The clock’s ticking down to the first Southcentral Fishing Association tournament of 2024.

SfA’s anglers will take to the water March 16 out of Quintana Canal Landing for the opener on March 16. An SFA spokesman noted the area’s many saltwater fishing enthusiasts have plenty of time to get a crew together and make plans to wet some lines, soak some shrimp, in the first tournament of the year.

“It’s always a good time seeing everyone again. And it seems like a reunion every month,” third-year SFA director Brooks Amy of Broussard, formerly of New Iberia, said Feb. 19.

SFA officials released the regular-season schedule, which has been pared from five total tournaments to four total tournaments, on Feb. 2. Officials also announced the SFA Classic is on tap for June 22.

Based on the past few years, this is a pivotal season coming up for the organization that once had membership of more than 100 men, women and children from across Acadiana with like-minded interest in finding and reeling in redfish in and around Vermilion Bay.

Following a solid start as far as participating boats last year, the numbers fell off markedly in the last two regular-season tournaments and the SFA Classic held Aug. 12.

The consensus during the offseason was to refocus and attract more saltwater fishermen to the SFA in 2024. Cutting the number of regular-season tournaments from five to four was one of the steps taken for the upcoming season hoping to spark more interest.

“That’s kind of what we’re aiming for. We’ll finish up (in June). Then we’ve got the Fourth of July (Iberia Rod & Gun Club Saltwater Fishing Rodeo) and St. Thomas More (Fishing Rodeo),” Amy said.

“Like always, I’m hoping to get more and more participation. We tried to make it the best we can. If anybody has suggestions, we’re all ears.”

SFA’s second tournament this year is scheduled to be held April 27. The third tournament is set for May 18, followed by the SFA Classic on June 22.

Entry fee per boat, with a maximum of five members on board, is $100. Registration will be held the morning before each tournament and ends at 5:50 a.m. Tournament hours for the season opener are 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Amy, 44, who owns Overhead Doors Co., has his fingers crossed the days of seven to eight boats at a tournament are over.

“I’m hoping for at least 15-plus boats,” he said.

The 2023 Angler(s) of the Year won three tournaments on their way to the coveted title. Fishing with accomplished saltwater angler Keo Khamphilavong were fellow New Iberians Craig Landry and Randy Migues.

However, the season’s top boat was unable to reel in the SFA Classic title a few weeks later on the big day in August. That victory went to Amy and his crew of his father, Perry Scott, and Jacob Fisher.

For more information about how to join the SFA call Amy at (337) 316-8175.