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DES ALLEMANDS — Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission is thrilled to present one of the biggest catfish fishing tournaments in the nation that will cast waves of excitement in Louisiana’s River Parishes this fall.

St. Charles Parish is designated as a stop on King Kat USA’s 2023 Tournament Trail. The two-day fishing tournament will draw anglers from near and far September 22-23, the same weekend as the highly anticipated St. Charles Parish Alligator Festival taking place September 21-24 in Luling.

Day one of the tournament takes place at the Des Allemands Boat Launch, located at 399 Down the Bayou Road and weighing in at St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 17292 LA-631in Des Allemands. The excitement continues the following day, weighing in at the West Bank Bridge Park, river side, at 13825 River Road in Luling. Fishing begins each day at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m., in advance of weigh-in at 4 p.m.

One of King Kat’s owners, Bob Denen, has proclaimed the tournament a thrilling experience for seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. In addition to offering big payouts and low entry fees, King Kat promotes cities along the tournament trail through media content and televised coverage available on streaming platforms.

On Saturday, September 23, Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission also presents the King Kids’ Fishing Rodeo for children ages 15 and under from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway, located at 101 Lower Guide Levee Road in Norco. Bring your family and fishing gear for a fun day! Participants in the King Kids’ Fishing Rodeo will also have their names entered into a scholarship drawing at the end of this year.

Representatives of Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission met the King Kat crew during a trade show geared towards sports tourism, and the Des Allemands waterways in St. Charles Parish was identified as an ideal location and featured stop on the tournament’s national trail.

“2023 King Kat Tournament Trail has included Shreveport and Natchitoches; however, this is the first time the tournament will be hosted in Louisiana’s River Parishes,” said Denise Burrell, executive director of Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission.

Burrell said this is an opportunity for local anglers to compete against anglers from across the country on a truly National Trail. The Tourist Commission is providing tournament organizers with information on local restaurants and attractions so visitors can experience all the River Parishes have to offer.

During a visit with the River Parishes Tourist Commission this past May, during National Travel and Tourism Week, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser shared that outdoor activities have become more popular among tourists since the COVID-19 pandemic, giving Louisiana an opportunity to showcase its state parks, waterways, bike trails, and other unique experiences.

Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission attracts outdoor enthusiasts with “Swamp Country” attractions, which include airboat tours, an aquatic zipline and more.

“The Tourist Commission has partnered with Recreation Departments in St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James parishes in our efforts to advance and cultivate sports tourism to bring more economic growth, promote wellness and quality of life in our region. We look forward to welcoming all local, regional, and national anglers to Louisiana’s River Parishes to experience our real flavor, real history and real adventure,” Burrell said.

Register at www.kingkatusa.com. The late fee deadline is September 15.

Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission has a calendar of upcoming events at lariverparishes.com/ourevents/

More information on the King Kat Fishing Tournament, including lodging and tournament rules, can be found at www.kingkatusa.com or by calling (985) 359-2562.

 

• Denise Burrell, executive director of Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission, contributed to this report.