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This week the State of Louisiana endorsed the Louisiana Champions Cup (LCC), officially acknowledging the newly launched venture that unites six prominent tournaments in the state under one prestigious umbrella. Officially established earlier this year, the LCC will collectively showcase the State of Louisiana’s rich maritime heritage, foster conservation efforts, and promote sustainable tourism.
“Throughout these events, we will showcase the state of Louisiana’s rich fishing heritage that lures anglers from around the world,” said, Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana. “I always say you can go fishing anywhere, but you catch fish in Louisiana.”
The circuit includes six prominent tournaments including the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic, the Faux Pas Lodge Invitational, the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, the Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo, and the New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament. Participating anglers are automatically entered into the LCC free of charge with their paid entry into any of the six qualifying tournaments. The overall winners in each category will receive recognition based on their combined performance across the six qualifying events.
“The concept for the LCC came over the fact that my home state of Louisiana needed a tournament series with prestige that showcases Louisiana’s world-class fishery,” said Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic Tournament Director, Rene Cross, a longstanding figure in the Gulf Coast fishing community credited with developing the LCC concept. “What’s missing in sport fishing these days is camaraderie. It’s not about the money. It’s about competing for bragging rights and the honor of winning. That’s what we’re bringing back with the LCC.”
The inaugural 2024 LCC recently wrapped up with the conclusion of the final qualifying tournament this year, the inaugural 2024 LCC crowned Team Supreme as the Grand Champions for their stellar performance throughout the series, collectively releasing 14 blue marlin. The heaviest blue marlin of the series was a 728.4-pound fish caught by angler Gregg Trenor of team Southern Charm – All In. Outdoor Addicts landed the heaviest swordfish at 176 pounds and the heaviest yellowfin tuna at 225.9 pounds. Capt. Scott Marks of Frozen Assets caught the largest wahoo at 40.75 pounds and angler Corey Free of Foam-O recorded the heaviest dolphin at 32 pounds. The Top Lady Angler award was earned by Jaselyn Berthelot of Rising Sons, while Brantley Adams of Briar Patch won Top Junior Angler.
“Our goal from the start was to create something unique to Louisiana, which meant it had to be authentic. That’s why we’ve specifically sought out experienced, Louisiana-based captains and tournament directors to help us bring the LCC to life,” said LCC Event Director, and owner of Classic Fishing Events, Robbie Carter. “Having the blessing and endorsement of the state, our Communications Director, Gretchen David’s branding expertise, and the support of the Plaquemines Parish Tourism kicking off LCC’s inaugural season is a fantastic testament to Rene’s vision and everyone’s belief of the future of the Louisiana Champions Cup.”
The LCC Grand Champion and category winners of the 2024 Louisiana Champions Cup will be honored and recognized at the historic New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club’s annual awards ceremony held at the Southern Yacht Club in Spring 2025.
“The Louisiana Champions Cup promotes an outstanding mix of Louisiana fishing tournaments that highlight Louisiana’s amazing fishery to the world while supporting our local coastal economies,” said Charlie Caplinger, President of the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club. “I am proud that these tournaments represent the highest standards of angling, camaraderie, and conservation.”
