There’s something pretty special about a kid, a fishing pole, and the anticipation of “I think I’ve got one!” Add in trophies, prizes, snow cones and a whole morning of FREE family fun, and we’re officially hooked.
The 2026 Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Youth Fishing Tournament is happening Saturday, September 12, and children ages 2–12 are invited to participate completely FREE!
Whether your child is already a little angler or has barely held a fishing pole, this is a fun opportunity to get outside, make some memories, and enjoy one of our favorite local family events.
🐟 How Does the Tournament Work?
Here’s the fun part: families can fish any waterway in Ouachita Parish!
Fishing begins at 6:00 a.m., and participants do not need to report to tournament headquarters before they start fishing. Pick your fishing spot, cast those lines, and see who can reel in the big one!
Then bring your child’s biggest fish to the OPSO Rifle Range for the official weigh-in.
Weigh-In: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
OPSO Rifle Range
357 Sheriff Fewell Road
West Monroe
Participants must be checked in by 11:00 a.m., even if they are not weighing in a fish. Winners are expected to be announced at approximately 11:30 a.m.
And yes—the flyer says the biggest fish may be brought to weigh-in dead or alive.
Every Registered Child Gets Something!
This isn't one of those events where only the winner goes home smiling. Every registered participant receives:
- 🏆 Participation Trophy
- 👕 Tournament T-Shirt
- 🎒 OPSO Backpack filled with goodies
- 🎁 Door Prize
There will also be a Biggest Fish Contest, so those kiddos might want to start scouting out their favorite fishing hole now!
🎯 There's WAY More Than Fishing!
Once families arrive at the OPSO Rifle Range, the fun keeps going.
Kids can enjoy archery events, fingerprinting, face painting and other children's activities, plus hot dogs, snow cones and door prizes.
Translation: even if the fish aren't biting, the kids are still going to have a pretty fantastic Saturday morning.
🎣 2026 OPSO Youth Fishing Tournament
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Ages: 2–12
Cost: FREE
Fishing Begins: 6:00 a.m.
Fish: Any waterway in Ouachita Parish
Weigh-In: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Winners Announced: Approximately 11:30 a.m.
Tournament Headquarters: OPSO Rifle Range, 357 Sheriff Fewell Road, West Monroe
Registration is FREE!
Advance registration is required, so don't wait until the fishing poles are already loaded in the truck. Use the registration link in this article to get your child signed up.
Macaroni KID loves finding FREE local experiences that get families outside, trying something new and making memories together, and this one checks all the boxes.
So grab the fishing poles, pack the sunscreen, and get ready to CAST A LINE! 🎣🐟
Event information provided by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office. Tournament details are subject to change.
