Hell Divers Spearfishing Rodeo 2006

[Louis Rossignol]

It's Rodeo time! We are gearing up for the 2006 Hell Divers Spearfishing Rodeo. The twin terrors, Katrina and Rita, can't stop this party. We'll have live music, crawfish and roasted hogs this year with a possibility for some Booyah Jambalaya also. Last year was a blast with lots of big fish and cold beers to boot. We even have stuff for the kids.

The event will begin on Thursday, June 1, 2006 and end on Sunday, June 4, 2006 with the weigh-in and awards ceremony. Four days of speardiving ending with a great party. The weigh-in will be between 10 am and 2 pm.

We have all the same fish categories including: Amberjack, Barracuda, Cobia, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Snapper (Mangrove and Red), Sheepshead, Spadefish, Ray, Triggerfish and Miscellaneous. There is even a category for the heaviest 5 fish stringer of Sheepshead. Dive Categories include Scuba, Freediving and Skindiving. The Blue Water Division will have Wahoo, Mahi and Miscellaneous. We have trophies for King, Queen and Juniors.

We have had great response from our sponsors from last year. The prize table this year will include items from A.B. Biller, Aimrite, Armor, Roll Control, JBL, Ocean Master, Offshore Hunter, Pelican, Picasso America, Riffe, Spearfishing Specialties, Unified/Seasense and Zeagle. We have more in the works. These manufacturers are fantastic. We also have great Local Dive Shops like Tementos and Chag's. Please support these people who support the dive community through these donations and the good will created by their service to their customers. We're are always looking for new sponsors to help with this years rodeo. If you know anyone who is interested, we would be grateful.

I will post the 2006 Rules and Schedule of events as soon as they are available. The entry fee is $50.00.

Also, get an early start on booking lodging, boat slips, etc.

[rigdvr]

Rok, prepare yourself for an all star east coast/west coast freediving battle as we are finalizing some plans now. Hope Dauzait has been working out b/c we will make the weigh in on time this year:)

The HD Rodeo is one of the things making my days easier right now as we continue to try to put our lives back together. Cant wait for the show!

[chasintail]

I can fu*kin wait.Make sure my name is spelled right on my trophy!

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Not gonna invite G.R. to the party?

There will plenty of beer for the crying.

Zz

[Louis Rossignol]

Git little piggy too. Haha, I mean the "Big Pig". I need a drinkin buddy.

[rigdvr]

dont worry Steve, GR is part of the malay I was referring to.

[ROCK BOTTOM]

You guys got sloppy last year and let some weak competition take home all the glory.

Zz

[SpearDiverTampa]

Looking forward to it! I predict a florida boy takes the King title this year :cool:
-Chris

[LASeaCat]

I'll say one thing, Stevie, "weak competition" is your specialty.

And this year, we are giving out crying towns for the folks that can't follow directions!

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Now Dave, let's not get ugly. I do alright, especially when I leave the wife home. I could always ask how you did at the SBO for the last two years but then you would ask me about all the big fish that I haven't put on the club board, right. Remember, you can't hurt my feelings and make me cry.(and by the way, it is "crying towel" or wah rag.)

Anyway, the wife might not be able to dive with me this year because of my stepson's exam schedule so i am really gonna cut loose (ha ha).

Zz

[Louis Rossignol]

Define: Cut loose.

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Dive, drink, sleep. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Zz

[ROCK BOTTOM]

We also need to give props to Tony Grogan (Spearboard and Spearfishing Mag) and Atomic Aquatics for giving support to the Rodeo.

Man, it's gonna be a good time. We have a great band, awesome food and excellent people. Throw that on top of big fish and great prizes and it should be big fun.

Zz

[Big Pig]

Git little piggy too. Haha, I mean the "Big Pig". I need a drinkin buddy.

I would love to make the trip this year, but I don't think it is going to happen. I just moved my mother into our house last week. She has MS bad, and can't be left alone for too long. Hoping to find a good assisted living facility in the next couple of months. Then I can start shooting again.

With me not being there this year, maybe a Helldiver will crack the first beer of the morning at the weigh-in :D

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Pig,

Gonna miss you this year.

I think someone will step up to the plate and crack that first brew nice and early.

