Spring is here and summer is approaching, which means fishing season is in full swing across Bossier Parish. Whether your dream is to be a professional angler or you just want a new hobby to enjoy the great outdoors, Bossier has a variety of bodies of water that give you a wide spectrum of fishing opportunities. 

Bossier City’s own Nick LeBrun turned his love of fishing from a hobby into a career.

He started fishing with his dad at the age of 15. He started fishing in tournaments part-time before he took the leap to be a professional in 2017. He is now one of the top 50 pro anglers in the country, having won several tournaments with more top 10 placements.

Nick said the difference between being a professional and a hobbyist is simple: experience. He explained that it’s a long and winding road to fishing for a living, but says it’s possible for anyone, so long as they’re willing to work at it by building their reputation skills with local tournaments. 

“Spend a lot of time on the water and have the commitment to never let an opportunity pass by where you can learn something new,” LeBrun revealed.

Bossier Parish played a factor in shaping LeBrun’s career as a fisherman. He notes that the variety of lakes and bayous near Bossier City offers ample opportunity for outdoor fun.

“Bossier Parish is a dream for fishermen because we’re in close proximity to a lot of wonderful lakes,” LeBrun said.

Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, 135 Cypress Park Dr. in Benton, and Lake Bistineau State Park, the center located at 103 State Park Rd. in Doyline but spreads into Bossier Parish, are all top choices to get out on the water. For a more challenging experience, the Red River South Marina & Resort located at 250 Red South Marina Rd. in South Bossier, offers a great place to launch a boat for fishing.

These lakes are less than a 30-45 minute drive for most of the residents in Bossier Parish. He said that Cypress Black Bayou is also distinct due to its foliage namesake, because it attracts fish while simultaneously offering great scenery. 

“In this part of the country, we kind of take cypress trees for granted, but not far outside Bossier you don’t see them anymore,” LeBrun said. “Even if you don’t catch anything, it’s still a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relax.”

He noted that while Black Bayou is primarily known as a place for recreation, “there’s good fishing out there.” He said you can target the boat docks there for bass and that the location is good for fishing year-round.

LeBrun pointed out that what type of fish you want to catch plays a big hand in where you fish. 

He recommends targeting a particular species, explaining that for bass, you’ll likely need a boat to increase your chances. If you’re wanting to fish from the bank of any of the lakes LeBrun mentioned, you will need to target blue gill and catfish with live bait.

Additionally, where you fish and what type of fish you’re targeting will inform the type of bait and gear needed.

LeBrun recommends using a rod and reel combo that isn’t too price-conscious but doesn’t break your bank, either. 

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or just walked into Bass Pro Shops for the first time, you can be equipped for success,” he said. “You don’t want to spend all your time fighting and working on your equipment because your enjoyment level will go down, and your frustration level will go up. That’s a recipe that will make you not want to fish.”

Most of all, LeBrun advises not to get discouraged with a lack of success. 

If you want to bass fish, he noted to keep it simple. For bank fishing, he said to try moving around if you’re not getting any bites.

“Sometimes the latest and greatest trends are just too advanced for northwest Louisiana,” LeBrun advised, “and you can’t beg the fish to bite. So, let your bait sit for a while and then try a new location if it’s not working.”

Lastly, LeBrun said that at the end of the day, it’s called “fishing” and not “catching.”

“My dad always said that reeling in a fish makes you feel good but unplugging and enjoying God’s creation is a great thing.”

For more, you can follow LeBrun at Nick Lebrun Bass Fishing.

David Brown is a local resident and an avid fisher. He says his favorite spot to fish in Bossier is Lake Bistineau. He says the size of Bistineau offers a huge variety of fish.

“The fish have lots of cover, so there are a lot of great spots to choose from. You can get lost in that lake from all the different places to fish from,” Brown said. “It has a great variety and the best population of fish around.”

While he recommends getting out on the water in a boat for the best fishing experience, Brown added that Lake Bistineau State Park has cabins for rent and good bank fishing spots.

He added that the Red River is “a lot of fun” due to the tournaments held and the variety of spots to pick for your fishing.  

“It is just slap full of fish,” Brown laughed.

Lastly, he notes that making an experience out of fishing is worth the effort. It’s not necessarily about catching anything so much as finding somewhere to unwind with a hobby.

“If you go fishing and don’t catch anything, there’s something about just going out there and getting away from everything,” Brown said. “Lots of times I don’t really get a bite, and I don’t care because I’m out there spending time with my grandson.”

“That’s what fishing is all about.”