44th Annual Hell Divers Rodeo

[Joe Wegmann]

Its that time of year again and we are starting to gear up for the 44th Annual Hell Divers Spearfishing Rodeo. Last year was a blast with many fish coming close to breaking club records, not to mention the cold beer and fine ladies! With the looks of the fish already being landed in 2007, its going to be a hell of a year.

The event will begin on Thursday, May 31 and end on Sunday, June 3, 2007 with the weigh-in and awards ceremony. Four days of speardiving ending with a one hell of 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, Misclenaeous and the long awaited Yellow Fin Tuna.

We will also have trophies for King, Queen and Juniors.

We are in the process of contacting our beloved sponsors and hope to continue to offer the same great prizes as last year which included items from:

A.B. Biller Company www.abbiller.com
Aimrite Spearguns www.wongspearguns.com
Aqualung www.aqualung.com
Armor Products, L.L.C. www.armorbags.com
Atomic Aquatics www.atomicaquatics.com
Capt. Chad Carney www.mobilescuba.com
Chag’s Sporting Goods www.chags.com
East Coast Plastics/Roll Control www.ecpdb.com
Florida Freedivers www.flfreedivers.com
Fold Spear www.foldspear.com
Headhunter Spearfishing www.headhunterspearfishing.com
Hooters Restaurants www.hooters.com
Hook & Line Tackle http://www.handltackle.com
Houma Watersports 985-879-2900
Income Tax Returns 504-488-8446
JBL Enterprises www.jblspearguns.com
Ocean Master, Inc. www.oceanmaster.com
Offshore Hunter www.offshorehunter.com
Omer Diving/TechnoSport www.omerdiving.com
Pelican Products, Inc. www.pelican.com
Picasso America www.picassoamerica.com
PrincetonTec www.princetontec.com
Riffe Spearguns www.speargun.com
Seal Sports www.sealsports.net
Spearboard.com www.spearboard.com
Spearfishing Magazine www.spearfishingmagazine.com
Spearfishing Specialties www.slinginsteel.com
Spearfishinggear.com www.spearfishinggear.com
Tabata USA www.tusa.com
Temento’s, Inc. 504-347-5402
Unified Marine/Seasense www.seasense.com
Wong Spearguns www.wongspearguns.com
Zeagle Systems, Inc. www.zeagle.com

PLEASE LOOK FOR THESE MANUFACTURERS AT YOUR LOCAL DIVE SHOP.
THEY SUPPORT US, WE SUPPORT THEM!

We're are always looking for new sponsors to help with this years rodeo. If you know anyone who is interested, please have them contact me via PM or give me a call @ 225-936-9685.

I will post the 2007 Rules and Schedule of events as soon as they are available. The entry fee is $50.00.

[Joe Wegmann]

Alright guys, here is the link for the directions to the Weigh in and party. Its the same place as last year!

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

We are also going to try and help out as many East and West coasters as we can to find lodging, So feel free to shoot me a pm with any questions!!

[bubblejunkie]

I need a ride, all three days, I talked to a few guys last year a little to late. Hoping to make it this year. Can anybody help me out.? Pretty Please!

[Joe Wegmann]

We had to move the rodeo dates to May 31 - June 3, although the Location will still be at Kenner Park on the corner of Loyola & Vintage. 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

[ROCK BOTTOM]

We had a well attended and productive meeting last night and are moving ahead on schedule for the rodeo. I wanted to pass on some things that are in the works.

We should have the revised rules for the rodeo posted in the next day or two. No major changes with them.

The catering for the party is going to be arranged with Southern Delta Catering. These guys are co-hosting the Venice Winter Invitational next weekend in Venice and put on a nice rodeo. Several HellDivers will be in attendance. They specialize in boiled seafood and bar-b-que. Jambalaya and Cochon du lait is on the menu for the HDR. Finger licking, good time.

We are going to have the same band as last year (probably) and they kick out some good rock-n-roll.

Beer will be plentiful as usual, other drinks as well. We are working on a beer truck with Hooter girls, but I'm not promising anything.

The winners will receive trophies for their fish and a pick at our prize table. The solicitation of prizes is usually a slow process and doesn't come together until the last week before the rodeo. We have some commitments already from some top gear manufacturers but are always looking for new sponsors. Any help in this area is greatly appreciated.

Overall, we are looking forward to a great rodeo. We will keep you updated.

Zz

[ROCK BOTTOM]

I place the order for the HD Rodeo t-shirts today. They should be available in a few weeks.

As club president this year I got the opportunity to design the shirt.

Hope you enjoy.

Resize help?

Zz

[fizisition]

Resize help
Zz

done

[nvno1]

When can we order the shirts??

[ROCK BOTTOM]

The T-shirts will be ready in about two weeks. We will have black and white shirts available in sizes from M to XXXL. I ordered a couple of the mondo Triple-X for a guy who sent a PM. I will have one or two remaining. I'll keep everyone posted.

