The Sheepy Tournament, held annually in the marshes of Hopedale, Louisiana, is more than just a fly fishing competition. It's more than a community party too — it's a testament to the passion and camaraderie that define the sport. This year was particularly special, because I was able to connect with some long-time fishing buddies while they picked up a new skiff in Florida and made their way over to New Orleans. We were able to form a team and compete thanks in part to the contributions of the Skiff Supply Company and the renowned local guide, Miles LaRose.

Searching for the right flies at Skiff Supply

Chris picking up a new floating fly line at Skiff Supply

The Skiff Supply Company: equipping anglers for success

The Skiff Supply Company, known for its comprehensive guiding services, has grown over the past two years and now carries a range of fly fishing gear in the shop and online. Having that supply of goods played a pivotal role in this year's tournament. From flies to lines, their products are designed to meet the unique challenges of targeting fish in Louisiana — including the elusive Sheepshead, or "Cajun Permit," on the flats. Their commitment to quality and performance has made them a favourite among the local fly fishing community, and it's been great seeing my friend succeed in such a way.

Sheepy Tournament winners on a sculpture at Skiff Supply

Miles LaRose: guiding anglers to victory

Miles LaRose, the owner of Shallow South and a respected figure in Louisiana fly fishing, brought his expertise to the tournament. With years of experience navigating the local water, his guidance was invaluable for anyone looking to outsmart the Sheepshead.

Most tournaments are fairly well run, but something is different about the dedication to community and fun that Miles brings to Louisiana's coastal waters. When you sign up and the fees hit, you first wonder if it's worth it — then the event starts, the music rings, the food tastes fantastic and the drinks run cold and smooth. That's when his work around the Sheepy Tournament becomes evident.

Shallow South is an FFIP Certified operation — one we know personally and stand behind. See the full listing on our Shallow South Fly Fishing — Skiff Supply page.

The Sheepy Tournament winners with their trophy

The Sheepy Tournament: a fly fishing fete

The Skiff Supply Sheepy Tournament is not just about the competition. As I said, it's a celebration of the location's spirit. Anglers from all over gather to share stories, enjoy the local cuisine, and, of course, vie for the title of top angler. As the sun set on this year's tournament, it was clear the event was about more than catching fish. It was about the people, the environment, and the enduring allure of fly fishing.

Bumper pool at the Skiff Supply compound

Live music at the Skiff Supply Sheepy Tournament

The trip and the tournament

This year I was able to make a special trip down to Hopedale and connect with a few friends. Todd Jurgensen and Chris Fredette, two good buddies from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, were game to make it work.

The plan was for them to drive down to the Tampa Bay area of Florida and pick up a skiff to add to Todd's fleet. Although they weren't all that excited about the time behind the wheel, you could tell Todd was itching to get his hands on that Hell's Bay.

New Hell's Bay Boatworks skiff picked up in Florida

I planned to meet Todd and Chris at the airport and hitch a ride to Hopedale. Sleep where we can — a spare room, the floor of a garage, or in the truck — was about as far as we got ahead of ourselves. Knowing we had a bunch of friends around, we figured we could work something out suitable for a few hacks.

Regardless of where we stayed, the plan was one day of warm-up fishing and two days of tournament. Given we were outsiders we knew the competition would be stout, but we had a chance. Slight as it may have been, it was a chance to compete and have fun.

Lo and behold, everything went to hell as storms rolled in. I'm talking heavy winds and rain to the point that several anglers didn't even show up. Their loss. We endured sideways rain, gusting and blowing wind, and yes the fishing was relatively dismal — but we had a ton of fun on our warm-up day.

Chris eating boiled peanuts on the drive to Hopedale

We woke early and met as a group to assign fellow teams and review the rules. Next up was battling for a spot on the boat ramp and a quick launch so we could hit the water we'd scouted. The weather was still bad and the wind was high, but we figured if we picked up a single Sheepshead we'd be in the chase.

Morning meeting before the Sheepy Tournament start

After a day of hard poling, draining the trolling motor, avoiding lightning, and attempting to stay dry, we came up empty-handed. When we returned it was late, and the informal count was three fish landed on day one across the whole field. We had bets going, and I think we all badly overestimated how catchable it would be. Many locals kept saying, "I'm going home and getting out of this crap weather. It's all about the food and beer for me."

Fly line on the deck of a skiff in high wind

Needless to say, that's how the weather went for the remaining day. Unfortunately I didn't even participate — instead I lay on a sofa feeling like death, one of the soon-to-be many who picked up influenza and changed flight timelines just to get home and into a bed for a few days. Either way, I collected a few more photos and heard the results. It wasn't us. I believe the top angler had three Sheepshead in the boat. We ended up with a big old donut, but we had fun fighting the elements.

Redfish landed in the boat during the tournament

What made it special wasn't the fishing

We've all been there with good weather and an awesome fishery. We've also all had a chance to experience New Orleans hospitality and food. What was different was the way Miles put together the Sheepy Tournament and the way the community followed. I believe there were almost 50 boats signed up and the sign-up had to be shut off. What a showing. We had anglers from all over — people you'd recognise from around the country who made a special trip of it.

Here's where the big change was. The food and drink options never stopped. I can't tell you how many times I looked over my shoulder and there were baked clams, cold clams, sushi, pulled pork, cajun shrimp and so much more available around the shop and compound. On top of that: beer, mixed drinks, live music, and tons of great attitude. From a pleasure standpoint, the after-party gatherings were top-notch and provided a blissful evening with friends.

Thanks to all the sponsors who chipped in to make it happen, and congratulations to Miles and his small crew for such a successful event and a genuinely useful platform for fun and conservation.

Sponsor banner at the Skiff Supply Sheepy Tournament

Fishing Louisiana yourself

Interested in the next Sheepy Tournament, or in exploring fly fishing in Louisiana generally? Miles and the Shallow South crew are the people to talk to.

See the Shallow South Fly Fishing — Skiff Supply listing to book a trip or find the shop. They're part of our Certified Guides & Lodges, which means we've vetted them personally rather than passing along a rating from strangers.

Want more on the fishery itself? Read Louisiana fly fishing: mastering redfish, sheepshead, tarpon, and crevalle jack.

What to bring to the marsh

Louisiana in tournament season means wind, sideways rain, and long days on a poling platform. A packable shell is not optional — the Frogg Toggs Cascades Pack Jacket lives in a boat bag, and the Gale Waterproof Rain Jacket handles a full day of it.

Sheepshead and redfish on the flats call for an 8-weight and a saltwater line with a core that won't go soft in the heat — the Moonlit WF Saltwater or Silvertip Saltwater WF, with the Goliath Rod and Reel Combo if you need the outfit. Crab patterns matter here, so pack the Dirty Marsh Crab Assortment. Keep everything dry in a Boat Bag Dry Bag, and rinse it all in fresh water at the end of each day.