1. The last full month of SweatFest 2017 - the one festival no one likes to celebrate. We had a tiny taste of early fall weather over the weekend, but the heat and humidity are back. We had several days last August with heat index over 110. So stay hydrated and limit your time outdoors if possible. August is also the start of the peack of hurricane season. I know you all love to hear that! Remember it doesn't necessarily take a "hurricane" to inflict great damage. Last August's tropical depression caused the greatest flood damage in Louisiana history. Enough bad news, let's go good.
2. Football is here! Saints are practicing for their first pre-season game against the Browns on August 10th. College teams started practice yesterday. Several teams have their first game on August 26th. UL-Monroe starts the state schedule against Memphis on the 31st (Thursday night game).
3. The last full month for CCA STAR. The summer-long tournament ends on Labor Day. Typically, August is a tough month to catch big trout on fly or from kayak, but with conditions around Vermillion Bay and Calcasieu improving from heavy freshwater influence this Spring, the Southwest and West Divisions are starting to produce bigger trout.
4. The Contraband Conclave. Officially labeled as the "Contraband Fly Fishing Expo", it will be held Saturday, August 19, at the VFW Hall on Highway 171 north of Moss Bluff. Like most conclaves, there's casting clinics, fly tying demonstrations, seminars, exhibitors, and raffle and silent auction items. More details can be found at www.contrabandflycasters.net.
5. Ride the Bull. The world's largest kayak fishing tournament, the 7th annual Ride The Bull will be held Saturday, August 26, out of Bridgeside Marina on Grand Isle. Activities start on Friday afternoon with the Captains Dinner and meeting, followed by the Calmwater Film Festival and live music. Then on Saturday at 7am, anywhere from 500 to 700 kayakers, canoeists, or whatever floats without a motor, will spread out in Caminada Pass in hopes of catching a redfish over 10 pounds. For more details, go to www.ccalouisiana.com.