Members of the Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches received an update on the Natchitoches Central High School football program during their April 23 meeting.
Brad Laird, head coach at Natchitoches Central High School, shared an overview of the upcoming 2026 season, noting continued growth in player participation and strong community support as the program enters his third year.
Laird also highlighted upcoming fundraisers, including a golf tournament scheduled for July 11 at Northwestern Hills Golf Course and the “Meet the Chiefs” event set for Aug. 15 at the Natchitoches Event Center. He discussed opportunities for local businesses to support the team through sponsorships such as sideline and end zone signage.
During his presentation, Laird emphasized the importance of academics, leadership and discipline in shaping student-athletes both on and off the field.
Also pictured at the meeting was Tiffany Woods, who serves as president of the local Kiwanis organization.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Northwestern State University’s Department of Social Work is raising awareness of tools to prevent, recognize and respond to child abuse.
Social Work faculty, staff and students gathered April 15 to “plant hope” by wearing blue and placing pinwheels at the NSU columns. Pinwheels represent the joy of childhood and the necessity of safe environments. Organizers hope to promote community action to support families and protect children.
“In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America did a campaign called Pinwheels for Prevention with the goal of highlighting that we all have a role to play in preventing child abuse and that the safe, stable relationships we form with children are really important for them to be successful later in life. It helps build communities,” said Lisa Mount, assistant professor and Title IV-E coordinator.
Earlier in the week, NSU’s Title IV-E Child Welfare Program and Children’s Advocacy Network (CAN) of Alexandria hosted a training program titled “Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children” at NSU, an evidence-informed program that equips adults with tools to prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse. A group also visited the state capitol to participate in NASW-Louisiana Chapter Lobby Day, meet staff from the Department of Children and Family Services and see policy in action.
Planting the pinwheels is one way of bringing awareness to protecting abused and neglected children.
“It’s an action we are taking. We’re calling our event Planting Hope because we want to spread hope for the future. We can all take action and prevent child abuse in our community,” Mount said.
A 50-year-old man is in custody following a nearly five-hour standoff with law enforcement in the 900 block of La. Hwy 3163 north of Campti on Wednesday morning, April 22.
The incident began around 10:20 a.m. when a resident called the NATCOM 911 Center to report hearing gunshots and discovering the rear glass of their vehicle had been shattered. Deputies from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) Patrol Operations responded to the scene and began canvassing the area for a suspect.
Upon approaching a nearby residence, deputies encountered a male subject who appeared to be suffering from a mental health condition. The man refused to exit the home and escalated the situation by making direct threats toward law enforcement, including claiming he would “kill a cop.”
Law enforcement established a perimeter around the residence, and additional resources were deployed, including NPSO Detectives with a drone and the Natchitoches SWAT Unit with a professional negotiator. During the course of the standoff, the suspect fired at SWAT operators at least two times.
Despite the gunfire, the standoff concluded at 2:56 p.m. when the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Following a medical assessment at the scene by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, the man was transported to the Natchitoches Detention Center.
The suspect has been booked on charges of Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, with additional charges currently pending as the investigation continues. No injuries to law enforcement personnel were reported.
New data from the Natchitoches Tax Commission (NTC) reveals that while most local entities are seeing steady growth in sales tax collections, a recent reporting anomaly has temporarily skewed the figures for the Natchitoches Parish Government.
The February year-to-date report shows consistent gains for the following:
City of Natchitoches: Collections rose 1.79% over the same period last year.
Natchitoches Parish School Board: Collections saw a 1.53% increase.
Understanding the Reporting Anomaly
While the Parish of Natchitoches showed a year-to-date decrease of 20.43%, officials emphasize that this figure does not reflect a sudden economic downturn. Instead, the gap is attributed to the implementation of new e-file systems.
The NTC reported that the transition to these digital filing changes prevented many taxpayers from submitting their documentation on time. Because these payments were not processed by the reporting deadline, they were not included in the February totals, creating a temporary statistical dip.
Commission officials stated they are optimistic that the March collection report will provide a clearer, more balanced picture as filers successfully navigate the new e-file requirements and outstanding payments are reconciled.
Note: During the April 20, 2026, meeting of the Natchitoches Parish Government Council, it was reported that sales tax revenue had decreased by 20%. Following multiple inquiries, the Natchitoches Parish Journal obtained clarification from the Natchitoches Tax Commission regarding these figures.
