The Sabine Index
Toledo Bend Bass Digest Š
2020 Special publication featuring Toledo Bend Lake and surrounding areas.
Your next adventure awaits at
Toledo Bend Reservoir!
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For more information, call (800)256-LAKE(5253) or check the website www.srala-toledo.com
15091 Texas Hwy • Many, LA 71449 • 318-256-4112 Like us on facebook!
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02 Toledo Bend Bass Digest
Toledo Bend Bass Digest
CONTENTS
Lunker Bass
06
A look into Toledo Bend Lake and the abundance of lunker bass
Tournaments
08
A list of the 2020 Fishing Tournaments to be held on Toledo Bend
Toledo Bend
10
A detailed map of Toledo Bend and its surrounding areas
Beyond the Bend
15
A glimpse of the other things beautiful Sabine Parish has to offer
Contacts
18
A list of key contacts for Sabine Parish
at? oE t t a Wh
ON THE COVER:
Stephen Johnston of Hemphill, Texas caught this 10.70 pound fish on January 30 and weighed it in at the FLW tournament at Cypress Bend. Congratulations on this catch, which was the 13th lunker caught on Toledo Bend since May 2019.
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ta oS t e er Wh
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ee oS t t a Wh
ToledoBendLakeCountry.com 800-358-7802 Toledo Bend Bass Digest 03
29275 Hwy 191. Many, LA 71449 ♌ (318) 256-0059
Your Key to Independent Living
Meal Site Managers: Cherie Bozeman Sandy Joseph Denise McGaha
Visit our website, www.sabinecoa.com, and like us on Facebook! 04 Toledo Bend Bass Digest
HELLO
W
AND WELCOME TO SABINE PARISH!
hether it’s your first or your hundredth trip here, we know you’re in store for one memorable trip. Of course the fishing is huge, but Sabine Parish is so much more than just Toledo Bend (which was recently named the number one fishing lake in the nation two years running, by the way). What makes up this area cannot be pinpointed to one single thing. Among us you will find the old, young, the manual laborer and businessman. Faith runs deep in Sabine Parish. From popular, modern styles of worship to the ancient rites of the Catholic Church, the people here love their God. The lake area is rich with churches of many faiths from Lutheran to Baptist. We have a rich and varied history. In the past, this area is where the Spanish, French, and Native American lived in an odd unity. Later, it fell into the lawlessness of the “Neutral Strip” before the United States moved in and tamed the area. Since then, we’re proud to be Americans, but always honor our heritage. Sports are at the very heart of our being. We are outdoorsmen. No matter the season, you will find us outside, whether “in the woods” hunting or on the lake fishing. Our sports heritage goes well beyond that. Our high schools have produced numerous state champions and professional athletes. We love cheering on our LSU Tigers, Northwestern Demons, and New Orleans Saints. Our love of the local teams outweigh it, and we love our Many Tigers, Zwolle Hawks, Florien Blackcats, and other high school teams. Most importantly, we love having you here. Lost? Need a hand? We’re willing to help.
Daniel Jones Editor, The Sabine Index
Toledo Bend Bass Digest is a publication of The Sabine Index. Editorial content provided by Editor Daniel Jones Advertising Sales: Amanda Turner Advertising,Cover & Layout Design: Erin Graham ©2020
Toledo Bend Bass Digest is a copyrighted publication of the Sabine Index. No portions of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of The Sabine Index. Office: 875 San Antonio Ave. or PO BOX 25 • Many, LA 71449 • 318-256-3495
WELCOME TO
SABINE
Toledo Bend Bass Digest 05
TOLEDO BEND LUNKER BASS PROGRAM
RECORD-BREAKING MOMENT: 139 lunker replicas were awarded in May, 2016. This was the fourth year in a row that a record number of lunkers were caught, and 14 of the lunkers caught during the May, 2015 to May, 2016, year were previously tagged fish.
