By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

PAULINA — Late in proceedings Sunday, the rain began to fall upon those participating in the St. James Boat Club’s annual Junior Choupique Rodeo.

But it didn’t fall hard enough or fast enough to distract the young fishers, who collectively added up to another strong turnout for the event.

Fifty-four people registered for the fishing rodeo this year, a number that Boat Club chairman and commander Craig Calcagno was pleased with considering the hot weather that began the day and some other draws in the area Sunday.

“Oh yeah, considering the activities today that drew some of our usual crowd, we’re pretty happy,” said Calcagno. “We’re pretty happy.”

The rodeo began at 9 a.m. and ended at noon, with prizes handed out thereafter for participation and awards doled out for catching the most or biggest fish in an age group.

The rodeo was for participants from 0-15 years of age, and age groups were broken down into 0-5, 6-10 and 11-15.

In the 0-5 year-old age group, Mason Babin caught the largest fish, followed by Royce Wheat and Brayden Krumholt.

In the 6-10 year-old group, Cole Dicharry came away with the top honors, followed by Alana Detillier and Ethan Frazier.

The 11-15 year-old group was headed by Hailey Detillier, followed by Casper LeBlanc and Cassidy Mistretta.

The Outstanding Angler award, was earned by Michael Krumholt.

Wheat, Dicharry and LeBlanc each earned honors for most fish caught within their age group. Dicharry led all participants with 20 fish caught.

Fishing was restricted to the banks of the Blind River Point and boat launch areas.

Calcagno, who has been a part of the boat club since he was just an 8-year-old, said he enjoys seeing the younger fishers succeed.

“When we quit having the regular fishing rodeo, we decided that we needed to do something for the kids,” he said. “We’ve got a set of rules that really gives everyone an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Some of the anglers learned success isn’t always easy.

“It was very slippery,” said Hailey Detillier, a Gramercy resident, of her winning catch. “It wasn’t cooperating at all.”

She said she and her family weren’t rookies at the event, but it had been some time since they had attended.

“It’s the first time in a while for us,” she said. “We had a good time.”

The Boat Club continues to offer a pretty good deal: 25 cents will net one a free hot dog and soft drink in addition to securing his or her spot. That entry fee has not changed since the first rodeo.

“It’s a nice, family thing,” said Calcagno. “Set up a little area with a chair and an ice chest and enjoy the day with your little ones.”