PRESS RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2025


CVB Contact: Sheila Snow
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: ssnow@monroe-westmonroe.org

City of West Monroe and Discover Monroe-West Monroe Announces West Monroe Gar Rodeo Presented by the Honey Hole Tackle Shop and the West Monroe Boat & Outdoor Expo

WEST MONROE, La. ― The City of West Monroe and Discover Monroe-West Monroe (DMWM) announced Friday, May 16, 2025, at the West Monroe Sports & Events facility the area’s first Gar Rodeo and the Boat & Outdoor Expo.

The West Monroe Gar Rodeo and the West Monroe Boat & Outdoor Expo will take place on Thursday, August 28 – Saturday, August 30, 2025. Visitors can kick off their full Labor Day 2025 weekend with fishing competitions for all ages, boats, gear, live music and casting contests.

The rodeo will start on Friday, August 29 with a fisherman registration, anglers’ meeting and Shotgun start in Alley Park. Visitors will have the option to enjoy the Ouachita Live Concert beginning at 7 p.m. with food trucks, snow cones, a live concert and more in Alley Park. On Saturday, August 30, the fishing officially ends, and final weigh-ins will take place at Lazarre Park. A fish toss, coffee truck, snow cones, awards and raffles will happen in Alley Park.

Note: Fishing is open from 7:00 PM on Friday to 10:00 AM on Saturday. Find the full schedule of the rodeo and competition division details on the West Monroe Gar Rodeo and the West Monroe Boat & Outdoor Expo landing page at monroe-westmonroe.org.


What is a gar rodeo?


A gar rodeo is a unique fishing tournament focused on catching one of Louisiana’s most ancient and rugged fish - the gar. Anglers compete in various divisions like jug fishing, pole fishing, bowfishing, and even youth categories. Whether you’re on the water or cheering from the shore, a gar rodeo is a wild ride through local fishing culture.


The West Monroe Boat & Outdoor Expo is scheduled for Thursday, August 28 – Saturday, August 30 at the West Monroe Sports and Events facility, located at 875 Constitution Drive, West Monroe, LA 71292.

The West Monroe Boat & Outdoor Expo is a showcase of everything you need for life outside - from the water to the woods! Explore the latest boats, fishing gear, and outdoor equipment all under one roof. Vendors, demonstrations, and hands-on activities make it a must-visit event for outdoor lovers of all ages. Whether you're an avid angler, a weekend camper, or just love the outdoors, there's something for everyone at the expo!

A casting contest will be led by the title sponsor Honey Hole Tackle Shop.

Find the full schedule of the boat & outdoor expo on the West Monroe Gar Rodeo and the West Monroe Boat & Outdoor Expo landing page at monroe-westmonroe.org.

Use DMWM’s hotel guide to plan your stay during the rodeo and boat & outdoor expo weekend: https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org/stay/hotels/

For more information about these events, contact garrodeo@westmonroe.la.gov for rodeo questions and raultman@westmonroesports.com or 318-397-3232 for boat & outdoor information.

Register for West Monroe Gar Rodeo here.

Register for West Monroe Boat & Outdoor expo here.


About Discover Monroe-West Monroe


Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings and sporting events, creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org/