A Healthy Marsh Hawg
Like the weathered old Cajun said, “Sa fa cho neg.” English translation: It’s hot now, my friend!”
If you like hot weather with high humidity that’s stifling, Louisiana is where you belong. With lows at night “cooling” to near 80 degrees and highs topping into the mid-90s, there’s basically no place to hide. Veteran sportsmen have learned through experience it’s best to schedule outdoor activities very early or very late at this time of year.
Louisiana summers are notorious for high heat and tropical-like humidity that can make you pay if you get caught in it too long. Cooling thundershowers can sometimes bring much needed relief. But beware of dangerous lightning that usually accompanies these flash storms. It’s best to call it a day rather than risk life and limb to an errant lightning strike. The wise fisherman always errs on the side of caution and lives to fish another day.
Adriano Theriot and his lunker bass.
Adriano Theriot is an outstanding student-athlete beginning his senior year at South Cameron High School. He’s a stand-out track athlete, having already cleared 14 feet in the pole vault. He’s been training for several qualifying meets this summer to earn a spot on coveted regional and national teams.
It’s essential to take a break from competition; unwind; and get your mind right. That was Adriano’s plan on a recent Big Burns fishing trip.
He was far removed from the rigors of training as he worked his topwater white mouse across the lily pads. A big bass topwater explosion in shallow water is about as good as it gets. A lunker bass attacked the white mouse, whirlpooling the water, but missed it in all the tangle of lilies.
Adriano gathered his wits and made an accurate cast for strike two. This time, the fish meant business, and was all over the mouse for its evening meal. Adriano was quick on the trigger, burying the hook with a good set. He horsed the fish through the pads and lipped a healthy marsh hawg topping six pounds! It felt almost as good as the day he cleared 14 feet.
Katie Smith: A fisherwoman is born.
She just finished her rookie year as a Spanish and Latin teacher at St. Louis High. With the summer off, Katie Smith had a bucket list of things to accomplish. She had never experienced the joy of bass fishing, but that was soon to change.
She worked her plastic frog and was just enjoying the scenery in a beautiful freshwater marsh. The abundance of wildlife was enough to keep her entertained and happy as a teacher off for summer vacation. When a bass smashed her frog, she sprung into action.
She began reeling at mach speed. This fight was on. Her Zebco spin cast reel was smoking as the fish made a power run at the boat. It was a classic battle, with the marsh bass finally surrendering — to Katie’s delight.
She realized quickly what all the fuss about bass fishing is about. The adrenaline rush alone is well worth the effort. The scenery and observation of all the marsh creatures makes for beaucoup lagniappe enjoyment. A new fisherwoman is born. Go Saints!
The summer season is halfway over, so hang in there. Kick back and daydream about that first cool front in a short few months. Happy fishing and stay hydrated!
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