Zz

[chasintail]

We got a little sloppy last year and missed the weigh in.Its a really good thing because a WHOLE lot of feelings would have been hurt.Won't happen again.We gonna camp out at the boat launch the night before. :D

So far the nutsling crew includes myself,GR Tarr,Ritchie Zacker,Mike Freeman,Marcel Garsaud,Bill Crawford,Eric Friedrichsen,Juior H.(rookie ;) ),and a few more in the works.

Make sure you bring the crying towels.Your going to need them.

[chasintail]

Pig,

Gonna miss you this year.

I think someone will step up to the plate and crack that first brew nice and early.

Zz

I will force myself in honor of the pig. :beer:

[rigdvr]

Dave put a solid show on last year and it would have been close between him and GR but after I looked at the standings it would have been too close to call. Dave had us beat in several categories including red snappers and mango. He earned that award whether we were late or not.

That being said, Dave I hope you need the towels this year instead of us:) Cant wait to see yall there.

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Dave killed nice fish all year. He inspired me to rig up a gun for freediving. Go Dave.

Zz

[mrfish87]

Steve were you just April alcohol induced fooling me last night, or is the rodeo really changed to the next weekend.

[chasintail]

Dave is an awesome diver.Makes me want to win even more.

[SpearDiverTampa]

Anyone have any recommendations for lodging for us out of towners? We have loved Delta Dawn the last couple years but assume it's gone. Also I would like to sponser the tourney with some electronics...who do I need to get in touch with?
-Chris

[Louis Rossignol]

Talk to Rock Bottom, he'll give you all the info you need.

[Louis Rossignol]

Update,

We've secured Lafreniere Park for the rodeo this year.

Diving for the rodeo will be June 1st - 4th, weigh-in will be on Sunday the 4th.

[ROCK BOTTOM]

There are cabins available at the Venice Marina @ 985-534-9357. I think they are only $150 per night and sleep six. I booked mine yesterday. Thanks FEMA.

Also, I will try to google a map and post the link for directions to the Rodeo site. Very simple directions.

Zz

[ScottZeagle]

Rock,

I will have some prizes headed up your way shortly!

Scott

[mrfish87]

Louis, What shelter is it going to be. We have #5 for the Aqua Aces Rodeo and it is in very close proximity to the pisser. No long walk like last year.

[Wil]

Robbie, we have shelter #7. i think its the same one ya'll had last year. but i may change it in the next couple of days. i will let you know.

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Scott,

Thanks a bunch. We really appreciate the support.

Steve Zz

[Louis Rossignol]

The SCALES CLOSE AT 2PM!!!

[Louis Rossignol]

Update:

Since George didn't get us the boat launch we've been hustling to get something just as good. We finally got it.

We are NOT at Lafreniere Park.

We've secured the park on the corner of Vintage and Loyola.

We were going to have concession problems and the band was goin to be a problem at Lafreniere, at this place we can do what we want.

[chasintail]

AT least we know the scales close at two but WTF?Is this the way you want to win,by changing the weigh in spot twenty seven times so know one can find it? :D :beer:

[Louis Rossignol]

Next time you put on a major rodeo on for 44 years straight and all 33 members do their job, let me know.

As far as rodeo chairman for next year, YOU'RE HIRED!!!

[chasintail]

Man up and do your job.Stop your bitching. :D

[Louis Rossignol]

You know where it is, you know the time the scales close, don't be late, and you better have something worth weighing.

I don't wanna hear any excuses.

Good luck dude.

[chasintail]

See ya at the scales ROk.

[BwanaR]

Where can I download a copy of the rules? I checked the web site, but didn't see anything.

[fizisition]

Richard, here are their rules. :D

1. shoot anything that moves

2. don't be late to the weigh in.

[Louis Rossignol]

Richard, here are their rules. :D

1. shoot anything that moves

2. don't be late to the weigh in.

Close, :thumps:

I'm working on getting a copy of the rules posted. I know they're in the broshure and they're supposed to be on our website.

Ya know how I said we got 33 MF'ers that don't do their job.

[biggsy]

Hell Divers kick ass! :up: :up:

I am laughing my ass off reading this! :D

Good luck to all of the shooters. You guys put on an awesome rodeo.

