The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authorities are continuing to ask for the public’s assistance in locating two missing individuals whose cases remain unsolved.
Derek Boyd, 36, was last seen June 29, 2026. He is described as 6 feet, 2 inches tall. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his location. Anyone with information is asked to call 318-715-7212 or the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-992-2151.
The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office is also seeking information on 51-year-old Michael McLendon, who was reported missing to the Pineville Police Department by family members. According to the sheriff’s office, McLendon was last seen June 19, 2026, in Rapides Parish driving a dark green Ford Expedition.
McLendon is described as a white male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds.
Anyone with information on McLendon’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Pineville Police Department at 318-442-6603 or the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-992-2151.
Louisiana Christian University art professor Michael Williams and the ceramics program have received grant funds to refurbish a gas kiln.
The Walker faculty development funds provided for the repair of the kiln for Williams’ development as an artist, but it is also a great opportunity for students studying ceramics.
The kiln was originally built in the mid-1990s by former ceramics professor Bob Howell.
“It’s exciting to see this piece of our department’s history come back to life,” said Assistant Professor of Art Michael Williams. “It’s a great piece of equipment, and I’m glad our students will finally get the chance to use it again.”
Dean of Media, Communication and Fine Arts Brian Manuel is equally excited to see what Williams and his students will create.
“Professor Williams is a true artist,” Manuel said. “He approached me with the desire to restore our gas kiln, and all I could say was ‘Absolutely!’ Having this tool benefits our students as well as our community at large. I cannot wait to see the art that Professor Williams will be able to create with his students.”
The kiln had been sitting unused for years and had fallen into disrepair. The burners had rusted out and were no longer usable. Thanks to the grant funding, local business Louisiana Fireplace was able to repair and restore the kiln so the university could put it back into service.
A kiln is essentially a large brick chamber used for firing ceramics. In ceramics, there are two fundamental firings. The first is the bisque firing and is generally a lower-temperature firing. We bisque to what is called cone 04, which is around 1,940° Fahrenheit. The second firing is called the glaze firing and takes place after the bisque. The glaze firing temperature ranges from cone 6–10 (2,232°–2,381° Fahrenheit).
In this stage, the clay is covered in a material called glaze, which is made up of many different raw materials that determine the color and finish of the completed piece.
As the temperature in the kiln increases, the clay changes both physically and chemically, Williams said. It transforms from porous “greenware” to vitrified ceramic, meaning that the clay particles are bonded together through the formation of glassy phases, primarily from silica, alumina, and fluxes within the clay body, resulting in increased density and making the clay waterproof. The glaze also contributes to the waterproof nature, as well as giving the piece a glassy or matte appearance.
The difference between an electric kiln and a gas kiln includes two main factors: the heat source and the atmosphere.
“In an electric kiln, the heat comes from electric elements, kind of like a toaster,” Williams said. “While in a gas kiln, the heat comes from either natural gas or propane burners (in our case, it is natural gas). The second factor is the atmosphere. The atmosphere of an electric kiln is considered an oxidation atmosphere, meaning that oxygen is available in the kiln and is not intentionally regulated, while in our gas kiln that is not the case. Our gas kiln is considered a reduction kiln, meaning that during the firing process, you reduce the amount of oxygen available in the firing chamber while simultaneously increasing the temperature.”
This creates carbon monoxide, which pulls oxygen from metal oxides within the clay and glazes, resulting in interesting reactions in the glazes that are not replicable in an oxidation atmosphere, he said.
“Having a working gas kiln expands what we can offer in our ceramics program,” Williams said. “Most of our firing has been done in electric kilns, but this gas kiln will allow students to learn reduction firing, which creates different colors and surface effects than electric firing. It’s an important process for ceramics students to experience and gives them a broader understanding of the medium. We’re really excited to revitalize this kiln after so many years and to see the new creative possibilities it will bring to our students and our program.”
LASALLE PARISH — Residents should prepare for another round of dangerous heat before scattered showers and thunderstorms become more common later this week, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday will be the hottest day of the forecast, with temperatures reaching 98 degrees and heat index values as high as 107 degrees. Rain chances increase beginning Thursday and continue through the weekend and into early next week.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 98°. Heat index values as high as 107°. West wind around 5 mph. Partly cloudy Wednesday night with a low around 77°. Calm winds becoming southwest around 5 mph overnight.
