Headlights probing the predawn darkness lit the way for dozens of tow vehicles and boat trailers traveling the last stretch to Marsh Field Boat Landing in single file last Sunday.

The sight was noteworthy for several reasons, most notably that the people in those cars and pickup trucks were going to do something they love to do while helping hundreds of local children do what they love to do at the new Louisiana PepperPlex.

The men and women on the two-lane road that morning had visions of bass dancing on the business end of their fishing rods, perhaps big enough to win money, in the first Top Rod Big Bass Classic. Their $100 entry fee and many generous donations would go to the mutli-sports complex alongside Sucrose Road in New Iberia.

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Mission accomplished. Big Bass Classic founder Elvis Jeanminette of Grand Marais paid out $4,000 to the lucky bass fishermen and the Iberia Sports Complex Commission, which has guided the the multi-sports complex since it was a gleam in the eyes of ISCC president Troy Comeaux of New Iberia, got at least $13,114 for the Louisiana PepperPlex. That was the preliminary figure; more reportedly is on the way as a major retail store has said it would match the money raised during the Big Bass Classic.

Sixty-nine boats were entered in the only tournament of its kind in the region and 67 showed up for the inaugural event.

How impressive. Take a bow, Jeanminette, Big Bass Classic directors, bass fishermen, volunteers, individuals and merchants who invested the time and money for the new home of the Iberia Soccer Association, Evangeline Little League and, as planned in the future, New Iberia Little League.  

Comeaux said the ISCC and everyone involved with the Louisiana PepperPlex appreciates the fundraising effort by Jeanminette, et al.

“I was very pleased. Elvis has done a good job before and people have confidence in him that he’s going to do the right thing and for a good cause. I feel lucky to be a part of it,” Comeaux said after the event.

“Elvis’ board of directors know what they’re doing. We’ve been blessed to get that group of people. We’ve been praying and waiting for someone like that to bring those gifts to the table for five years. It’s going to help us grow the park and meet the needs of all the young people that are out there.”

The outpouring of donations that began shortly after the event was announced in December was a pleasant surprise to Comeaux.

“Once again the sponsors, the business community near and far, have supported our cause,” he said.

Jeanminette — a showman to the core who also works as radio host of the Top Rod Fishing Show on KANE AM-1240 — was in his element on the grand stage, a long trailer bed provided by Chester Huval of Huval’s Trucking Inc. The microphone hooked up to large speakers on either side of the stage rarely left his hand during the awards presentations and recognition of sponsors, directors and volunteers. His voice boomed across the filled parking lot. A lot.

“For our first one, making that kind of clear money, that was great,” he said later.

“I’m thinking it’s going to grow. I’d love to see into the future five years from now, the community support and enthusiasm we’ll have for the PepperPlex,” he said.

“The thing that excited me the most was the awareness of the PepperPlex,” he said, noting that people in the community still were unaware of the jewel in their backyard.”

The contest was played out under sunny skies on a warm day. Seventy-five bass were brought to the scale and later released by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Money was paid out each hour for the first-, second- and third-biggest bass from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. One fourth of the money went to the team of New Iberian Mike Sinitiere and St. Martinville’s Todd Citrano (see related story on this page).

Comeaux said, “I’ve been exposed to some fishing rodeos in the past, both Knights of Columbus and (Iberia) Rod & Gun Club. I’ve never worked a bass tournament with hourly payouts.

“It was exciting to see people rushing in, getting their fish weighed, and rushing back out to fish,” he said.

Even bass fishermen who left without cashing in during one of the eight hours of competition went home with something. Each participant got a ditty bag that included a handsomely monogrammed long-sleeve T-shirt printed by Lipari Sporting Goods, Cajun Chef Products samples and fishing tackle from V&M Baits, Mann’s Bait Co. and Gary Yamamato Custom Baits. The shirts were sponsored by Lipari’s, Acadiana Telecom, Acadianafishing.com, Daichi Hooks,SureLife Products Catch-and -Release and Dago’s Mobil & Grocery.

And most of the bass anglers and dozens of guests left with something in their belly.

Horace Jeanminette, Elvis’ father, Leroy “Big Mama” Boutte and Rudy Estis cooked three big pots of chicken (60 pounds) and sausage (30 pounds) gumbo that had people smacking their lips as they walked around eating it out of big cups donated by Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken & Biscuits.

Overall, everybody left with a good taste in their mouth. It was win-win for all. Thanks.

DON SHOOPMAN is outdoors editor of The Daily Iberian.