[Louis Rossignol]

Here is a reply from Papa Smurf,

The Hell Divers Rules are being updated. They should be posted early next week on the webb site: www.helldivers.org All rules are the same as last year except for the day and new location with two (2) exceptions. The junior diver is 17 and under instead of 18 and under this year. The junior diver fee is $25 if he or she only dives in that division. The general fee for all other divers is $50. The Blue Water will have three awards this year instead of the 17 of pervious years. This is due to very few divers in that division. Our Brochure will be out by the middle of May.

Terry Migaud, Hell Divers Brochure Chariman

[jim richard]

louie can't say it e nuf u r a naturel born leeder!!!!!

[Joe Wegmann]

Alright fellas No EXCUSES here is alink to the location of the weigh in and party.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=Loyola%20Dr%20%26%20Vintage%20Dr&city=Kenner&state=LA&zipcode=70062&country=US&geodiff=1

and ticket info

2006 HELL DIVERS RODEO TICKET


DIVER NAME______________________________

CLUB____________________________________

AGE AS OF JUNE 1ST____________SEX________

BOAT (IF KNOWN)_________________________
THIS MAY BE STATED AT THE WEIGHT IN

FEE:$50 IF 18 OR OLDER__________________

FEE: $25 IF 17 _________________________AND YOUNGER AND WILL SHOT ONLY FOR THE JUNIOR DIVISON. IF YOU ARE 17 or YOUNGER AND WISH TO SHOT IN ANY OTHER OR ALL OF THE OTHER DIVISONS YOU MUST PAY AT THE $50 RATE

YOU MAY PAY ON LINE VIA paypal or at most area dive shops or send this form with your check or money order made out to the HELL DIVERS
Divers to: Hell Diver c/o
HENRY PACHECO
641 DIPLOMET STREET
TERRYTOWN, LA 70056
504 458-6965

DEADLINE FOR TICKETS SALES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!!

[Louis Rossignol]

2006 HELL DIVERS SPEARFISHING RODEO


RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Registration is open until close of business, June 1, 2006. Tickets may be purchased at area dive shops or from
the HELL DIVERS. Registration fee is $50 (see Rule 28), which includes a Rodeo T-Shirt and FREE BEER. Preregistration by phone, mail, or (www.helldivers.org) is allowed. All participants must be known to the HELL DIVERS
prior to the start of the rodeo. Call (504) 833-1884. Mailing address: 3513 43rd Street, Metairie, LA 70001-2840.
2. Valid fishing license is required of all participants.
3. Diving is open to all waters.
4. Competition starts Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 12:01 A.M. and ends Sunday, June 4, 2006 at 2:00 P.M.
5. All fish subject to autopsy.
6. Scales open Sunday, June 4, 2006, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. ONLY.
7. All decisions by Rodeo Officials will be final.
8. Headquarters for the Rodeo: KENNER CITY PARK, KENNER, LOUISIANA. Loyola and Vintage Drives.
9. No power heads allowed.
10. Fish must be speared and apprehended by Diver without assistance.
11. Fish speared from boat are ineligible. Diver must be submerged.
12. Skin and Scuba are allowed. Blue Water Division (see Rule 27).
13. Diver must present registration stub or email confirmation to enter fish.
14. Diver must be present to win entrance prizes, Sunday, June 4, 2006 at 3:00 P.M.
15. Each category will receive a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place award (Rule 25).
16. All 1st place fish receive 3 points, 2nd - 2 points and 3rd - 1 point, that go toward King/Club/Boat Awards.
17. A separate board will be kept for the purpose of tabulating points toward Champion Skin Diver, Queen
Spearfisherwoman, and Champion Blue Water Diver (see Rule 27). The 3-2-1 point(s) system will be used with ties
broken by cumulative weight of fish(es) on these boards. Only fish shot skindiving (see Rule 25) will count for
Champion Skin Diver. Only fish shot (Rule 25) by women will count for Queen Spearfisherwoman. Only fish under
Rule 27 will count for Blue Water Division. An award for the 1st and 2nd runner-up will be presented on the skin
and women board. These three (3) board points will not count towards any other awards.
18. The David L. Irwin Memorial Club Award will be awarded to the Club with the highest point total (Rule 25).
19. The Warren “Whip” Mermilliod King Spearfisherman Award will be awarded to the diver with highest point total
under Rule 25.
20. Ties for King/Club/Boat Awards will be determined by the cumulative weight taking awards.
21. In case of any ties due to weight, the earliest fish(es) entered win(s).
22. In the Miscellaneous category: Fish only: No Ocean Sunfish, Redfish, Jewfish or Shark.
23. No Shark category due to Federal Regulations.
24. There will be awards for 2nd and 3rd place on the Champion Skin Diver Board, Ladies Division and Blue Water
Division.
25. Eligible fish are as follows:
AMBERJACK BARRACUDA COBIA GROUPER
JACK CREVALLE MANGROVE SNAPPER MISCELLANEOUS RED SNAPPER
SHEEPSHEAD SPADEFISH STINGRAY TRIGGERFISH

