Hurricane Hole: The Jewel of Grand Isle
An ode to an SFC original: Hurricane Hole Marina & Resort on Grand Isle, Louisiana
Home to the first ever SFC tournament in its 2022 inaugural season, Hurricane Hole Marina & Resort is a mainstay on the calendar. As we prepare to descend on Grand Isle for the Hurricane Hole Louisiana Open, here’s a deeper look at what makes the host site so special.
The Fishing Capital of Louisiana
Grand Isle has been a fishing haven since at least the mid-1700s, with French Explorers traversing the area, known for tarpon, redfish, snapper, and as a gateway to the Canyons further south to catch trophy fish like the ones prized by SFC angling clubs: Blue Marlin. Due South of Grand Isle is the very eastern edge of Green Canyon, one of the famed billfish grounds in the Gulf. That canyon stretches as far west as South Padre Island and Matamoros at the Texas/Mexico border.
Because of the fishing activity, as many as 20,000 people flock to Grand Isle on weekends in the summer. For an island that has a population of 938 people, that’s quite an influx of visitors.
Hurricane Hole is not just a catchy name
Since Hurricanes were first tracked in 1877, there have been records of powerful storms coming ashore here. About once in every eight years, a major hurricane has made landfall here.
As a barrier island, Grand Isle is the first line of defense for New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Grand Isle is the only barrier island in the State of Louisiana that is inhabited year-round.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina pulverized Grand Isle for two days on its path to New Orleans. 16 years to the day of Katrina’s landfall, Hurricane Ida brought more destruction and devastation to the area. Before Ida came ashore in 2021, nearly 1,500 residents lived on Grand Isle. A little less than half never returned.
New Life After Each Passing Storm
Similar to the next tournament on the Atlantic calendar, the Walker’s Cay Open, Grand Isle is an island of rebirth. Hurricane Hole’s 47-slip marina welcomes the largest and most prominent sportfishing boats in the Gulf each year. The hotel room and suite offerings give crews the option to get some rest away from the cabins on their boats. A restaurant, two bars, swimming pool, gym and beach access are all amenities that few fishing destinations in the world can offer on one property.
Through venues like Hurricane Hole Marina & Resort, the fishing and marine industry continues to breathe life into the island that has always been known for its vibrant marine life and seafaring heritage.
Between the hospitality provided to major sportfishing operations both recreational and competitive, the inshore and offshore charter captains and services available, and camping availability for those who simply love the outdoors, Grand Isle will always be Louisiana’s Vacationland.