Zz

[fishreaper]

how do I order some shirts?

[Mako993]

What if you can't make it to the Rodeo? Can you still get a T-shirt to impress chicks and show spearo community solidarity? :O

[Scubaru]

Ya'll can order shirts from the Helldiver's website.


Hey Helldiver's, is there any place around Venice to get tank fills during the tournament? That sure would be a lot better than haulin 45 tanks in the back of my truck plus all our other shit all the way from Baytown.

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Nope. You have to haul them all. Tanks have always been a problem on rodeo weekends.

Zz

T-shirt sales at www.hellldivers.org

[ROCK BOTTOM]

We are within a week of kick-off. This is the last weekend to make preparations. If you are diving out of Venice, be aware of a Kingfish Tournament at the Venice Marina. There were over 100 boats for this thing the last few years so be prepared for lines at the fuel dock.

Zz

[fishkilla]

getting work done on my truck as we speak for the long drive up there. i've got all the filming equipment locked and loaded.

[Griswold]

Just signed up, very easy through paypal.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Weather is looking better for Thursday. NDBC forecast went from 4-6 foot to 1-3 foot. Great news!

That's great for the divers; now if it just holds for the party on Sunday. Everything is ready - food, band, beer. Get there early to weigh-in and stay late to help us finish off the beer.

Weighing in early might be a good idea because we are expecting more divers this year than any prior year.

Couple of goodies for the party will include a micro-brewer sending over a couple of kegs to supplement the huge supply of canned beer and a special "Hurricane Preparedness Package." I have a 12 pack of hurricane glasses from Phillips & Jordan (disaster relief contractor) with Pat O'Brien's "Hurricane" mix and I am putting that together with a case of water, a box of MREs and a large bottle of Rum for the prize table. The table is going to be loaded with goodies from all of your favorite gear manufacturers, too. I will post a list Monday or Tuesday.

We will also have a special guest diving the Rodeo - Dr. Daryl Wong. He is going to be diving with a few guys in the Longblades from Mississippi. Chad Carney is scheduled too; not sure if Julie Riffe is going to make it again this year. She has been doing the mother thing lately and I can just imagine how that has been cutting into her dive time. Besides these guys, we will have divers from Texas, Arkansas, California, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and even New Jersey as well as the locals from Louisiana.

Finally, I received the t-shirts this past week and they look great. They are available in black or white and can be ordered on our website - www.helldivers.org . They won't be shipped untill after the tournament.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday. Dive Safe and Party Hard!

Steve Zelenka, President
Hell Divers Spearfishing Club
504-628-1174

PS One final thought for the divers going out of Venice Marina. There is a Kingfish tournament this weekend so the fuel dock will be crowded. I can dive two days making 100 mile trips on one tank with at least 25% capacity in reserve. Make your plans accordingly.

[singlebreath]

Cant find the option to buy the t-shirts on your website....

[Red Tide]

The "Red Tide" will be thick around all of the fishey rigs. Good luck to all.....See you at the weigh in.

[Louis Rossignol]

Get'em GR.....

[SpearDiverTampa]

Put a Marine CD Player/Speaker package in the mail today for the prize table. Look forward to seeing everyone sunday!
-Chris

[LA Diver]

Just bought my ticket. Should be a good time again this year.

[Joe Wegmann]

Tick Tock Tick Tock

[ROCK BOTTOM]

Who knows if they are going to get it right?! NDBC's latest forecast is saying it's going to be a bit sporty for the first day of the Rodeo.

I don't think it's going to affect the competition in the least bit. I know the Hell Divers are going to be hitting it hard, particularly around the River and west a bit toward South Timbalier. It's going to be a mookie fest and I know the Rok will make a good showing. I talked to Breezo, and he and his brothers are going to be diving with Rafe for Lick'Em and Stick'Em to the west somewhere off Mexico!!! There will also be a showing from Get'Em, as well as the Longfins, Aqua Aces and the Sea Tigers. There will also be a whole lot of divers from other states coming in. Some guys might be diving off of the West Coast of Florida and driving in for another day of diving the rigs. Hard Core way to try to win the Grouper category.

Any way, here is the link to the forecast: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS54.KLIX.html



East of the Mississippi River

THURSDAY
EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET.
PROTECTED WATERS CHOPPY. CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

THURSDAY NIGHT
EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET.
PROTECTED WATERS CHOPPY. CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

FRIDAY
EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. PROTECTED
WATERS A LIGHT TO MODERATE CHOP. CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS.