A proposed state land transfer (Attached) in Natchitoches Parish has drawn public interest as House Bill 1056 moves through the 2026 Regular Session. The legislation, authored by Rep. Young, would authorize the state to transfer approximately 1.16 acres of property to Brian Briggs, a current employee of the City of Natchitoches.
The property, located in Sections 40 and 43 of Township 9 North, Range 7 West, was previously under the jurisdiction of the local school board before being returned to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). It is currently inventoried by the Louisiana State Land Office as Site Code / Business Entity No. 7-35-017.
As the bill progresses, several key points of the transaction address common public inquiries:
Legal Authorization and Employment Status
While Briggs currently serves as a city employee, HB 1056 provides specific legal authorization for this transfer. The bill includes a “notwithstanding” clause, which allows the legislature to sanction this specific conveyance to a named individual regardless of general statutory restrictions that might otherwise apply.
Constitutional Compliance vs. “Legislative Gift”
Public questions regarding whether this constitutes a “gift” are addressed in the bill’s requirements for “appropriate consideration”. Under Article VII, Section 14(A) of the Louisiana Constitution, the state is generally prohibited from donating property. Consequently, Section 2 of the bill mandates that the transfer be made in exchange for value sufficient to meet these constitutional standards.
Property History and Maintenance
The site includes a former pre-school building on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Before his current employment with the city, Briggs was active in cleaning and securing the improvements on the land after the structure had been condemned by the Natchitoches City Council in 2025.
Terms of the Transfer
Mineral Rights: The State of Louisiana will reserve all mineral rights to the property; only the surface and improvements are subject to the transfer.
Approval Process: The transfer requires the joint authorization of the president of BESE and the commissioner of administration.
Effective Date: If passed, the act becomes effective immediately upon the governor’s signature or after the constitutional window for gubernatorial action expires.
Public Inquiry and Accountability
Local residents have raised specific questions regarding the future of the site and the transparency of the transaction:
What are the long-term plans for the building? Having previously been owned by the school board and returned to BESE, the public is seeking clarity on how the site will be utilized following the transfer.
How will the purchase price be determined? While HB 1056 does not list a specific dollar amount, it requires the price to follow state law. Citizens are looking for confirmation on the Fair Market Value to be paid by Mr. Briggs to ensure the state is not illegally donating public assets.
In the text of HB 1056, the phrase “notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary” acts as a legal “trump card”.
Overriding General Laws: Usually, there are general state laws (statutes) that dictate how state property must be sold—often requiring public auctions, competitive bidding, or prohibiting sales to certain public officials or employees to avoid conflicts of interest.
Specific Authorization: By using this clause, the legislature establishes a clear legal framework that allows this particular transaction to proceed, ensuring that the authorized transfer of the property takes precedence over general administrative procedures that might otherwise delay or complicate the process..
Natchitoches Junior High JAG members would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Honorable Judge Desiree Dyess for serving as a guest speaker.
Judge Dyess took time out of her busy schedule to share her knowledge and experiences, and we are truly grateful for her willingness to accommodate our program. During her visit, she provided us with valuable insight into her educational background and explained the steps required to become a lawyer and an elected judge.
The members also gained a deeper understanding of the three branches of government, as well as the differences between civil and criminal law. Her presentation was both informative and engaging, leaving a lasting impression on our JAG members.
It is always an honor to work with Judge Dyess. She consistently makes herself available whenever we call, and her dedication to educating and inspiring our members does not go unnoticed.
Our JAG members thoroughly enjoyed her presentation and walked away with a greater appreciation for the legal field and the opportunities it offers.
David O. Stamey is providing information to residents on upcoming parishwide millage renewals that will appear on the ballot, aiming to increase awareness ahead of the election.
Three of the proposed renewals apply to all voters in Natchitoches Parish. The first renewal is an 8-mill, 10-year tax dedicated to maintaining, improving and operating public libraries throughout the parish.
The second renewal is a 3-mill tax that supports the construction, operation, maintenance and improvement of public health units in the parish.
The third parishwide renewal is also a 3-mill tax and funds the maintenance and operation of public buildings, including the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse and several polling locations.
In addition, voters who live outside city limits will consider a separate renewal for the parish road system. This measure is a 3-mill, 10-year proposition aimed at improving and maintaining public roads.
