Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles, St. James Parishes
LSU AgCenter/ Louisiana Sea Grant Program
Yenni Building/ Ste. 300
1221 Elmwood Park Blvd. Jefferson, LA 70123
Office 504-736-6519 Fax 504-736-6527
Mobile 504-908-9713

http://www.laseagrant.org/pdfs/BSJFinalPPT.pdf

Sea Grant Funds Project to Demolish Outdated Bayou St. John Water Control Structure

Bayou St. John –- In an effort to improve water flow and recreational fisheries along Bayou St. John, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Sea Grant programs through a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Restoration Center are funding the removal of a non-functional water control structure on the bayou. The $234,000 project will be executed by the Orleans Levee District (OLD), and the NOAA Restoration Center/GOM Sea Grant partnership is contributing $95,000 toward the cost.

A recent study concluded the old water control structure is unnecessary. The cement structure, built in 1962, was originally designed with open butterfly valves to control water flow from Lake Pontchartrain. But years of valve maintenance problems rendered the control structure superfluous. In 1992, additional floodgates were built to replace the old structure.

“Because the new, much higher sector gate structure is the primary protection for storm surge entering the bayou, the original purpose of the 1962 structure to protect against storm surge is no longer necessary,” said Gerard Gillen, OLD executive director.

The primary benefit of removing the old control structure will be to restore historic hydrologic flow into the bayou, allowing for the re-establishment of Bayou St. John’s aquatic vegetation and the growth of native marine life. Officials also hope that the revitalized bayou will attract more recreational activity along the City Park lagoons that feed off the bayou.

“This is an excellent opportunity to improve access to Bayou St. John for fish and for the human residents of the surrounding communities,” said Mel Landry, a NOAA marine habitat resource specialist located in Baton Rouge.

for more info:
http://www.laseagrant.org/comm/2012/watercontrolstructure.htm

Article in the Times Picayune:
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/04/meeting_this_afternoon_on_remo.html

Foreign Species Invades Bayou St. John

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by Steve Mardon

An aggressive, invasive fish called the Rio Grande cichlid threatens to overwhelm native species in Bayou St. John and other New Orleans waterways, researchers say.

The Rio Grande cichlid was once found only in waterways in northern Mexico and southern Texas. Popular among aquarium hobbyists thanks to its iridescent blue and green markings, adult cichlids typically grow 6 or 8 inches long but can reach a foot.

Also known as Rio Grande perch, the first cichlids were spotted in Bayou St. John a little over a decade ago, most likely after owners emptied their fish tanks into Lake Pontchartrain.

Cichlids multiply rapidly and are surprisingly aggressive, threatening native largemouth bass, bluegill and redfish, said Tom Lorenz, a researcher at the University of New Orleans’ Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences who monitors invasive species.

“Cichlids are very mean and territorial,” he said. “They outcompete other fish of a similar size in every way, from eating their food to finding the best places to hide from predatory birds to taking over the best breeding spots. They also eat other fishes’ eggs as well as other fish — we sometimes find fish scales in their stomachs.”

Cichlids have already eliminated several small fish species from parts of the bayou, including least killifish and sheepshead minnows, according to Lorenz. The pests probably would have overwhelmed several midsized species as well if the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries didn’t routinely restock them.

The cichlid population in New Orleans skyrocketed after flooding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which spread the fish to lakes and ponds in City Park and the canal system. Lorenz estimates that there are now “tens of millions, or even billions,” in New Orleans.

Bayou St. John resident Joe Adams, who has fished in the bayou since 2001, has seen the fish’s aggressiveness and proliferation firsthand. “You can tell when you’ve got one, because they fight like the dickens,” Adams said. On a typical outing, Adams said he catches about a dozen fish, half of which are cichlids.

“They will eat just about anything,” he said. “I know one guy who catches them with French fries on a handline (a hook on a single fishing line). I’ve caught them with pieces of a hot dog and pieces of canned corn.”

Although Adams doesn’t eat fish, plenty of other people relish the cichlids. “They’re the same family as tilapia,” he pointed out. “I’ve fried them up in a pan for friends, and they just assumed it was speckled trout. They said it was delicious.”

The cichlid population in New Orleans dropped a bit the last two years following back-to-back cold winters, Lorenz said. But with this year’s mild weather, he expects the population to soar.

In recent months, Patrick Smith, a colleague at UNO who tests Bayou St. John monthly, has observed more cichlids breeding and more nests and eggs than ever.

Although there’s no chance of eradicating the Rio Grande cichlid from New Orleans’ waters, the most feasible way to keep its population in check is to stock the bayou and City Park’s lakes and ponds with rivals, Lorenz said. Possibilities include green sunfish, warmouth and gar.

Another tactic — encouraging people to fish for the pests — probably doesn’t have a huge impact, but every little bit helps.

For his part, since learning recently that cichlids threaten other bayou species, Adams has switched from throwing his catch back to tossing it in his freezer.

“My wife breeds box turtles,” he says. “Every few days, I take a couple cichlids out and chop them into pieces, and she feeds them to the turtles. I figure it’s my duty to catch as many as I can.”
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Click here to view the original article as it appeared in the Times Picayune.

Fishy Situation

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photos by Charlie London

In the background you are listening to the sounds of Los Po-Boy-Citos who will be playing this year at the 22nd annual VOODOO on the BAYOU at the Pitot House at 1440 Moss Street in beautiful Faubourg St. John!

For more information about the 22nd annual VOODOO on the BAYOU please visit the link below:
http://business.fsjna.org/2011/09/voodoo-on-the-bayou-22/

This school of mullet were near the Esplanade bridge on the Moss Street side at 9 a.m. on September 13th, 2011. Looks like there are many fish to be caught in Bayou St. John!

The mullet you see in the photo would feed at the top of the water then swim around in a group. Then they would all thrash about at the same time.

Bayou Fish

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photos by Charlie London

These foot long fish were spotted on the Moss Street side of the Esplanade Avenue bridge.

Time to renew that fishing license!

New Fishing License Online

by Frank Davis

If you don’t have the time to go shopping at your friendly neighborhood sporting goods store for your new 2012 Louisiana fishing license (the one you’ve been carrying for the past year is now null and void), you can easily get it online from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries web site.

Simply pull out the credit card you want to use to buy the license then log in to www.la.wildlifelicense.com and fill out the short form. Louisiana residents will also need their driver’s license number to complete their registration.

To initiate the transfer, just click Submit at the bottom of the form. Your official license will arrive in the mail within 14 days, but in the interim print out a copy of your online submission and stash it away in your tackle box. This is what you use to prove you are a legitimate license holder should you be stopped by wildlife agents.

Senior citizen licenses are also required again this year, so if you’re over 60 years old that license will cost you $5 plus a $2.50 service charge. A valid Louisiana license is mandated regardless of the kind of fishing you intend to do.

http://www.wwltv.com/frank-davis/New-Fishing-License-Online-124906719.html#