Thursday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny with a high near 94°. Mostly cloudy Thursday night with a low around 75°.
Friday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny with a high near 94°. A 30% chance of showers, with a slight chance of thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Friday night. Mostly cloudy with a low around 76°.
Saturday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny with a high near 93°. A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday night with a low around 74°.
Sunday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny with a high near 92°. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms Sunday night with a low around 74°.
Monday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny with a high near 93°.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to take precautions during periods of extreme heat by staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight clothing, and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
Residents are also reminded to check on elderly neighbors, young children, and other vulnerable individuals and to never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, where temperatures can quickly become life-threatening.
As extreme summer temperatures continue, the American Heart Association is reminding the public about the important differences between heat stroke and stroke and the need to recognize the warning signs of both conditions.
According to the American Heart Association, heat stroke occurs when the body overheats and its core temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
A stroke, however, occurs when a blood vessel to the brain either bursts or becomes blocked by a blood clot, causing brain cells to die from a lack of blood and oxygen.
Recognizing the Signs of Heat Stroke
The American Heart Association says a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher is the primary sign of heat stroke. Other symptoms include:
Confusion
Headache
Hot, dry skin when not exercising
Fast pulse or racing heart
Flushed or red skin
Loss of consciousness
Nausea
Rapid, shallow breathing
Vomiting
Recognizing the Signs of Stroke
The American Heart Association encourages the public to remember the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. to identify the warning signs of a stroke:
B – Balance Loss
E – Eye (Vision) Changes
F – Face Drooping
A – Arm Weakness
S – Speech Difficulty
T – Time to Call 911
The American Heart Association urges anyone experiencing the signs of a stroke to call 911 or their local emergency services number immediately. Prompt medical treatment is critical and can improve the chances of survival and recovery.
With hot weather continuing across the region, officials encourage residents to stay informed, take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, and know the warning signs that could save a life.
The Northeast Louisiana Firefighters Association has announced the passing of Olla Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kim Taylor, remembering him as a dedicated firefighter and friend to many throughout the region.
In a statement shared Monday, the association said Chief Taylor had been a dedicated member of the Olla Volunteer Fire Department for many years and was respected by fellow firefighters across LaSalle Parish.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Olla VFD Chief Kim Taylor,” the association said. “Chief Taylor was a friend to all, and a dedicated member of the fire department for many years. He will be missed by all LaSalle Parish FD members.”
Arrangements for Chief John Kim Taylor will be Friday July 31, 2026 at Olla First Baptist Church. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. with the service starting at 3:00 p.m.
LaSalle General Hospital recently hosted CPR and First Aid training for employees of the LaSalle Parish School System over the course of several weeks.
The hospital recognized J. Todd Fannin, BSN, RN, for providing in-depth instruction during each training session. According to the hospital, his knowledge, experience, and engaging teaching style were appreciated by the teachers and staff who participated.
LaSalle General Hospital said it is proud to partner with local schools to help equip educators and school employees with the skills and confidence needed to respond in emergency situations.
Hospital officials said the collaboration helps create a safer environment for the students, staff, and families of LaSalle Parish.
LaSalle General Hospital also thanked the LaSalle Parish School System for allowing the hospital to be part of the initiative and expressed its commitment to continuing to serve the community through programs that promote health, safety, and education.
The Jena High School Band and its Band Boosters are inviting the community to an evening of food, music, and fellowship during their “Jazz and Jambalaya” fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. at The Main Event, located at 2942 E. Oak St. in Jena.
The dinner event will feature entertainment by the Red River Jazz Band and is designed to bring the community together while supporting the Pride of Jena Band.
Band officials said this year marks “a big year of firsts” for the program and encouraged the public to attend, not only to support the band and its boosters, but also to enjoy an evening of food, fun, and music.
Tickets are available through the QR code provided on the event flyer.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College’s Rod Brady Jena Campus is now accepting enrollment for its upcoming Heavy Equipment Operator Course, offering students an opportunity to gain hands-on training for a career in the heavy equipment industry.