Sample ballot language for each proposition will be posted at polling locations and included on ballots. Voters can also review ballot information in advance through the GeauxVote system.
Officials encourage residents to familiarize themselves with the measures prior to arriving at the polls.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office recognized seventh-grade students from St. Mary’s Catholic School of Natchitoches for successfully completing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program.
The milestone marks the conclusion of the students’ participation in the program, which focuses on teaching decision-making skills, personal responsibility and strategies to avoid drugs and other risky behaviors.
Officials said the students demonstrated dedication and commitment throughout the course, gaining knowledge and life skills intended to help guide them in their academic and personal lives.
The sheriff’s office commended the graduates for their achievement and encouraged them to continue making positive choices moving forward.
Northwestern’s Tarajh Hudson, the Southland Conference leader in the discus, was voted his first SLC Field Events Athlete of the Week award. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)
Another strong meet from Northwestern State thrower Tarajh Hudson has earned him the Southland Conference Field Events Athlete of the Week award.
Hudson, a graduate student from Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas, took home his first weekly award of the season after winning the men’s discus at last week’s Bryan Clay Invitational, tossing 175-1. It gives him the top two marks in the Southland this spring.
Hudson beat competitors from Wyoming, Kansas, and fellow conference school Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, among others.
After not competing during the indoor season, he has thrown it least 170-0 in each of his four meets so far, including 175-0 in his last three.
Hudson leads the Southland in the event with a toss of 181-1 at the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational.
It is the sixth weekly award for NSU, joining Rushana Dwyer and Sileena Farrell (women’s track), Eliska Zahradnickova (women’s field), Kalen Beavers (men’s track) and La’Darion Dudley (men’s field).
Next up for Hudson and his teammates are a trip to the state’s capital city for the LSU Alumni Gold, a meet held Saturday at LSU. It will be Northwestern’s second-to-last meet prior to the outdoor conference championships next month at Stephen F. Austin.
Bryce Johnson homered for Northwestern before the rainstorm arrived Tuesday night at Southern. (NSU file photo by CHRIS REICH)
Mother Nature intervened midway through Northwestern State’s non-conference baseball game at Southern on Wednesday night.
With the Demons leading 2-0 in the top of the fourth inning, a heavy rain began to fall, turning the Lee-Hines Stadium surface unplayable and leading to the cancelation of the game. The contest was not an official game because it did not last five full innings.
Northwestern took a 1-0 lead on Bryce Johnson’s leadoff home run in the second inning and had just added a second run on a wild pitch before the rain delay began. Since the game did not last
After two quick innings, Northwestern right-hander Caden Fiveash worked out of trouble in the third, working around a leadoff double to post a scoreless inning.
The Demons will return to action Friday night when they host Stephen F. Austin in the opener of a three-game Southland Conference series. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at Brown-Stroud Field as the Demons play their final three home games of the regular season.
Join us in celebrating a fantastic milestone! Happy 5-Year Anniversary to Melissa Roscoe, Loan Processor at our Operations Complex in Natchitoches! For the past five years, Melissa has worked behind the scenes to help make the loan process smooth and seamless for our customers. Her attention to detail, dedication, and team spirit make a big impact every single day. She plays such an important role in helping dreams become reality! Melissa, thank you for your hard work, commitment, and the positivity you bring to BOM Bank. We’re so grateful to have you on our team and can’t wait to see what the next five years hold! Help us congratulate Melissa on this wonderful achievement!
Northwestern State University’s Steel Bands will host its Annual Steel Band Workshop on Friday, May 1 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the William Brent Band Room in the New Fine Arts Building. The concert will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Natchitoches Downtown Riverfront Stage.
Those taking part in the workshop will learn to play steel drums in a day and perform in the No prior experience needed. To get more information, email Dr. Oliver Molina at molinao@nsula.edu. To register for the workshop, go to https://forms.gle/hcrjptnu3bwdBftS9. The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 29.
The concert will feature music from Trinidad and Tobago and by Taylor Swift, Khalid, Aha!, and more. Featured groups will include the NSU Steel PanDEMONium Band and participants in the Steel Band Workshop.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board met on April 21 to address a critical fiscal deficit, recognize district-wide excellence, and field growing community concerns regarding the transition to digital-only payment systems for school events.
Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi provided a report addressing recent enrollment data, clarifying that while the district saw a net loss of 22 students between October and February, the broader trend reflects a statewide decline in population. Eloi noted that 68 of 70 Louisiana school districts lost students last year and emphasized that 79% of those leaving Natchitoches Parish moved out of the state or to other parishes, rather than transferring to local private schools.
The board engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the “GoFan” digital ticketing system. Parents and board members expressed concerns that the “cashless” mandate marginalizes elderly attendees without smartphones and creates technical hurdles at the gates. Board member Mr. Fredu argued for a hybrid system, citing instances of community members being turned away. In response, the board initiated the formation of a committee involving parents and staff to recommend policy changes for the upcoming school year.
Addressing the district’s financial health, the board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $12,545,000 in general obligation school bonds for Consolidated School District No. 11. The board also voted to approve a declaration of a Reduction in Force (RIF) for the 2026-2027 school year. The measure, driven by the loss of federal grant funding and reduced tax revenue following the closure of the International Paper mill, seeks to address a deficit exceeding $2 million. Eloi stated that the RIF would likely affect 25 positions, primarily in non-instructional areas, with the goal of absorbing cuts through natural attrition where possible.
Operational updates included reports from the maintenance department on the completion of a new pre-K playground at LP Vaughn and the approval of a summer meal program that will provide breakfast and lunch at all campuses. The transportation department reported the addition of three new drivers, though the district remains four drivers short of a full staff.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on Lakeview High School’s graduation logistics. To account for potential inclement weather and gymnasium capacity, the school has implemented a 15-ticket limit per student. While administrators cited safety and security planning as the primary drivers for the cap, board members criticized the timing of the announcement, noting the impact on families traveling from out of town. The board also approved the continuation of the AHEC summer program partnership with Regal Medical Center before adjourning.
The City of Natchitoches advises the public of a temporary road closure at 1441 Grace Avenue beginning Wednesday, April 22 due to drainage structure repairs.
Work will begin at 8 a.m., each day and is expected to continue through Friday. The roadway will reopen to traffic once work is completed.
This project will address separations within the drainage pipe system along the roadway.
The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this construction project, which is being completed by Wilson Construction.
For additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at (318) 357-3876.
A stretch of mostly cloudy skies with periodic rain chances is expected to continue across Natchitoches Parish through the upcoming week, with temperatures gradually warming into the upper 80s by the weekend.
Rain chances increase midweek as Wednesday brings a 50 percent chance of showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms. Highs will climb to around 80 degrees. Conditions clear slightly Wednesday night with partly cloudy skies and lows in the lower 60s.
By Thursday, another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms is possible in the afternoon, with highs in the lower 80s. Rain chances remain around 40 percent and continue into Friday, when highs are expected to reach the mid-80s under mostly cloudy skies.
The weekend will trend warmer and remain unsettled. Saturday and Sunday both carry a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon hours, with highs rising into the upper 80s. Overnight lows will remain mild in the mid to upper 60s.
Looking ahead to Monday, similar conditions persist with mostly cloudy skies, a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, and highs continuing in the upper 80s.
Residents should be prepared for occasional rain and thunderstorms throughout the week, especially during afternoon hours.
The Rotary International, a network of more than 1.4 million members focused on service projects worldwide, continues its local impact through literacy efforts in Natchitoches Parish.
During March and April, the Natchitoches Rotary Club visited every fourth grade classroom in the parish to deliver personalized reading books to students. Each fourth grader received a copy of “The Lightning Thief,” part of the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, which is required reading for students in Natchitoches Parish schools.
Rotarians participating in the effort included Mike Newton, Tommy Caldwell and Joe Henry at Provencal; Lee Waskom at Natchitoches Magnet; Louie Bernard, John Ackel and Richard Guidroz at Weaver; Ron McBride and Barb Duchardt at NSU E-Lab; and David Zolzer and Frank Fuller at Marthaville.
The initiative is part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and promoting literacy among young students in the community.
Emily Waits of Lena, a senior accounting major at Northwestern State University, earned a scholarship from the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants. The $2,000 scholarship is awarded to students who intend to take the CPA exam. Waits is completing her degree through NSU’s College of Business and the Louisiana Scholars’ College.
The presentation took place during a program in which NSU’s Xi Nu chapter of Beta Alpha Psi inducted new members and recognized officers. Beta Alpha Psi is an honors organization for financial information students and professionals.
