Louisiana Sportsman

October 24, 2026

Damon Cuhidy of Lafayette cradles a nice-sized bass he hooked and boated after it inhaled a gold/orange Smithwick Rogue while fishing with veteran guide John Dean.

Rat-L-Trap, Rogue stand the test of Toledo Bend time

February 1, 2024 John Dean

The Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and the Smithwick Rogue, both introduced in the 1960s, were tailor made for the fishery in Toledo Bend.[…]

Thick marsh bass like this one are hunkered down in the deep holes this month. Kaesy Lusher caught this bass on the bottom using a black and blue jig made by Delta Lures.

Bayou Cane winter bass

January 26, 2024 Keith Lusher Jr.

Located on the northern shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane is a hit when it comes to wintertime bass fishing.[…]

A Sucka Punch is lodged deep in the mouth of a nice-sized bass. The Xcite Baits soft plastic punchin' bait was introduced to the bassin' world in January 2023.

Lure Review: Sucka Punch

January 21, 2024 Don Shoopman

Inspired and designed by bass pro Tyler Rivet, the Sucka Punch presents a different profile and a hook slot on the side.[…]

Loreauville angler lands 11.22-pound hawg on last-minute Caney trip

January 11, 2024 Don Shoopman

Noah Louviere of Loreauville was fishing at Caney Lake with his brother-in-law, Connor Nimrod, on Dec. 21 when he hooked an 11.22-pound bass.[…]

Ron Castille gets his hands on bass, big and small, while fishing the Calcasieu River.

A plan for January bassin’ on the Calcasieu River

January 11, 2024 Don Shoopman

Ron Castille explains how to fish on the Calcasieu River from the Moss Bluff public ramp south to the Saltwater Barrier at West Lake.[…]

George Thompson of Lafayette has a firm grip on the lip of an 8.5-pound bass he caught on an unseasonably warm day last February in the Blue Lake area at Toledo Bend. (Photo courtesy John Dean)

Bass wishes at Toledo Bend

January 11, 2024 John Dean

Toledo Bend bass anglers are hoping for a January with warmer weather and a rising pool level to start off 2024.[…]

Dark, Struben catch probable record five-bass limit on Caney Lake

January 7, 2024 Don Shoopman

Colby Dark and Gage Struben had their hands full when they caught five heavy bass on Dec. 28 at Caney Lake.[…]

Reader Report: Rescued rod, new kayak lead Triche to 10-pounder

January 4, 2024 Field Reporter

Connor Triche, 12, of Madisonville used the kayak he bought with his own money to land this largemouth bass that weighed 10 pounds 2 ounces.[…]

Tyler Medica, left, and Nicholas England smile proudly as they hold the plaques earned by qualifying for the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship.

Alexandria Senior High team is on a mission to be at the top of the game

January 4, 2024 Don Shoopman

Alexandria Senior High School Fishing Team members Nicholas England and Tyler Medica are on a mission to win Angler(s) of the Year.[…]

ULM Fishing Team angler Connor Nimrod, center, holds two of the five bass he hooked and boated Dec. 16 while fishing a ULM Fishing Team tournament at Caney Lake. Nimrod needed help to hoist his winning catch. His younger brother, Dylan Nimrod, holds two of the "hawgs," while Payden Davis hoists the other one.

Caney Lake gives up 42.10-pound bag to Nimrod

December 28, 2023 Don Shoopman

ULM Fishing Team angler Connor Nimrod hooked and boated five bass weighing 42.10 pounds while fishing a tournament at Caney Lake.[…]

Turn about is fair play; today George gets to tell his own fishing tale

December 28, 2023 Kinny Haddox

George gets the chance to tell his side of a fishing story, uninhibited by the words of his famous outdoor writer fishing partner.[…]

Blake DeCorte with his first Double D, which was caught from Bussey Brake last summer.

The 10-pound bass club

December 22, 2023 Kinny Haddox

In fishing, it is all about landing a double digit bass. Many Louisiana anglers find them at Caney Lake, Toledo Bend and Bussey Brake.[…]

Sam Jenkins selected a black skirted buzz bait to target a hungry bass patrolling water spilling from a drain into the Tchefuncte River. (Photo courtesy Sam Jenkins)

Tchefuncte River puzzle

December 14, 2023 Nick Vaccaro

Working the river between fronts and identifying the bait of choice will make a December day of fishing the Tchefuncte River more enjoyable.[…]

Mark Ray of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and the author know if the water comes up 3- to 4-feet before January, bass like these can be caught on Carolina-rigged Flukes around inside grasslines at Toledo Bend.

Mild temps will have Toledo Bend bass anglers clocking in

December 7, 2023 John Dean

Even on colder days at Toledo Bend, take note that a 2- to 3-degree bump in the water temp can boost bass fishing success.[…]

Out Of State Destinations: Glade Springs, West Virginia

November 30, 2023 Michael O. Giles

The New River Gorge area and Southern West Virginia are like a slice of heaven for smallmouth bass fishermen.[…]

Frog Guru Baits

November 30, 2023 Don Shoopman

The Frog Guru Baits Glide Frog was designed by Joshua Baudoin with the intent of making a durable and effective artificial lure.[…]