The next class is scheduled to begin on Aug. 17, 2026.
According to the college, the program provides students with hands-on experience using industry equipment while learning from experienced instructors in a practical training environment.
CLTCC is encouraging prospective students to enroll soon, noting that class seats are limited.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Heavy Equipment Operator Course are encouraged to contact the Rod Brady Jena Campus or stop by for additional information before the August 17 start date.
Now into Week 4 of recovery from quadruple bypass surgery and I’m slowly getting some energy back. My appetite is also returning after losing close to 20 pounds. Quality, deep rem sleep is hard to come by, but the anxiety issues are getting better.
Enough about all that, let’s talk about things to do during the dog days of summer. While health wise, I’m still a few weeks away from dropping my boat in the water and getting back to serious fishing, now is a great time to head into my fishing man cave and reorganize, clean and respool a few reels for some good fall use.
After a busy spring tournament schedule my fishing man cave is a disaster. Bags of baits that should be on pegs are laying everywhere. I’ve got tackle boxes scattered all over the room that also need to be placed on a shelf.
Some of my crankbait boxes need to be gone through to consider certain baits that might need to be replaced. It’s also a great time to check the hooks and replace those old treble hooks with new ones. This is one area anglers can sometimes overlook until they lose a few fish, and it costs them a high finish.
Outside the fishing man cave, another thing anglers have to be conscious of this time of year, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90’s, is leaving soft plastic baits in your boat. Point being, high temperatures will melt soft plastic lures making not only a mess but costing you money.
Hopefully you’re fortunate enough to park your boat under a carport or inside your garage. But even in the garage, temperatures can reach extreme highs. I have a large fan that I run daily in my garage to help keep the temperature down.
If I know that I won’t be fishing for quite a while during those hot summer days, I’ll remove the soft plastic baits from my boat and store them in my air-conditioned fishing man cave.
After reorganizing the man cave, next I’ll take a look at the fishing reels that I have used most of the spring; clean each one as well as drop a little oil on the gears and moving parts. High dollar fishing reels only act like high dollar reels if you take good care of them.
Once your fishing man cave is in order, now is the time to get into your boat and clean it out. I take everything out of my boat so I can clean all the lockers. It’s also the time to take my spring tackle out and put my fall tackle in.
And while you’re at it, why not clean any major carpet stains? The best thing I have found to bring your boat carpet back to looking new is shaving crème. Take a small section at a time and apply the shaving crème then scrub with a soft brush or rag.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rise with water and you’ll be amazed at how good your carpet will look. It’s also great for the new marine deck foam flooring that has become so popular.
These are just a few things to add to your summer to-do list in order to make sure you’re ready for some great fall fishing. ‘Til next time, stay cool and avoid the summer heat.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
Walking through our preschool the other day, a little fellow proudly showed me his bandaid. He stuck out his arm like he was unveiling a medal of honor. I asked what happened. With the solemnity only a fouryearold can muster, he said, “I got a bobo.”
Case closed. Diagnosis made. Treatment applied. Healing underway.
Children are refreshingly honest about pain. If something hurts, they point to it. If they fall, they cry. If they get a scratch, they want a bandaid — preferably one with dinosaurs or superheroes, because everyone knows those heal faster.
Adults, on the other hand, become experts at hiding our wounds. We carry heart bobo’s — hurts no one can see. Disappointments we never voice. Grief we tuck behind a busy schedule. Regrets we bury so deeply we forget where we put them. Pain that we pretend isn’t there because we think grown-ups are supposed to “handle it.”
But the truth is, some of the deepest wounds don’t show up on the skin.
Isaiah wrote, “By his wounds we are healed.” That’s not poetic exaggeration — it’s the heart of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t just die for our sins in some abstract theological sense. He took on our pain, our brokenness, our hidden hurts, our heart bobo’s. The Son of God carried what we try so hard to conceal.
There’s pathos in that exchange — Christ taking our sin and sorrow, offering us freedom, and yet we humans often cling to the very things He died to release us from. It’s like walking around with a perfectly good bandaid in hand but refusing to peel off the backing.
