Garfish Rodeo 2009

We had a fantastic time at the Garfish Rodeo at the Blind River Bar in Louisiana!!!!!!!! There were thirty-five boats with about 60 fishermen entered in the rodeo. Almost 3,000 pounds of fish were weighed-in! I think the big fish was 99 pounds. Garfish are caught by placing bait-fish such as mullet on large hooks which are suspended from jugs (recycled soda or bleach bottles). After being weighed-in some of the fish was filleted, cut into chunks, seasoned with mustard and hot sauce, dipped in "dust" (a commercially prepared fish fry batter) and fried in a big fryer. Dust is a word coined by one of the fellows in our group who has limited English skills.....the word works! The Garfish was served along with about 40 gallons of Jambalaya. The group I was with prepared the fish while another group did the Jambalaya. I don't know how many people were there for the party, a few hundred at least. A great time was had by all! A few pictures:

A couple of turtles on a log.
A small fishing camp on the river. Many are actually built over the water.
Alligator Bayou lives up to its name in the morning hours. We saw several gators!
Undisturbed waters with reflection!
A splash of color among the shades of greens and browns.
One of those pictures I put on here just because I like it!
Garfish weigh-in area at Blind River Bar.