LAFAYETTE ASSOCIATION
OF PROFESSIONAL LANDMEN
TOPIC TBA
Dr. Mark E. Zappi, P.E., brings more than 25 years of experience in energy and waste management technologies, working across the full spectrum from early-stage research to real-world implementation. At UL Lafayette, he serves as the Executive Director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana, Director of the Center for Environmental Protection, and Director of LEES, roles that reflect both his technical expertise and his commitment to serving the state.
A proud UL Lafayette graduate, Dr. Zappi earned his BS in Civil Engineering before completing his MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering at Mississippi State University. He holds the BORSF Chair in Bioprocesses and is a dedicated professor in the UL Lafayette Department of Chemical Engineering, where he continues to mentor the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Throughout his career, Dr. Zappi has authored more than 300 technical publications, delivered over 750 presentations, secured 10 patents, and served as a licensed professional engineer in Louisiana. His leadership has helped bring in more than $120 million in research funding and has guided numerous large-scale, multi-partner projects focused on advancing clean energy and sustainable technologies.
Beyond his academic and research achievements, Dr. Zappi is deeply engaged in supporting Louisiana communities. He frequently works with municipal and state leaders to evaluate new industries, strengthen local economies, and ensure responsible environmental practices. His passion for clean energy systems, sustainability, and biological processes makes him not only an expert in his field, but an invaluable part of the LEES mission and team.
Development of advanced biofuels from regional feedstocks.
Process commercialization for environmental remediation technologies.
Strategic planning for LEES.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Location: Calcasieu Point Landing
3955 Henry Pugh Blvd, Lake Charles, LA
5:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Lunch will be provided around noon
FISHING TOURNAMENT CALCUTTA
Thursday, October 15 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Mazen Grill | Lake Charles, LA
Join us Thursday evening for the Fishing Tournament Calcutta—an opportunity to catch up with industry friends over great food, with drinks on us.
217 W College St, Lake Charles, LA 70605
Will include door prizes, open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres
This year, the tournament follows the 2026 Gulf Coast Land Institute, held October 14–15 at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. If you’re joining us for the Institute, we hope you’ll stay for Thursday evening’s festivities and a day on the water Friday.
8TH ANNUAL LAPL FISHING TOURNAMENT
Calcasieu Lake | Lake Charles, LA
Calcasieu Lake offers some of the best saltwater fishing in Louisiana and a great setting for a day of competition and camaraderie on the water.
TOURNAMENT BEGINS
WEIGH-IN DEADLINE
WEIGH-IN LOCATION
6:00 AM
1:30 PM
Calcasieu Point Marina
After weighing in your fish, stay for lunch, awards, and door prizes. The event will wrap up by approximately 3:00 PM.
Never fished? No boat? No guide? Need lodging?
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
You don’t need to have everything figured out to join us. Whether you’re new to fishing, don’t have a boat, need a guide, or are coming on your own, we’ll help make it easier to get on the water.
Have a group of 2–3 fishermen? If you need a guide with a boat—or possibly lodging for Thursday night—consider reaching out to one of these local charter services:
BRIAN HANCHEY
Louisiana Backwater Charters
337-660-2035
https://louisianabackwatercharters.com/
ERIC RUE
Calcasieu Charter Service
337-598-4700
https://calcasieucharters.com/calcasieu-lake-fishing-charters-lake-charles-fishing-guides/
JEREMY WALTRIP
Waltrip’s Saltwater Guide Service
337-789-9002
https://louisianacharterfishing.com/captain/jeremy-waltrip
Coming by yourself? We can help with that, too.
If you’re a single fisherman and need a spot on a boat, lodging, or help connecting with a guide, reach out to John. We’ll help connect you with a guide and a spot on a boat so you can fish and enjoy the day.
NEED HELP MAKING ARRANGEMENTS?
John Fenstermaker
Vice President, Business Development | Fenstermaker
jwf@fenstermaker.com
337-349-1060
A FEW HELPFUL DETAILS
CHARTER GUIDE SERVICE
Approximately $700–$800 for 1–3 guests. Live bait and gratuity are not included. Guides will clean your fish.
LODGING
One-night lodging packages vary depending on accommodations and whether meals or other amenities are included, generally ranging from $85–$125 per person per night.
TOURNAMENT MORNING TIP
Since weigh-in will be at Calcasieu Point Marina, consider driving there Friday morning and arranging for your guide to meet you there by boat. If your lodging is coordinated through your guide service, check with your guide ahead of time on the best transportation and launch logistics.
Whether you already have your boat and crew lined up or need a little help putting the pieces together, don’t let the logistics keep you from joining us.
Come for the Gulf Coast Land Institute, join us for the Calcutta Thursday evening, and stay for a great day of fishing on Calcasieu Lake.
We look forward to seeing you in Lake Charles!
Sponsorships
Champion - $1,000
Includes 3 Anglers 3 Calcutta Tickets 3 entries for drawings. Also includes recognition and logo on all event marketing and banners
Platinum- $750 Includes 2 Anglers 2 Calcutta Tickets 2 entries for drawings. Also includes recognition and logo on all event marketing and banners Gold- $500 Includes 1 Angler 1 Calcutta Ticket 1 entry for drawings Also includes recognition and logo on all event marketing and banners Friends of LAPL - $250 Includes 1 Calcutta Ticket Also includes recognition and logo on all marketing and banners Single Angler - $100 Includes 1 Angler 1 Calcutta Ticket
Platinum- $750
Includes 2 Anglers 2 Calcutta Tickets 2 entries for drawings. Also includes recognition and logo on all event marketing and banners
Gold- $500
Includes 1 Angler 1 Calcutta Ticket 1 entry for drawings
Also includes recognition and logo on all event marketing and banners
Friends of LAPL - $250
Includes 1 Calcutta Ticket
Also includes recognition and logo on all marketing and banners
Single Angler - $100
Includes 1 Angler
1 Calcutta Ticket
Click HERE for Rules and Entry Forms:
LAPL Fishing Tournament Entry Rules 2026.docx
LAPL Fishing Tournament Entry Form 2026.docx
Each Angler must complete and return one Entry Form and Indemnity Agreement to:
kyle.coburn@exxonmobil.com or jwf@fenstermaker.com
Pay online or mail checks to:
LAPL
Attn: Fishing Tournament
P.O. Box 53491
Lafayette, LA 70505
Lafayette Association of Professional Landmen, Inc.
P.O. Box 53491, Lafayette, LA 70505
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