King David prayed, “Put a new and right spirit within me.” That’s the grown-up version of holding out your wound and saying, “Lord, this is where it hurts.” It’s the courage to admit we need healing. It’s the humility to let God do what we cannot.
And here’s the soft humor of it all: If a preschooler can trust a bandaid to make a scraped elbow better, surely we can trust the Savior of the world to tend to our hearts.
So maybe today is a good day to stop pretending we’re fine. A good day to let go of what Christ has already carried. A good day to let the Healer do His healing.
After all, Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make broken people whole. And that includes every one of us — heart bobo’s and all.
July 29 marks the anniversary of the death of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, whose life and work have become among the most recognized in art history.
Van Gogh died on July 29, 1890, at the age of 37, two days after suffering a gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. Although he created more than 2,000 works of art, including around 900 paintings, he sold very few during his lifetime and struggled financially while pursuing his passion for painting.
One of his most famous final works, Wheatfield with Crows, is often associated with the final weeks of his life. The painting’s dramatic sky and winding paths have led generations of art historians and viewers to interpret it as reflecting his emotional state, though scholars continue to debate its exact significance.
Van Gogh’s distinctive style, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, later helped shape modern art. Today, masterpieces such as The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Irises attract millions of visitors to museums around the world and rank among the most recognizable paintings ever created.
Ironically, the artist who struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime is now considered one of history’s greatest painters, with some of his works selling for tens of millions of dollars at auction.
More than 135 years after his death, Vincent van Gogh’s legacy continues to inspire artists, historians and art lovers worldwide, making July 29 a day to remember one of history’s most influential creative figures.
All Americans learned in school that we fought two wars against the British, namely the American Revolution and the War of 1812, but there was a third war that began in 1859 which has been largely forgotten. Following the War of 1812, the United Kingdom and the United States agreed in the Treaty of Oregon that the boundary between the countries was along the 49th parallel from the Rocky Mountains to the middle of the channel which separates the continent from Vancouver’s Island then south through the channel to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and west to the Pacific Ocean (see map). This agreement was made by using crude maps by people who had little knowledge of the area. Both parties were unaware that there were two distinct channels or straits, the Haro Strait and the Rosario Strait, which were divided by San Juan Island. Because of the way the treaty was written, both countries claimed right to the island and people from both countries began settling on the island. For years, tension rose as each side argued that settlers from the other side were nothing more than squatters or trespassers.
The first shot of the war happened on June 15, 1859, when Lyman Cutlar, an American, shot and killed a British subject whom Lyman had found destroying crops in his field. British authorities threatened to arrest Lyman and to evict all Americans from the island. In response, American Brigadier General William Harney ordered a company of 64 infantry soldiers to the island. When the soldiers arrived, the British Governor at Vancouver ordered Royal Navy Captain Geoffrey Phipps Hornby to take his 31-gun steam frigate HMS Tribune to remove the American soldiers. More British warships joined the Tribune shortly thereafter, and more American soldiers were sent to the island. For months, the British and Americans stockpiled weapons and built up their forces for the upcoming battle. Each side drilled and fired their cannons, but they were careful not to aim at the opposing soldiers just yet. As both sides were making their final preparations for battle, General Winfield Scott, U.S. Army commander and War of 1812 veteran, arrived and began negotiations. General Scott proposed and both sides agreed on a joint military occupation until a final border could be agreed upon. For twelve long, tense years, San Juan Island remained under joint military occupation. In 1871, when Great Britain and the United States were still unable to agree on ownership of San Juan Island, they turned to Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany who set up a three-man arbitration commission to settle the dispute. Both sides agreed that the commission’s decision would be final. Finally in October 1872, after nearly a year of discussions by the commission, Kaiser Wilhelm I ruled in favor of the United States. San Juan Island belonged to the United States. The Royal Marines withdrew the following month, and the war ended 14 years after the first shot was fired. The war over San Juan Island was named after that British subject who was the only fatality of this war between the United Kingdom and the United States. It is known as the Pig War. That’s right. This conflict between the United Kingdom and United States was set off by a squabble over a pig.
