Fishing has its own mysteries of allure , wondering what will come up on the other end of the line from some deep , dark corner of the Gulf ; trying to always conquer bigger , better , further , deeper depths of the unfamiliar . In recent years , this has been the forefront of thought due to the tightening of offshore regulations . Everything you thought would be a staple of offshore fishing forever is now gone for the rig fishermen : nine days of red snapper season , amberjack closed throughout June and July , no trigger fish , ever changing rules on grouper , etc . Like any success story , you have to change with the times . Swollfest is

no different . As disappointing as it is to see the closing of some doors , what I have noticed is the opening of other doors , much more adventurous doors . The uptick in deep drop fishing for barrels , tiles , and swords has been tremendous . Wanting to be ahead of the curve and stay adventurously creative , this year Swollfest added the Deep Drop Division for Swordfish , Tilefish , Deep Water Dwellers , and Deep Water Grouper .

Working with a good friend , James Shaw , owner of Frigate Sales , which retails the popular Banax deep drop reels , we came up with a plan that sought to bring in this hardcore group of deep drop fishermen . We decided on the right species for the categories , then chose to offer a custom bent butt rod with a fully braid-spooled Banax reel for each first place winner of the deep drop division .

What we ended up with was a wild mix of some huge deep drop species , with the first fish weighed into Swollfest 2016 being Mark Dufrene ’ s 185.1 lb . swordfish , ultimately winning overall Swollest fish . We had great barrelfish , huge yellowedge and snowy grouper , good tilefish , and several other odd 200 fathom deep drop species .

These were just the new species for 2016 , but we had other very impressive record breakers like Chris

Faler ’ s 170.8 lb . yellowfin tuna and Eric Valenciano ’ s 79.4 lb . cobia . We also saw great red snapper like George Wood ’ s 25.8 lb . entry , a decent 75.8 lb . Warsaw grouper caught by Clarence Brock , Tommy Vidrine ’ s five-trout stinger win , Devon Beltz ’ s annual sweep of kayak division , and Team Bellette with the Schmitt ladies taking over the Women ’ s division .

Everyone had a great time at this year ’ s event and the success is due to the people who participate . I truly believe that Swollfest has the greatest mix of participants , sponsors , and volunteers who all work together for the greater cause . With 649 registrants this year , everyone has given 100 % for the meaning behind this fishing rodeo .

Yes , we do have great fishermen and fisherwomen who bring in very impressive fish that make Swollfest stand out among the rest , but everyone present knows for what they are

fishing and it ’ s not just a trophy or an ice chest . Swollfest represents good , positive energy in a world that is consumed with instant gratification and social media ’ s grasp of reality .

The four-day tournament , especially the finale on Saturday , time slows down . We see what is important in life and helping our fellow neighbors , who may have been dealt a bad hand . Every person at Swollfest puts their personal problems aside to help those in need . It is a special time that means something for all those in the moment . Everyone leaves with a little soulful Swollfest lagniappe .

Thanks to all those who support Swollfest , and make plans to be there next year for our 20th Annual ! Mark your calendars for June 7-10 , 2017 . This will be a special year , including our new beneficiary for the rodeo , Our Lady of the Lake Children ’ s Hospital .