26. CHAMPION SHEEPSHEAD DIVER AWARD and/or Sheepshead Aggregate will be used to determine the
Champion Sheepshead Diver Award. Sheepshead Aggregate will be a stringer of five (5) sheepshead weighed at
one time. Only one (1) stringer per diver and points earned in this category will not count toward any other awards.
This special award is to commemorate our 1st Rodeo and to acknowledge our roots.
27. Rules for Blue Water Division are: Four (4) fishes; BLACKFIN TUNA, WAHOO, DORADO AND MISCELLANEOUS.
Fish may be shot with or without the aid of a buoy in open water. Diver may let go of the line and follow the line
with the boat. Diver must bring the fish and/or line to the boat without assistance. The boat may go to the diver.
The diver may hold on to a down line or to the boat anchor line when shooting the fish. Fish must be shot without
the aid of compressed air. Chumming is allowed. Any length of line allowed. Reels and bungee are allowed. On
the 3,2,1 point systems, a Champion Blue Water Diver award, 1st and 2nd runner-ups will be awarded.
Please note this a change from last year.

28. A Senior Diver is to be 55 years or older on June 1, 2006. A Junior Diver is to be 17 years or younger on June 1,
2006. The Senior and Junior Awards will be given to the Diver who spears the largest fish. Three (3) awards in
each division. A Junior Diver who dives only in the Junior Division, the fee is $25.

[Louis Rossignol]

You can also click on the attachment below and print the rules out.

[ScottCallais]

Rok,
I'm glad to see the rodeo is still on. Even Katrina can't stop the Helldivers' Rodeo.
Steve H. has reserved a spot for me on his boat (The Salty Dog). I will be getting my ticket from Temento's, as soon as I get in from the rig.
Hope ya'll have a good turn out. See you at the weigh in.

Scott Callais

[Louis Rossignol]

Kill something BIG!!!!!

[greg1]

How strict is the rule about knowing other members? I don't think I've ever met any of y'all, but would still like to enter.

[Louis Rossignol]

How strict is the rule about knowing other members? I don't think I've ever met any of y'all, but would still like to enter.

I have absolutely no idea what rule you're talking about. Anyone who wants to buy a ticket can enter.

[greg1]

10-4.

I guess it just means aware that the person is planning on shooting and has already entered.

Rodeo Rules
1. Registration is open until close of business, June 1, 2006. Tickets may be purchased at area dive shops or from
the HELL DIVERS. Registration fee is $50 (see Rule 28), which includes a Rodeo T-Shirt and FREE BEER. Preregistration by phone, mail, or (www.helldivers.org) is allowed. All participants must be known to the HELL DIVERS prior to the start of the rodeo. Call (504) 833-1884. Mailing address: 3513 43rd Street, Metairie, LA 70001-2840.

[mrfish87]

"Known to the Hell Divers" means you must be registered to participate in the rodeo prior to the start of the rodeo. Known means not presonally knowing but known as in you paid your registration and they KNOW you did. Know what I mean!!!! :D

[greg1]

Now I know. Thanks.

[Louis Rossignol]

That's gotta be some Papa Smurf vocabulary.

[LASeaCat]

Rok,

Make sure Nick knows how to get to the rodeo site..........and on time!

Map is on the site!

[Dstruxto]

from what ive seen so far this year is going to be in the record books. weigh in is going to be sick :eek: , only two weeks away time to get my shiat together :bolt:

[LSUBigL]

Can I register at any Baton Rouge dive shops?

[Joe Wegmann]

I gave the info to Mrs. Nancy (Seven Seas) a couple of weeks back, or you can just give me a call and i would be happy to meet up with you and handle it personally. that goes for any one in the Baton Rouge area 225-936-9685 Joe

[chasintail]

Rok,

Make sure Nick knows how to get to the rodeo site..........and on time!