FRIDAY NIGHT
EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET.
PROTECTED WATERS A LIGHT TO MODERATE CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SATURDAY
EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 1 TO 3 FEET.
PROTECTED WATERS A LIGHT TO MODERATE CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SATURDAY NIGHT
SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 1 TO
3 FEET. PROTECTED WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SUNDAY
SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTH IN THE
AFTERNOON. SEAS 1 TO 2 FEET. PROTECTED WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.
SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SUNDAY NIGHT
SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 1 FOOT.
PROTECTED WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS.


West of the River

THURSDAY
EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 5 FEET. SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS LIKELY.

THURSDAY NIGHT
EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 4 FEET.
CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

FRIDAY
EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 4 FEET. CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

FRIDAY NIGHT
EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 4 FEET.
SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SATURDAY
EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. SLIGHT
CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SATURDAY NIGHT
SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET.
SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SUNDAY
SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS BECOMING EAST IN THE LATE
MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON...THEN BECOMING SOUTHEAST LATE IN THE
AFTERNOON. SEAS 1 TO 3 FEET. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS.

SUNDAY NIGHT
SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 1 TO 2 FEET.
SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS

[fishkilla]

locked and loaded! 9 lp 120's full of air, 8 hours of blank video tape and full coolers of ice. i even had Spear One install a line to my gun. i'm not sure how to use it yet. :)

[singlebreath]

any hope with the shirts?

[Louis Rossignol]

The shirts are in and look really bad ass. I'm sure if you are ordering one Dave will send it out early next week. If your coming to the rodeo you aren't going to have any problem.

[Screen Name]

Have a great time everybody! Someday I am going to get to do this!

[singlebreath]

Yeah i was told they are in i just want to order a couple online and theres nothing on helldivers website to order shirts...??!?!?

[mrfish87]

Will the f'ing wind ever f'ing stop. The f'ing bouy is reading almost 6'. This is 3 weeks now. It's raining it's ass off as I type this here in Slidell, and the house is getting shook. WTF.!!

Station 42040 - MOBILE SOUTH 64 nm South of Dauphin Island, AL

Conditions at 42040 as of
(8:50 pm CDT on 05/30/2007)

Wind Direction (WDIR): ESE ( 110 deg true )
Wind Speed (WSPD): 13.6 kts
Wind Gust (GST): 17.5 kts :cussing:
Wave Height (WVHT): 5.9 ft :mad:
Dominant Wave Period (DPD): 7 sec
Average Period (APD): 5.3 sec
Mean Wave Direction (MWD): ESE ( 123 deg true )
Atmospheric Pressure (PRES): 30.00 in
Pressure Tendency (PTDY): +0.00 in ( Steady )
Air Temperature (ATMP): 76.3 °F
Water Temperature (WTMP): 76.1 °F
Dew Point (DEWP): 71.8 °F

The tide is up over my lower pier......the boat is steady bilging.......

[bottomnout]

Hey, whats up with the rodeo!!! Dont tell me louis won king again. If any of u guys read this sorry I couldnt make it this year, I´ll be back froim costa rica in a little 5 over weeks. I hope the rodeo went well and safe. See yall at the houma rodeo.

[fshman52]

Nobile,

Good to hear from you. How's Costa Rica?

No, Rok did not win king this year. Steve Hartley from the Sea Tigers won king. I know he had top 3 spadefish and a mangrove or 2 that placed. Biggest fish was a 89lb AJ that Chris Smits from the Sea Scamps shot. He was also the leading Sr diver. I am sure someone will post the full results later on. I think the Rok had a 28lb snapper that placed. He lost a big Willy at his honey hole.

[bottomnout]

Sweet, I´m staying in a little college town called san ramon, it is nuts. No one speaks english!!! I have to learn spanish and find that I am forgetting how to write and speak english, it is crazy. The women in this town are unreal, every where u look there is a 9 or 10, I almost got hit by 10 or so cars since I have been here. I went to Arenal this weekend, its this crazy volcano surrounded by rain forest. This coming weekend I am going to the beach and am going to go bill fishing. I dont have a freedive buddy so I dont know if I am going to spearfish yet. If I can find a buddy I will get my gear shipped down. I love the house I am staying in, when I got here 2 hot chicks picked me up and i was like there is no way these are the people I am staying with, but sure enough it was. Isa is a 30 year old single lady who makes coverals for the pineapple pickers and brennda is a 23 year old teacher. They are cool as sh1t. they like to drink and do kariokie. The only thing bad about my house is there is no ac and there is no hot water. the water that comes out is colder than the west delta water in Feb, it takes me about an hour to find my nuts every morning. The food here is so fresh, I have never tasted anything like it. Isa is a bad ass cook, there are a lot of rice and beans but the pico de gallo is the most amazing thing in the world. Well give every one my best and please forward this post to everyone in the council. I will keep posting on whats going on every week. Tell every one they can email me at nobia736@its.nicholls.edu my old email doent work anymore
thanks alot dave
PURDA VIEDA
Jonathan Nobile