No matter the conditions, a great time will be had on May 17-18 by participants in the 7th annual Italian-American Fishing Rodeo.

The event benefits Children's Hospital, and it does so remarkably well, having donated more than $36,000 to that cause over the years.

That's one of the big draws for participants, but they'd be lying if they said they didn't also come for the fun. The event, held out of Hopedale's Breton Sound Marina, starts with weigh-in scales opening on May 17 at 4 p.m. They don't close until 8 p.m., and in the meantime, participants get to enjoy the captains' party.

Then on Saturday, the scales close for the final time at 3 p.m., followed by awards and raffles.

Prizes are issued in several adult categories, including redfish, speckled trout, white trout, flounder, sheepshead, bass and drum. There are also kids divisions for speckled trout, redfish, drum, sheepshead and redfish with the most spots.

Entry fee is $35 per person, and includes shirt, hat, food, drinks and a chance at a valuable entrance prize.

Children under 15 participate for free.

For more information, visit www.italianamericanfishingrodeo.com

By Todd Masson, NOLA.com / The Times-Picayune