A
total of 963 Lunker Bass have been caught and released through the Toledo Bend Lunker Bass Program since its inception in 1992. The goal of the Program is to encourage the return of trophy fish to the lake by rewarding anglers a replica bass for catching and releasing their Toledo Bend Lunker back to the lake in hopes that it will spawn and produce more potential lunkers. To qualify for a Lunker Bass replica, the fish must weigh 10 pounds or more, and must be weighed, registered, and released alive by TBLA or its representative TBLA has posted Texas Parks and Wildlife Recreational Freshwater Creel, Size Limit and Regulation signs, as well as Lunker Bass Program signs, at the following locations: Alpine Marina, Carrice Creek, Fin & Feather, Holly Park Marina, Huxley Bay Marina, Indian Mounds Landing, Jack’s 944 Marina, Six Mile Landing, White Oak Creek, and the SRA ramp by the dam. And on the Louisiana side, TBLA has posted LDWF Freshwater Creel, Size Limit and Regulation signs, as well as Lunker Bass Program signs, at the following locations: Buckeye Landing, Big Bass Marina, Cypress Bend, Lanana, San Miguel, Blue Lake, Solans, Pirates Cove, Pleasure Point, North Toledo Bend State Park, and South Toledo Bend State Park. The TBLA Lunker Bass Program is the signature conservation program among many projects sponsored by the Toledo Bend Lake Association that meet its mission “to improve the quality of Toledo Bend Lake and the amenities surrounding it.” A complete list of lunkers caught can be viewed by going to www.toledobendlakeassociation.com and clicking on the lunker bass program tab at the top of the page. 06 Toledo Bend Bass Digest
HANDLING TIPS:
• Keeping your lunker alive is critical. Handle it carefully and go to a weigh station ASAP. • Always wet your hands before handling and transferring the fish. • Avoid holding the fish vertically by the lower lip. Use one hand to firmly grasp the lower jaw and the other to support the weight just behind the belly. Or, use a knotless, fine mesh, soft net or plastic weigh bag to transfer the fish. • Try not to hold the fish out of the water longer than 30 seconds. • Transfer the fish to a well-aerated live well or aerated cooler, out of direct sunlight. • Go immediately to a TBLA Weigh Station.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
• The bass must be caught in Toledo Bend Lake and weigh a minimum of 10.00 lbs. • Fish must be caught by sporting means, i.e. a fishing pole, rod, reel and line, or other form of sport fishing tackle. Fish caught by hand, hand lines, set lines, trot lines, net, trap, seine, or snagging are not eligible. • Fish must be weighed on an ASGS-approved scale at a TBLA Official Weigh Station or an approved tournament scale. • At weigh-in, the angler must present a valid fishing license or approved exemption and complete agreed to conditions and sign a TBLA official registration form. • A designated witness at a weigh station must attest to the weight and sign the registration form. • Angler must release the live fish to a weigh station employee. • A weigh station employee or TBLA representative must witness the live release of the fish into Toledo Bend Lake and attest to such by signing the registration form. • If the fish dies prior to release, the angler will be notified, it will be returned to him/her, and TBLA will not award a replica.
Lunker Weigh Stations: Toledo Town and Tackle Mid Lake – Hwy 191 and LA 6 (318) 256-5613
Buckeye Landing
South Lake – 268 Buckeye Lane, Many, LA 24-Hr# (318) 586-4757 or (318) 508-2971
Fin & Feather Resort
South Lake – 245 Fin & Feather Drive, Hemphill, TX (409) 579-2056
Fairmount General Store
South Lake – 2419 Fairdale Rd., Hemphill, TX (409) 579-9080
Keith’s Toledo Bend Tackle
Mid Lake – 6302 State Hwy 21 E, Hemphill, TX (409) 625-0181
Holly Park
Mid Lake – 3000 E. Carter’s Ferry Rd., Milam, TX 24-Hr# (936) 596-5343 or (409) 625-4424
Huxley Bay Marina
North Lake – 13200 FM Rd 2694, Shelbyville, TX (866) 733-8193
Toledo Bend Bass Digest 07
FISHING TOURNAMENTS
A
s one of the top fisheries in the United States, Toledo Bend is host to numerous tournaments throughout the year, with many happening at different marinas on the same weekend. Just a small sample of tournaments this year are:
MARCH
