INTERNATIONAL GRAND ISLE
TARPON RODEO

The 2026 Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo once again celebrated Louisiana's rich fishing heritage by bringing anglers of all ages to Grand Isle for a weekend of competition across both inshore and offshore divisions. As the oldest fishing tournament in the United States, the rodeo continued its tradition of showcasing the incredible diversity of Louisiana's coastal waters while providing participants with opportunities to target a wide variety of prized Gulf species. From offshore swordfish and yellowfin tuna to dolphin and blackfin tuna, competitors enjoyed productive fishing conditions that produced several impressive catches throughout the event.

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The offshore divisions featured outstanding performances across multiple species. Daniel Field claimed the Swordfish Division title with an impressive 157.80-pound swordfish, while Matthew Faulkner finished second with a 111.20-pound catch and Dr. Adrian Landry secured third place at 98.70 pounds. In the Yellowfin Tuna Over 50-pound category, Grant Sanders earned first place with a 66.50-pound yellowfin. Dr. Adrian Landry also captured the Dolphin Over 5-pound division with a 25.90-pound dolphin, followed by Charlie Mascagni with a 9.50-pound fish and Keller Bankston in third at 8.10 pounds. The Wahoo division saw no qualifying entries during the tournament.

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The Blackfin Tuna division showcased a tightly contested competition led by Jaselyn Berthelot, whose 31.10-pound tuna earned first-place honors. Lillie Picciola finished just behind with a 25.10-pound blackfin, while Colton Babin rounded out the top three with a 25.00-pound catch. 

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The tournament also recognized excellence in conservation through its Big Game Tag & Release division, where Keller Bankston aboard Sugaree earned top honors by leading the field in release points. The continued emphasis on catch-and-release competition reflects the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo's longstanding commitment to responsible fisheries management and the conservation of Louisiana's valuable offshore resources.

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The 2026 Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo once again reinforced why the event remains one of the nation's most celebrated fishing traditions. By combining competitive angling, family participation, and conservation-minded fishing with the unique culture of Grand Isle, the rodeo continues to attract anglers from across the Gulf Coast while promoting Louisiana as a premier destination for recreational fishing and coastal tourism.