New members are Ar’Keylius Brooks of Natchitoches, Denae Davis of Covington, Trinity Hayes of Coushatta, Joel Hill of DeRidder, Haley Johnson of Bossier City, Marvanesha Lewis of Winnfield and Paulina Trejo of Morgan City.
Outgoing President Dexteria King of Alexandria announced new officers. Davis will serve as president, Trejo will serve as vice president of operations and Andre Guiteau-Laurent of Baton Rouge will serve as vice president of finance.
NSU Middle Lab School is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year and invites interested families to begin the enrollment process.
NSU Middle Lab School provides a unique learning environment focused on academic excellence, innovation and student growth. Families interested in applying are encouraged to visit the campus to learn more about the school’s programs, meet faculty and staff, and experience the school community firsthand.
The application process includes completing an application, submitting required academic documentation, and scheduling a student and parent interview with school administration. The deadline to apply for the 2026–2027 school year is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Enrollment decisions are made in June, with priority given to children of NSU faculty and staff, followed by siblings of current NSU Lab School students. Remaining openings are filled based on availability at each grade level, with additional applicants placed on a waiting list.
To be considered for admission, all applications must be complete and include required documentation such as proof of residency, current report cards, and recent test scores where applicable. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Outpatient Medical Center is inviting the Natchitoches Parish community to attend Blooming in Wellness, a free mental health fair taking place on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the MLK Recreation Center, located at 660 MLK Drive in Natchitoches.
This community-centered event, in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Natchitoches Parish School Board, is designed to promote mental health awareness, connect residents with local resources, and encourage overall wellness. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive informational handouts, learn about local programs and services, and engage with representatives from various community organizations and businesses dedicated to supporting mental well-being.
Blooming in Wellness aims to create a welcoming space where individuals and families can explore mental health topics, ask questions, and discover tools to support themselves and others in the community. As a long-standing community health center, OMC is proud to partner with Delta Sigma Theta Inc. and encourages all residents to participate in this important conversation about mental health and community support.
For more information, contact William Salinas, Senior Executive Assistant, at 318-357-2071 ext. 3201 or info@outpatientmedical.org.
Lila Robertson (25) approaches happy Natchitoches Central teammates after clubbing a game-tying two-run home run Tuesday. (Journal photo by KEVIN SHANNAHAN)
Natchitoches Central and St. Mary’s both were victims of offensive eruptions that knocked their softball teams out of the LHSAA playoffs Tuesday afternoon.
NCHS lost 9-5 at home to Live Oak in a Non-Select Division I regional round game. St. Mary’s was beaten 15-1 at Ville Platte by Sacred Heart in a Select Division IV regional contest.
The Lady Chiefs, who finished with a 26-7 record as the seventh seed in the playoff bracket, fell behind early, briefly tied the game at 3, but could not contain Live Oak’s attack. The 10th-seeded visitors went back on top with a solo home run in the fourth inning and continued to pull away.
NCHS got a two-run Lila Robertson home run that drew the Lady Chiefs even at 3-3 in the third inning, after Maggie Massia doubled in a run.
Massia had a multiple-hit game and Paityn Anthony contributed a sacrifice fly RBI. Robertson added a run-scoring double.
Down south, the sixth seeded Lady Trojans run-ruled the Lady Tigers, whose run came on a homer by Tyonnah Burton in the third inning.
Sacred Heart jumped to a 2-0 first-inning lead, then scored eight times in the second inning.
St. Mary’s, the 11th-seed, finished with a 22-10 record.
Ethan Menard drove in the Demons’ lone run of the game Tuesday night against ULM. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)
The Northwestern State baseball team is still searching for a game-changing hit.
The Demons could not find it Tuesday night as they fell to ULM, 4-1, at Brown-Stroud Field. The Warhawks avoided being swept in the three-game season series which began in mid-February.
“I’m really proud of the pitchers who took the mound today, and I thought they threw the ball exceptionally well,” third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “We posted a zero in the error column, and I thought we really even made some nice plays defensively in order to get our team off of the field when we had two outs. It was still another night of us being unable to find any type of offensive rhythm or really being able to pressurize our opponent in any way.”
The Demons (23-18) dropped their sixth straight game and have scored two runs or less in five straight games.
Northwestern, which leads the Southland Conference in earned run average, got quality outings from right-handers Chase Prestwich (1-3) and Caleb Muffoletto, who limited ULM (22-19) to two runs and five hits across the first five innings.