Source: “The Pig War,” National Park Service: San Juan Island, accessed July 19, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/sajh/
John Kimberly “Kim” Taylor
Oct 28, 1955 — Jul 27, 2026
Visitation: prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
Services: Friday, July 31 at 3:00 PM at Olla First Baptist Church
The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A single-vehicle crash early Friday morning in LaSalle Parish claimed the life of a 16-year-old Deville teen and left six others injured. The 18-year-old driver has been arrested on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, according to Louisiana State Police.
Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to the crash at approximately 4:49 a.m. on July 17 on Hunt Road near the Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area.
The preliminary investigation found that a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 18-year-old Reese McKenzie of Deville, was traveling north on Hunt Road when, for reasons still under investigation, McKenzie lost control of the vehicle. The truck left the roadway and overturned, ejecting multiple occupants.
State Police said Kent Sanson, 16, of Deville, was among those ejected from the vehicle. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
McKenzie, who investigators said was not wearing a seat belt, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Five additional passengers, none of whom were restrained, also sustained moderate injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
According to State Police, routine toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. Investigators believe impairment is a suspected factor in the crash.
Following the investigation, McKenzie was arrested and charged with:
Vehicular homicide
Operating a vehicle while impaired
Careless operation of a vehicle
Open container
Three counts of vehicular negligent injuring
He was transported to the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office for processing. The crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Police reminds motorists that alcohol, prescription medications, and other drugs can significantly impair driving ability by affecting vision, reaction time, judgment, and motor skills.
“If you feel differently, you drive differently,” State Police said, urging drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and never operate a vehicle while impaired.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop E.
LASALLE PARISH — A prolonged stretch of hot summer weather is expected across LaSalle Parish through early next week, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s to around 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The warmest day of the forecast will be Wednesday, when afternoon highs are expected to reach 100 degrees. Aside from a slight chance of rain on Saturday, dry conditions are expected to dominate the forecast.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday: Sunny and hot with a high near 100°. Light north winds will become northeast at 5 to 10 mph during the morning.
Overnight low around 77° under mostly clear skies.
Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low around 74°.
Friday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96°. Partly cloudy Friday night with a low around 75°.
Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Partly cloudy
Saturday night with a low around 76°.
Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96°. Mostly clear Sunday night with a low around 76°.
Monday: Sunny and hot with a high near 97°.
With several days of intense heat expected, residents are encouraged to take precautions by drinking plenty of water, limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon hours, wearing light-colored clothing, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
The National Weather Service also reminds everyone to check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals and never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle, where temperatures can quickly become life-threatening.
The countdown to a new school year is underway as LaSalle Parish Schools prepares to welcome students back to class on Wednesday, Aug. 5, for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.
District officials are encouraging students and families to take advantage of upcoming open house events, where they can meet teachers, visit classrooms, and prepare for a successful school year.
Open House Schedule
Jena Elementary School (JES): Monday, Aug. 3, 4–6 p.m.
Good Pine Middle School (GPMS): Monday, Aug. 3, 4–6 p.m.
Central Elementary School (CES): Monday, Aug. 3, 4–6 p.m.
Jena Junior High School (JJHS): Monday, Aug. 3, 5–7 p.m.
Fellowship Elementary School (FES): Monday, Aug. 2, 2–4 p.m.
Nebo Elementary School (NES): Monday, Aug. 3, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Olla-Standard Elementary School (OJHS): Thursday, July 30, 2–6 p.m.
LaSalle Junior High School (LJHS): Monday, Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m.
LaSalle High School (LHS): Monday, Aug. 3, 4–6 p.m.
School officials encourage parents to check their child’s school website or social media pages for any updates or additional information before open house events.
Families are also reminded that 2026-2027 school supply lists are available through LaSalle Parish Schools, allowing parents to prepare students before the first day of classes.
District leaders say the new school year brings opportunities for students to build friendships, get involved in clubs and activities, work toward their academic goals, and make the most of every day.
As students return to classrooms on Wednesday, Aug. 5, LaSalle Parish Schools is looking forward to another year of learning, growth, and achievement across the district.
Three years after transitioning to a four-day school week, LaSalle Parish Schools says the results are demonstrating measurable improvements in student attendance, literacy, academic performance, and school climate.
