[StBernard] Bass tournament returns after two-year hiatus

[Westley Annis]

Bass tournament returns after two-year hiatus

Published: Thursday, May 03, 2012, 7:08 AM

 By Earl Hodges 

Local bass anglers will take a big step toward putting the damage and
memories of the BP oil spill behind them when the Los Islenos Heritage and
Cultural Society renews its annual bass tournament Saturday.

The bass tournament was an annual event until the oil spill two years ago.
The last tournament was held in 2009.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Islenos Society and its
building restoration fund.

"This tournament is very important for the society," said Jim Hasik, a
member of the society and the tournament organizer. "The Los Islenos Society
helps us preserve our history, and this is important for future
generations."

The tournament, to be held at the Caernarvon Canal in Braithwaite, will be
managed by the Joey Georgusis Memorial Pro Bass Circuit, formerly known as
the Pro Anglers Tournament Association.

Tournament hours are from first light to 3 p.m. The cost to participate is
$120 per boat if registered by Friday. Late entries will be taken the day of
the tournament, but there will be a $10 late fee.

For more information or an entry form, call Hasik at 504.682.7085 or Ben
Hollingsworth at 504.442.5735.

Teams will consist of two members fishing from the same boat. Boats will
leave the launch in the order that the entries are received, and all
entrants must leave from the Delacroix launch. All boats must check in by 3
p.m.

Jambalaya and bread pudding will be provided by Charlie's Restaurant in
Violet. Soft drinks and adult beverages also will be available, and
tournament T-shirts will be given to each entrant at the weigh-in.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 10 finishers, with first place
receiving $1,200. Other prizes are $600 for second place; $350, third; $200,
fourth; and $125 to fifth through 10th places.

The Big Bass payout will be $250 for first place and $125 for second place.
The tournament's grand prize will be a one year free launch permit at
Delacroix Corporation's Caernarvon Launch.

"The Islenos came here from the Canary Islands in 1778," said Dorothy Benge,
a member of the Los Islenos Society's board of directors. "The Islenos
culture is unique to St. Bernard and Louisiana."

The society, which was founded in 1976, is looking for another building to
move onto the Islenos complex to serve as a gift shop, Benge said. All
buildings in the village have been donated but the society has paid to have
them moved there, Benge said.

For more information, call Benge at 504.554.8712.

Earl Hodges can be reached at earlhodges at msn.com or 504.887.4731.