March 14 Choctaw Apache Bass Bash - Rebecca’s March 15 -16 FLW High School Division - San Miguel Park March 20 - 21 Texas Team Trail Tournament - Cypress Bend March 21 Southwest Louisiana HVAC Bass Club - San Miguel March 27 - 28 Ross Granger Memorial Bass Tournament - San Miguel March 28
Fifth Annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament - Cypress Bend
March 31 - April 4 Louisiana Oilman’s Bass Invitational - Cypress Bend
APRIL
April 4 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center April 5 Despino Tire Fishing Tournament - San Miguel April 17 TBLA Bass Unlimited Banquet - Cypress Bend April 20 - 22 Wildlife & Fisheries Fish Clinic - Cypress Bend April 22 - 26 Toledo Bend Oilman’s Classic Tournament - Cypress Bend April 24 - 26 Lineman’s Classic Tournament - San Miguel April 29 - May 3
Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs Tournament Cypress Bend
MAY
May 2 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center May 2 Catching for a Cause Tournament - Big Bass Marina May 2 Toledo Bend Resort Ministries - San Miguel May 8 - 11 Bass Champs Tournament - Cypress Bend May 9 Louisiana Bass High School Championship - San Miguel May 14 - 18 Big Bass Splash Tournament - Cypress Bend May 15 -17 Southwest Region Texas B.A.S.S. Nation - San Miguel May 25 - June 1 Bass Master Nation - Cypress Bend 08 Toledo Bend Bass Digest
JUNE
June 6 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center June 6 June 12 - 13
Sabine Soil and Water Conservation District Fish Fest - Cypress Bend 26th Annual Big Bass Classic Eliot Electric Supply Cypress Bend
June 18 - 20 API Oilman’s Bass Tournament - Cypress Bend
JULY
July 11 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center
AUGUST
August 1 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center
SEPTEMBER
September 5 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center September 17 - 20 Ladies Bass Anglers Association - San Miguel September 25 - 27 Louisiana Bass Nation - Cypress Bend September 5 Little Anglers Big Bass Showdown - Cypress Bend
OCTOBER
October 2 - 3 Media Bass - Cypress Bend October 3 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center October 7 - 11 Oilmen’s Bass Classic - Cypress Bend October 23 - 25 ABA Open Series - Cypress Bend
NOVEMBER
November 7 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center
DECEMBER
December 5 Toledo Bend Rec Site Tournament - Ft. Polk TB Rec Center
2020
events subject to change
Toledo Bend Bass Digest 09
B D E H I
G F K
10
Toledo Bend Bass Digest
A
TOLEDO BEND SRA PARKS
K
A: Cypress Bend B: Oak Ridge Park C: Pleasure Point D: Cow Bayou Wilderness Area E. Converse Bay F: San Miguel G: Clyde’s Crossing H: San Patricio (Hot Wells)
STATE PARKS
I: North Toledo Bend State Park J: South Toledo Bend State Park
C J
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
K: Tourist Information Centers
Toledo Bend Bass Digest 11
TOLEDO BEND STAYS
STOCKED T
hanks to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, Sabine River Authority of Louisiana, and the Toledo Bend Lake association, Toledo Bend remains a top bass fishery because of it is constantly being restocked with Florida bass fingerlings. Between 1990 and 1995 a total of 4,956,030 fish were added to the lake, which is a much smaller number than what is going in now. Between 2011-2015, a total of 7,666,549 fingerlings were added. The 2016-2017 figure alone stands at 3,806,891, which almost beats the five-year period of the early 90s.
LOANS for YOU! PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL HOME (residential & rural)
BOAT AUTO
Natchitoches - 318-352-4416 Many - 318-256-4416 www.mycitybank.com
12 Toledo Bend Bass Digest
FISHING LICENSES: Fishing licenses are a necessity if you’re going out on the lake, and can be attained via several avenues including over the phone 15 888765-2602, online at wlf.louisiana. gov, at LDWF offices, and local retail outlets. Resident and nonresident recreational fisherman aged 16 or older must have a basic fishing license to legally use gear such as bow and arrow, barbed spears, frog gigs, trot lines, casting nets, and rod and reel. Not needing a license are residents under the age of 16 and those born before June 1, 1940, and have lived in Louisiana for six months. They must have proof of age in their possession whenever fishing.