The district recently shared an update highlighting the progress made since the schedule change began in April 2023, thanking students, employees, families, School Board members, and the community for supporting the initiative.
According to the district, several key performance indicators have improved over the past three years, including:
Student attendance increased from 91% to 93%.
Student disciplinary incidents decreased by 30%.
Early literacy achievement rose from 64% to 74%.
Student achievement on LEAP assessments has continued to improve across multiple subject areas.
LaSalle Parish Schools also noted that, among Louisiana’s 16 school systems operating on a four-day school week, the district has demonstrated the greatest academic growth. Officials added that no other four-day school system currently outperforms LaSalle Parish, and that only a small number of traditional five-day school systems achieve higher performance.
District leaders credited the accomplishments to the dedication of students, teachers, staff, School Board members, families, and the broader community, saying their willingness to embrace a new approach has created greater opportunities for student success.
“This progress reflects the hard work and commitment of our students, outstanding employees, supportive School Board members and families, and a community willing to embrace a new approach in pursuit of better opportunities for children,” the district said in its announcement.
LaSalle Parish Schools concluded by thanking the community for its continued support, stating, “Thank you, LaSalle Parish, for believing in our schools and supporting our students.”
The district says it remains committed to building on this progress as it continues working to improve educational outcomes for every student.
If I have learned nothing else over my many years of tournament bass fishing, it’s the fact that it’s a young man’s sport. Being young has its privileges, especially when it comes to energy levels and mobility. At the age of 65, I no longer hop around the boat like a rat on crack.
Now I’m a little more cautious in making sure I don’t hang a toe getting up on the front deck of my Caymas boat. I’m just trying to maintain my balance and make sure that I don’t fall in the lake!
I’ve also noticed that the older I have gotten, the further it seems to be from the driver’s seat console to the front of my boat. Just putting the trolling motor in the water also requires a little more energy now, even with high-tech lift-assist-systems that trolling motors have today.
Even tying on a new lure can be a challenge as I need my reading glasses just to see what I’m doing. Threading fishing line through the eye of a hook requires skill that used to be automatic; now it’s an adventure and a test of my patience!
One aspect that today’s young anglers seem to do a better job of is covering water and fishing as many places as they can in a day’s time. Older guys tend to stay in one area longer and fish it thoroughly just because we don’t want to take the time or exert the energy to move.
I have also noticed the younger generation of today are not very likely to offer much help for the older guys who might be launching their boats by themselves.
This was something I was always conscious of during my younger days. If I saw an older gentleman trying to launch his boat by himself, I always offered a helping hand. I think it’s just the way my generation was raised, to always be looking out for the elderly.
Even today, and now that I’m the older guy at the ramp, I’ll still offer ANY angler assistance. It’s just good manners.
In today’s tournament world, I find myself trying to stay in better shape just so I can compete with these young guns. To compete on any tournament trail, you must spend time on the water.
A good angler will practice 8-10 hours a day in the boat trying to locate as many schools of bass as he can. It’s not uncommon for the really good anglers to practice from sunup to sundown. Again, nothing will make you a better angler than time on the water!
These are the anglers who will not only cash more checks but will also be holding up the trophy at the end of the tournament. You cannot compete in today’s bass fishing world by taking shortcuts or only fishing for a few hours a day, no matter how good you think you are.
Another issue at my age is that some days, fishing is literally a grind and a test of your patience. The bass don’t always bite all day long and there are only a few small windows of opportunity where the bass will feed. If you’re not on the water, you will miss those opportunities.
There will be some days that you will ask yourself, “Why am I out here?” But these are the days that will separate the good anglers from the average ones. The good anglers will stay on the lake and make every attempt to figure out how to make the fish bite.
This is called persistence and determination, which can go a long way in having tournament success. It’s also called focus, which I find is a lot harder to maintain as I’ve gotten older. Focus ensures that you don’t miss those windows of opportunity when you get that unexpected bite.
One thing that has not changed, even at the age of 65, is my desire to compete. I’m still that same competitive soul who gets so much joy in a high finish and beating the younger generation. We’ve all heard, age is just a number. That’s true until you reach what you think is that age …then reality sets in.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com