Sweet Double Lagniappe

Rocke Fournet Tuesday, July 12, 2016 Comments Off on Sweet Double Lagniappe
Sweet Double Lagniappe

The second time is a charm. Catherine Watkins likes to spend some leisure time down at the pond. She likes to relax, and thinks making a few casts is a great way to unwind. Catching fish is pure lagniappe that comes in addition to just enjoying the great outdoors.

On March 5, Catherine caught and released a five-pounder that made her day as a great stress reliever. The very next week, she doubled her pleasure, catching the same five-pound bass. Her two-time bass was identifiable by a distinct hook wound in its mouth. Catching the same five-pounder is some sweet double lagniappe.

Luke and bro Jade Miller were enjoying a lazy fishing day in the Big Burns. This scenic marsh encompasses a huge area known for good numbers of bass. The scenery alone makes for a good trip.

Jade set the hook hard as a marsh bass unloaded. The thick vegetation had the bass balled up when Luke sprang into action. He stashed his hat and deep-sixed into the water. He surfaced with an armful of weeds and a smile on his face. Somewhere deep in the tangle of weeds and lilies was Jade’s bass.

Jade was ecstatic. With perfect form, he cannonballed over the side. This was a great moment in the fishing lives of brothers.

After the smoke cleared, they weighed Jade’s hawg in at 7 1/2 pounds.

Jade Miller's cannonball reward.

Jade Miller’s cannonball reward.

A little lagniappe for Catherine Watkins as she was unwinding.

A little lagniappe for Catherine Watkins as she was unwinding.

When Jade reached for his sunglasses, he realized where they were — at the bottom of the water. He wrote them off; he wouldn’t have traded that classic moment for any high-dollar glasses.

This was a memory that will keep on giving pleasure, and it was all good.

It’s the time of year for white perch action on Toledo Bend. Captain Josh Miller and first mate Nicole Babineaux were working on them recently for a bodacious fish fry. With the “ladies’ touch,” Nicole scored the slab of the day, weighing in at a whopping three pounds!

The local natives are getting restless. With temperatures steadily over 90 degrees, Louisiana is smack in the middle of hurricane season. Several early tropical storms have gotten locals’ undivided attention, but so far, so good.

Anyone who’s experienced the grief associated with the h-word has a healthy dose of respect for them. Once you’ve been schooled, it’s much easier to stay prepared for what can happen. Keep a wary eye on the weather and perform the essential tasks of preparing you and your home for the possibility of a storm invading the Gulf.

In the meantime, enjoy a hot summer of fishing. Saltwater action should get kick-started any day now with improved conditions and water clarity. Barring any major weather events like a you-know-what, our local phenomenal saltwater estuary should be ready to light up. Catch and release when you can, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

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