CYPREMORT POINT — A passion for fishing and a love for fundraising were evident here Saturday afternoon during the inaugural Denise P. Breaux Memorial Redfish Derby.

The fundraising event, planned by her widower Aaron Breaux of New Iberia with the help of many relatives and friends, was an overwhelming success.

Derby officials proudly and happily announced that 135 boats fished the inaugural event, so there easily were more than 270 anglers (probably closer to around 400 considering there was a maximum of four anglers per boat and three fish comfortably) casting for the top prize of $3,800. It was remarkable to see dozens upon dozens of boats moored along the bulkhead around the pavilion.

And then there were all the family members and friends of the anglers enjoying the music played by a live band, the food, the good times and raising money for a good cause, which is what this region is all about.

Aaron and others believe it was the biggest single-day event ever at Cypremort Point. They won’t get an argument from me.

A jam-packed parking lot, as big and expansive as it is at the public boat landing here, was the first clue something extraordinary was taking place. Yes, this was one for the ages. And Breaux said he believes it will double in size next year when other anglers find out about the rich payout, which is 75 percent of the total entry fees ($100 per boat).

Denise’s parents, Don and Margie Poche, watched in appreciation. Don stayed by the scale and watched every redfish come in, start to finish. Margie apologized for the tears in her eyes when she talked about the event and how so many people, herself included, think her daughter, who died of cancer Feb. 27, had something to do with steering Tropical Storm Don away from south central Louisiana.

Aaron tried to be everywhere at once. He was at the table with the electronic scale, watching his good friend Bo Evans and Lance Breaux, Denise and Aaron’s 29-year-old son, weigh dozens of redfish, and meeting and greeting so many people under the pavilion, at one point holding his precious 1-year-old grandson Kenley Olivier, and talking to hundreds of saltwater fishermen who lined the area between the pavilion and the water.

Aaron was in his element. Denise must have been smiling from above.

 

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Another worthy fundraiser is right around the corner.

Matt Landry, who recently finished guiding the second-year Southcentral Fishing Association to its successful conclusion with last weekend’s Classic (see related story on this page), reminded anglers that the fourth annual August Angler’s Addiction Fishing Tournament is scheduled to be held Aug. 13 out of Quintana Canal. The money raised goes to the Lydia Cancer Association.

Landry said the tournament featured a redfish division (three-fish limit in the slot) and a speckled trout division (three-fish limit). Payout for first, second and third places in both divisions will be at least $500, $300 and $200, plus a $50 gift certificate for fourth place. Also, money will be paid out for the largest, second- and third-largest drum and croaker in the 15-and-younger kids division to the tune of $75-$45-$30.

For more information call 519-3947 or 519-3131.

 

DON SHOOPMAN is outdoors editor of The Daily Iberian.