What the Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo is and when it happens

The Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo is an annual fishing tournament held in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, centered on the waters around Empire and South Pass. The event draws anglers from across the Gulf Coast who come to fish for tarpon, the large, silver-scaled fish that run through Louisiana's coastal channels from spring into early summer. The rodeo typically takes place in May, though the exact dates shift year to year — you'll want to check with the tournament organizers directly for the current year's schedule.

The tournament is organized by local fishing guides and community members who have deep ties to the area. It operates as a catch-and-release event, meaning fish are weighed and measured, then returned to the water. The rodeo has become a fixture in the region's fishing calendar, drawing both serious tournament competitors and anglers who come for the chance to fish productive waters with experienced guides.

Key Takeaways

  • The Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo takes place each May in Plaquemines Parish and is a catch-and-release tournament focused on tarpon fishing.
  • Entry typically requires a boat and captain or guide familiar with the South Pass area, as the waters demand local knowledge and skill.
  • You can fish solo or join a team, and most tournaments offer different divisions based on boat size or angler experience level.
  • The rodeo supports local guides and fishing businesses, making it a community event as much as a competition.
  • Tarpon season in South Pass runs May through early summer, and the rodeo is timed to coincide with peak tarpon activity.

How to enter the tournament

Entry into the Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo usually opens several weeks before the event. You can register through the tournament's official contact — typically a local fishing guide association or the Plaquemines Parish tourism board. Registration fees vary depending on whether you're entering as an individual angler, a team, or a boat captain with crew, so contact the organizers for current pricing and what your entry includes.

Most participants fish from a private boat with a hired guide, though some tournaments allow walk-on anglers to join established boats. If you don't own a boat, you'll need to arrange a guide or charter captain ahead of time. Many guides in the area specialize in tarpon and know the South Pass channels where the tournament takes place. The rodeo's organizers can often connect you with guides if you reach out early.

What to expect on tournament days

Tournament days typically run from early morning until mid-afternoon, with boats heading out at first light to fish the incoming and slack tides when tarpon are most active. South Pass is a deep-water channel where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf, and tarpon congregate there in large numbers during spring and early summer. The water is open and exposed, so conditions can change quickly — wind and current are factors every angler has to manage.

Fishing for tarpon is physically demanding. The fish are large — often 80 to 150 pounds — and they fight hard. Anglers use heavy tackle, live bait (usually mullet or mackerel), and patience. A single hookup can take an hour or more to land. Most tournament days produce a handful of fish per boat, though some days are slower. Weigh-ins happen at a central location, usually at a dock or marina in Empire, where fish are recorded and released.

Tarpon behavior and seasonal timing

Tarpon migrate through Louisiana's coastal waters on a predictable schedule. They begin moving into the passes and channels in April, peak in May and June, and taper off by July as water temperatures rise. South Pass is one of the most reliable spots to find them because the deep channel and strong current create ideal conditions. The fish feed on mullet and other baitfish that concentrate in the pass, making it a natural gathering point.

The rodeo is scheduled for May to hit this peak window. Early May often produces good numbers of fish, while late May can be even better as more tarpon move through. Water conditions matter — overcast days and periods of moderate current tend to be more productive than bright, slack-water days. Local guides know these patterns intimately and adjust their approach based on what the tide and weather are doing.

What gear and tackle you'll need

Tarpon fishing requires heavy-duty equipment. Standard setups use 6.5-foot to 7-foot rods rated for 20 to 30-pound line, paired with conventional reels that can hold 300 yards of line and handle the drag demands of a large fish. Many anglers use 30-pound braided mainline with a 60 to 80-pound fluorocarbon leader, which resists the tarpon's rough mouth and gill plates. Hooks are typically 4/0 to 6/0, rigged on a live mullet or mackerel.

If you're hiring a guide, they will usually provide rods, reels, and tackle as part of the charter. You'll want to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (essential for spotting tarpon), a hat, water, and snacks. The sun reflects hard off the water, and a full day on the boat is exhausting. Wear clothes that dry quickly and consider a light long-sleeve shirt to protect your skin. Bring a camera if you want photos — tarpon are dramatic fish, and the moment of a hookup is worth capturing.

Lodging and services in the Empire area

Empire is a small fishing village at the southern tip of Plaquemines Parish, about 90 minutes south of New Orleans. Lodging options are limited — there are a few small motels and bed-and-breakfasts in the immediate area, and many tournament participants stay in nearby Buras or even drive down from New Orleans for the day. Book accommodations well in advance if you're planning to stay overnight, as rooms fill up during the rodeo.

The area has a handful of restaurants and bait shops, but services are sparse compared to larger towns. Fuel up your vehicle and stock supplies before heading south. Most guides will have ice, water, and basic snacks on their boats, but bringing your own is a good idea. The landscape is marsh and water — it's remote and beautiful, but you're far from a grocery store once you're there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish the rodeo?

No. Most participants hire a guide or charter captain who provides the boat. If you don't have a boat or guide connection, contact the tournament organizers — they often maintain a list of guides who take tournament anglers and can help match you with someone.

What if I've never fished for tarpon before?

A good guide will teach you the basics — how to hold the rod, how to set the hook, how to fight the fish. Tarpon fishing has a learning curve, but guides work with first-timers regularly. Let your guide know you're new to it, and they'll adjust their approach to help you succeed.

Is the rodeo only for experienced anglers?

No. While some divisions may be competitive, most roedos welcome anglers of all skill levels. Many guides fish the tournament specifically to introduce people to tarpon. Check with the organizers about divisions or categories that match your experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?

South Pass is exposed water, and tournaments can be postponed or rescheduled if conditions are unsafe. The organizers monitor forecasts and make calls a day or two before the event. If you're traveling from a distance, build in flexibility to your schedule.

Can I keep the tarpon I catch?

The Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo is catch-and-release, so all fish are weighed and returned to the water. Tarpon are not typically kept for eating — they're bony and not considered good table fare. The focus is on the sport and the experience of landing the fish.