Both of ULM’s first two runs came on solo home runs – one from Kade Dupont in the second and one from Micah Dean in the fifth – which staked right-hander Seaver Sheets (2-1) to an early lead.
“They responded to a lot of things,” Bertrand said. “They responded to not only the homers, but they responded when they did have some traffic. We did a good job of responding when we found ourselves in some adverse counts, and they did a great job of executing pitches in the middle innings and late in counts. Those two guys were exceptional, and the ball was really coming out of Logan Trotter’s hand pretty well. It’s encouraging to see a freshman come into that big situation and throw the ball well.”
Sheets tossed a career-long 5 1-3 innings, allowing just one run.
That run came in the sixth inning when the Demons put the most pressure on Sheets.
Thomas Marsala III reached on an error following Joe Siervo’s one-out single. A batter later, Ethan Menard smoked an RBI single off reliever Caleb Strmiska to pull the Demons within a run.
After Strmiska walked Noah McNeil to load the bases, he induced an inning-ending double play to maintain the lead.
That stood as the Demons’ last best chance as Tyler Roark struck out four in three innings of two-hit relief to earn his second save of the season.
“We’ve got to find a way to score some runs in some way,” Bertrand said. “We’ve got to find a way to be able to pressure on the opposing pitching staff.”
Today, the Demons travel to Baton Rouge to finish a home-and-home season series with Southern. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Lee-Hines Stadium.
I don’t care what sport you play, there comes a day when the Gods of that sport will humble you. So many times, as an athlete, we think we have everything figured out. We think we know more than anyone else and that we are invincible. We have the attitude “you can’t beat me!”
That’s when we get a little too comfortable in our own skin and things start to unravel and go south. For bass tournament anglers, you never know when that day will be coming. But rest assured, it will happen!
My humbling moments have occurred more than once in my 30-year fishing career but there is one that stands out more than any other. It took place about five years ago on Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma/Texas border during one of those late February events with temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s.
Over the years, I’ve had several tournaments on Lake Texoma and have done well there in the past. It’s a lake that I feel very comfortable with. I have a lot of confidence each time I drop my boat in the water at this famed Oklahoma/ Texas fishery.
If you’re angler who likes to power fish with buzz baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits, Texoma is the place for you. But there are times when you will question if there’s any bass in this lake as the fishing can get really tough.
On one of my recent trips to this impoundment, I found out firsthand just how tough Texoma can be. I was preparing for a three-day event while pre-fishing in some very frigid temperatures. To say that the bite was tough would be a huge understatement.
As Day 1 of practice began, I knew that the only way I was going to get a bite was by slowing down my presentation. Bass in cold water conditions are very lethargic and slow to react to a bait.
Well at the end of practice on Day 1, I had absolutely nothing figured out as I put my boat back on the trailer after a long 9-hour day with zero bites. That’s right, I had zero bites the entire day!
Day 2 brought the same cold temperatures but sunny skies as daytime temperatures rose into the upper 40s. I thought with temperatures warming as the day went on, that maybe there would be a good afternoon bite. My thinking was wrong as I once again as I loaded my boat after Day 2 of practice with zero bites.
That’s right, I had fished for a total of 18 hours and had yet to set the hook on a single fish! So, as I laid in bed that night, I thought that maybe I need to speed up my presentation and throw some type of reaction bait like a rattle-trap, which is very popular during cold weather tournaments.
As the final day of practice rolled around, I was actually a little excited and was looking forward to trying something different. So I tied on a ¼ oz SPRO Aruku Shad in the popular chrome with a blue back. When I say I threw the paint off that bait, I mean I stayed committed to my plan and never put it down pretty much all day long.
But as only the bass fishing Gods can explain, I once again came off the lake nine hours later with zero bites! At this point, now I’m as frustrated as I’ve ever been going into Day 1 of a tournament.
To cut this article short, I’ll just go ahead and tell you that over the next two days of tournament competition, I had one bite and never caught a single fish I could weigh-in.
For the first time in my tournament career, I fished on a body of water I’m very familiar with and caught only one bass over five consecutive days!
So, for all those up-and-coming anglers, listen up — if you fish tournaments, there will come a day when you question if you really know anything about how to catch a bass.
With this frustration, you might even want to sell everything you own that’s related to bass fishing! But hang in there — sooner or later, grey skies will fade, and sunshine will return as you catch bass like never before.
