The 1st Annual SAE Fishing Rodeo will be held on October 1st – 3rd, 2026 at the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Clubhouse at Cypress Cove Marina & Lodge, Venice, LA.
Participants can bring their own boats or opt to use one of the many local guides available. See a list of guides here.
Accommodations are also available, ranging from nice hotel rooms to villas or houseboats. See Cypress Cove’s options here. Mention the SAE Fishing Rodeo for a 10% discount.
All 2026 Louisiana Regulations must be followed as mandated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Fish that are not regulation size (minimum or maximum) will not be eligible for weigh-in.
Participants age 18 and over are required to have a basic fishing license to fish recreationally according to the LDWF. Click here to buy an LDWF Fishing License.
Fishing will take place on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3. Lines in at 6 AM and lines out a 4 PM each day.
Eligible fish should be caught in either freshwater or saltwater of Louisiana.
Weigh-in will begin at 4:00pm and end promptly at 6:00pm on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3. Plan to get there prior for award eligibility. In the event of a categorical tie, the fish that is entered first wins.
Schedule of Events:
Thursday, October 1st:
6:00 pm – Check-in and cocktail party with heavy appetizers
Friday, October 2nd:
6:00 AM – Lines in
4:00 PM – Lines out
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Scales open
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM – Happy Hour
Saturday, October 3rd:
6:00 AM – Lines in
4:00 PM – Lines out
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Scales open
7:00 PM – Cocktail party, Dinner, and Awards Ceremony
Sunday, October 4th:
Departure
You have Questions….. we have the Answers.
Q- What if I want to fish and need a partner or team to join ?
A-Email us at info@saefishingrodeo.com or wrpipes@hcpllp.com and we can hook you up with other SAEs seeking a partner or team.
Q- What if I don’t fish and only want to attend a social event?
A-No problem. You can attend any or all of the social events on Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday for only $30 per event. Includes food. Cash bar.
Q- Do I have to fish out of Venice, Louisiana?
A-No. Fish anywhere you like as long as you have your fish at the Venice Marina weigh-in by 6pm on Saturday, October 3rd.
Q-Can I get a ride with someone to and from Venice, Louisiana?
A-Yes. Email us at info@saefishingrodeo.com and we can arrange for a ride with another SAE.
Q- Can I bring a friend who is not an SAE?
A- Yes, all events are open to SAE actives, alumni, their family and friends.
Q- What if my group wants to fish but does not have a boat?
A-See our website www.saefishingrodeo.com for a link to professional fishing guides in Venice, Louisiana.
Q- Where do I stay in Venice?
A-We have rooms reserved at the Cypress Cove Lodge at 235 Cypress Cove Road, Venice, LA 70091. Call 504-420-0707 and reserve a room.
Q- Where is the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club located?
A- It is located directly behind the Cypress Cove Lodge at 235 Cypress Cove Road, Venice, LA 70091. You can walk there from Cypress Cove Lodge in two minutes.
Q- I like LSU football and don’t want to miss the LSU-McNeese State game on Saturday, October 3rd.
A-Stop whining ! It’s only McNeese State. LSU will win by 50 points anyway. And, we will have the game on a big screen TV at the awards party on Saturday night.
Q-What do I get for my $100 entry fee?
A-You get official entry in the fishing rodeo and free access all three social events and an SAE Fishing Rodeo t-shirt.
Q-What kind of prizes can I win?
A-Winners of each category (bass, redfish, snapper, tuna and biggest fish) will win Kysek quality outdoor equipment and achieve great glory by having their winning fish photo sent to the entire SAE realm across the country.
Q- How can I help sponsor this event?
A-Go to www.saefishingrodeo.com and click on “Sponsorship” to see the various sponsor level details. Then, click on “Rodeo Registration’ and scroll down to see sponsor levels and make payment through the website.
Send additional questions to info@saefishingrodeo.com or wrpipes@hcpllp.com