Map is on the site!


Dave We will be there drinking beer by 9am.See ya there brother.Good luck to everyone. :thumps:

[LASeaCat]

Looking forward to seeing everyone........... and drinking beer with everyone!

[Freedro]

Nick and I will be first on site to secure our place at the scales and to crack a beer in honor of the Little Piggy. :D

[Louis Rossignol]

Nick and I will be first on site to secure our place at the scales and to crack a beer in honor of the Little Piggy. :D

I'm still waiting on pictures but I figured if you were crazy enough to get up on stage and sing I was crazy enough to get up and dance. :lol:

[narcosis]

Official Results?

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Official - "King" Louis Rossignol! Louie won King without a single fish worthy of the dinner table. Mrs. Rock Bottom took Queen. Henry Pacheco on the Rock Bottom shot 1st Snapper @ 32+#. First AJ was over 104#. First Grouper was a slick Willy in the 70s if my befuddled brain recalls correctly. The official board should be put out tonight or tomorrow.

HEY FREEDRO! HOW'S IT HANGING! Wow, I f'ed up yesterday and pounded a 750ml bottle of the Captain with Eric. The last time I saw him after my bout with LaLa Land, he was unconscious under a tree with a bunch of debris piled on top of him. Damn good time!

More to come later.

Zz

[Big Pig]

I'm still waiting on pictures but I figured if you were crazy enough to get up on stage and sing I was crazy enough to get up and dance. :lol:

Sounds like I missed a good time. Next year my knee will be healed up enough to make the road trip

[Freedro]

Rok, CONGRATULATIONS!!! King Louie returns!

Z, thanks for the Captain, I think.

I'm on my first beer.

I got up at 2:00 AM and met some bums at the Lee monument and took them for a fried chicken breakfast at Brothers in exchange for them navigating me to much needed food as I stumbled along the broken streets of N.O.. A classic, for sure.

[BwanaR]

Mann....the Hell Divers Rock! I wanna be one. LOL! :D
You guys did a great job and treated us FL boys like family. Great sportsman and friends I met on this trip. Congrats Louis! We couldn't have had a better time unless the fish cooperated more! I can't say enough about how welcome you guys made us feel! :thumps: Looking forward to taking up a couple of those invitations I got about actually diving with the HD's that invited me sometime. You guys are welcome on my boat anytime you want to try this area too!
Thanks for a wonderful tournament!

[chasintail]

After we unloaded the dive gear in front of the hotel in NO freedro passed out for the second time on the side walk. :lol:




Rok, CONGRATULATIONS!!! King Louie returns!

Z, thanks for the Captain, I think.

I'm on my first beer.

I got up at 2:00 AM and met some bums at the Lee monument and took them for a fried chicken breakfast at Brothers in exchange for them navigating me to much needed food as I stumbled along the broken streets of N.O.. A classic, for sure.

[headpharmd3]

congrats louis! i had a blast. i could not have picked a better tournament to be my first. the Hell Divers i met were cool as shit. i look forward to competting every year.

[Big Pig]

Rok, CONGRATULATIONS!!! King Louie returns!

Z, thanks for the Captain, I think.

I'm on my first beer.

I got up at 2:00 AM and met some bums at the Lee monument and took them for a fried chicken breakfast at Brothers in exchange for them navigating me to much needed food as I stumbled along the broken streets of N.O.. A classic, for sure.

Eric

You better be careful. If you start acting like a Gulf Coast redneck too often, the state of CA might evict you :D :D Next thing you know you will be tank diving and shooting trash fish with Bucket Boy :D

[Wil]

Official - "King" Louis Rossignol! Louie won King without a single fish worthy of the dinner table. Mrs. Rock Bottom took Queen. Henry Pacheco on the Rock Bottom shot 1st Snapper @ 32+#. First AJ was over 104#. First Grouper was a slick Willy in the 70s if my befuddled brain recalls correctly. The official board should be put out tonight or tomorrow.

HEY FREEDRO! HOW'S IT HANGING! Wow, I f'ed up yesterday and pounded a 750ml bottle of the Captain with Eric. The last time I saw him after my bout with LaLa Land, he was unconscious under a tree with a bunch of debris piled on top of him. Damn good time!

More to come later.

Zz





Steve that was gag in the 70+ lb range!! not a warsaw