Louisiana Sportsman

May 24, 2026

William Guidry, left, and Tanner Meyer show off the six lunker bass they caught while fishing Toledo Bend in January. Their respective families have camps on the Louisiana side of Toledo Bend.

Rayne’s Guidry, Meyer, reach top spot in Angler of the Year race

July 14, 2023 Don Shoopman

Will Guidry, who attends Rayne High School, and Tanner Meyer, who goes to Midland High School, won the coveted Anglers of the Year title.[…]

Noodling’s fast-paced action appeals to youngsters like Reed (left) and Cole Jones.

Using your noodle: To catch catfish, that is!

July 11, 2023 Terry L. Jones

Noodling for catfish is a great activity for kids. Mason Jones says his boys really enjoy fishing this way.[…]

This bull shark was caught in the Lake Pontchartrain area. (Photo courtesy Mackie Bellott/Wicked Fishing Charters)

Shark rebound

June 16, 2023 John N. Felsher

The most problems Louisiana outdoorsmen face with sharks is when anglers get a prized catch on the line and it becomes a shark’s dinner.[…]

A couple of anglers fish a backwater off Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson, Miss. The upper section of the lake becomes more riverine with abundant vegetation. (Photo by John N. Felsher)

Outdoor Destinations: Ross Barnett, Mississippi

June 10, 2023 John N. Felsher

In Mississippi, few lakes can compete with Ross Barnett Reservoir for bass numbers or quality. It offers many great fishing opportunities.[…]

After winning his second state title in two years of ALAS competition in mid-March, Luke Ward has been practicing for an hour each day, weather permitting, at his home in Pineville.

Luke Ward has his sights set on nothing but bullseyes

June 9, 2023 Don Shoopman

Pineville High School junior Luke Ward pegged the highest score, a 293, at the 2023 Louisiana Schools State Bullseye Tournament in mid-March.[…]

Geocaching: A great way to spend a summer day

June 1, 2023 Terry L. Jones

Geocaching is a fun activity for adults and kids to get some exercise, explore new areas and enjoy the outdoors.[…]

Bass and stripers are just two species anglers can catch on Branson’s Table Rock Lake. (Photos courtesy Branson Tourism)

Outdoor Destinations: Branson, Missouri

May 18, 2023 Kinny Haddox

Anchored by three pristine lakes with incredible places to hike, swim, relax, or fish, Branson, Missouri, is a great place for family fun.[…]

Nicholls State University Bass Federation club members Dylan Breaux of Bayou Blue, right, and Joel Richard of Labadieville, hold their five-bass limit caught in late January at the Bassmaster College Series at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida.

Breaux leading the way as Nicholls State gets back on the bass trail

May 14, 2023 Don Shoopman

As a freshman, Dylan Breaux, who is now a sophomore, got the Nicholls State University Bass Federation team going again.[…]

Four tips to help you score more springtime squirrels

May 11, 2023 Brian Cope

Springtime squirrels aren’t always easy to shoot. They are frisky, on the move and hunters are faced with the greening of the forest.[…]

Search for ivory-billed woodpecker continues

May 9, 2023 Terry L. Jones

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is considering declaring the ivory-billed woodpecker to be extinct. A final decision is expected any time.[…]

The dreaded words that no fisherman ever wants to hear

April 22, 2023 Kinny Haddox

The bank of Lithium batteries in Lamar Bunting’s boat are twice as dependable as lead batteries and also weigh half as much.[…]

Numerous deer can be seen on the Greenlea Wildlife Loop. (Photo by Terry L. Jones)

Trip to Tensas NWR gives a glimpse at Louisiana’s unique outdoors

April 22, 2023 Terry L. Jones

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination for hunters, fishermen, birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.[…]

This fish hatchery turtle and many more like it will be released back into the wild. (Terry L. Jones)

Natchitoches Hatchery boosting ancient snapping turtle populations

April 20, 2023 Terry L. Jones

Overharvesting and habitat destruction may lead to the alligator snapping turtle being put on the threatened species list.[…]

James Caldemeyer with a monster Lake Fork largemouth bass, the kind that makes Fork continue to be a draw to fishermen from across the country.

Outdoor Destinations: Lake Fork, Texas

April 15, 2023 Kinny Haddox

Lake Fork, Texas, is still a major player in the bass fishing game. And now it is just about as popular for crappie fishermen.[…]

Samuel Cobb Jr., right, and Destin Morales are all smiles on the national stage where they weighed five bass for 17 pounds, 13 ounces, including a 7 ½-pounder, on Day 1 of the 2022 Bassmaster High School National Championship in August at Lake Hartwell in South Carolina. (Photo courtesy Livingston Parish Bassmasters)

Catching fish in all kinds of waters is key for French Settlement duo

April 13, 2023 Don Shoopman

Samuel Cobb Jr. and Destin Morales already are double-qualifiers for this year’s Louisiana High School B.A.S.S. Nation State Championship.[…]

Emily Waits won a $1,000 scholarship, a new compound bow and the trophy at last year’s State Bullseye tournament.

Northwood’s Waits aims for bullseye on targets and in classroom

March 24, 2023 Don Shoopman

Northwood High School senior Emily Waits of Lena is focused on her last semester academically and on the archery range.[…]