"A youngster can really have fun here because there are plenty of catfish in these ponds," said David. "The only thing is that these ponds receive quite a bit of pressure, especially during the summer. I'd suggest that a dad plan to take his youngster out early in the morning for the best chance to catch fish before the crowd of fishermen get there.

"Bait a hook with earthworms, toss it out and you'll have a good chance to watch your kid's eyes light up when the catfish start biting."

ALEXANDRIA
Lake Buhlow is located within the city of Pineville, the sister city to Alexandria. This lake has a top-quality fishery, and catfish are at the top of the list. Fisheries biologist Lynn Mathews says that Buhlow is a fine place to introduce a youngster to the sport of fishing.

"You can fish Buhlow from the banks or from a boat. There are shoreline areas located near the public boat launch where anglers can sit on the bank and have a good chance to catch some catfish," said Mathews. "The City of Pineville patrols the lake, and our department has stocked it with fish, including channel catfish. If anyone has a question, they can call us at the LDWF office in Pineville at (318) 487-5885, or call the City of Pineville."

Mathews mentioned another lake with good catfishing located in central Louisiana.

"Indian Creek Lake is located near our fish hatchery at Woodworth. There is an old roadbed that is elevated and extends far out into the lake, which makes it easy to fish from the bank along this old abandoned roadway."

SHREVEPORT
Todd Buffington, wildlife and fisheries educator working out of the Minden office, named Cross Lake as one of the best catfisheries in northwestern Louisiana.

"This lake, located on the outskirts of Shreveport, has long been a topnotch spot to catch channel catfish. There is little area allowing bank fishing, but for a dad with a boat, there's no easier way to introduce a youngster to fishing than to do it the way they've done it for years on Cross Lake," said Buffington. "It's a simple matter of motoring out into the lake on a day with a slight breeze. Bait up some lines with red worms or shiners and let the breeze carry the boat across the lake, bouncing the bait off the bottom. The action can be fast and furious once the fish start biting."

Buffington said that the Red River is another quality area for catching catfish, with quite a bit of the fishing being done from the banks.

"Head down Highway 71 south of Shreveport, watch for the signs and look for the locks on Pool 5. Fishing cut shad from the banks below the lock is a great way to catch some catfish," said Buffington.

MONROE
Bill Breed is the state's Hunter Education coordinator who works with youngsters, not only in the area of hunting but also with fishing. He named two areas in northeastern Louisiana where kids can have fun catching catfish.

"Lake D'Arbonne State Park, west of Farmerville, has a fishing pier that is great for catching catfish," said Breed. "Actually, you can catch channel catfish all over this lake because it is full of them.