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T
BEYOND THE BEND
here’s no doubt that Sabine loves their fishing and outdoor sports. However, there is much more to the area than meets the eye. The yearly Battle of Pleasant Hill re-enactment marks the anniversary of a major event in the Civil War, as the sleepy little town in northern Sabine Parish played host to one of the largest battles west of the Mississippi River. During the second weekend in September at the Festival Grounds in Zwolle is St. Judes Fall Fest. All proceeds of the beloved festival go to the St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. During the third weekend in June, don’t miss the annual Juneteenth Festival, which has grown from very humble beginnings to include a huge Gospel singing at the Many Community Center, story telling, games, pig roast, and car show. The third weekend in April brings about the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb’s annual pow wow, which celebrates its more than 2,500-member tribe. The Sabine Parish Fair is held during the last week of September and features carnival rides, games, rodeo, arts and crafts, a livestock show, and plenty of food and music. The Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival is held each year during the second weekend in May. Much of our local industry is centered around logging, and the festival plays tribute to it. Activities include blessing of the log truck fleet, parade, logging competitions, contests, music, food, and arts and crafts. Last but certainly not least is the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, which is the biggest festival in the parish. It celebrates the Spanish and Native American heritage of the area each year during the second weekend in October. The fiesta features pageants, arm wrestling contests, trail rides, Spanish costume contests, rides, food booths, and its extremely popular mud bog race for trucks. Over 20,000 tamales are sold at the festival yearly.
Zwolle Tamale
FIESTA
Toledo Bend Bass Digest 15
Sabine Medical Center
240 Highland Drive • Many, LA 318-256-5691
Sabine Rural Health Clinic #1
Sabine Rural Health Clinic #2
395 S. Capitol St. • Many, LA 318-256-2000
1015 Obrie St. • Zwolle, LA 318-645-6161
Toledo Town Clinic #3
Freedom Behavioral Health Unit
12060 Texas Hwy • Many, LA 318-256-9002
1009 N Obrie St. • Zwolle, LA 318-645-7267
MEDICAL SERVICES Medical care • Surgical care Emergency Department • Pediatric Gastroenterology SURGICAL SERVICES General surgical • Orthopedic • Podiatry • Endoscopic • ENT IMAGING SERVICES CT Scan • Fluoroscopy • Ultrasound Echocardiography • Vascular OUTPATIENT SERVICES Respiratory therapy • Radiology • Laboratory Microbiology • Case management and Discharge Planning Central Scheduling • Outpatient Nursing Services Outpatient Physician Services
16 Toledo Bend Bass Digest
MANY CULTURAL DISTRICT OFFERS FREE ENTERTAINMENT
A
lthough one of Sabine Parish’s newest offerings, the Many Cultural District has covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Current offerings include free movies at the Many Community Center in downtown Many. Also known as the Sabine Theater, the historical meeting places gives local cinephiles an outlet to see great movies in a family-friendly, safe environment. The best part is that the movies are generally free, while concessions are one dollar each. The Community Center is also home to a number of music shows. For years, the Ark-La-Tex Music Show brought the best local musicians together to perform golden oldies, Gospel, bluegrass, and country. Since then, new shows have sprung up to take its place. For instance, in the first few months of this year you will have opportunities to see Jerry Lee Lewis tribute artist Brandy Roberts, 50 music specialists Flashback, and the Cajun band Choupique. The Many Cultural District is also involved with the Depot Art Guild. On Fridays and Saturdays, the historic train depot displays various works by a variety of local artists in many mediums. They also host craft and painting classes on most Saturdays. The Depot, which houses the guild, is currently undergoing extreme renovations and will be turned into a museum in the near future.
Sabine Theater
Depot Art Guild
Choupique Cajun Band
Toledo Bend Bass Digest 17
KEY CONTACTS In case of emergency call 911
Many Police Department Zwolle Police Department Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Sabine Parish Tourist Commission Sabine River Authority of Louisiana
318-256-5617
318-645-6141
381-256-9241
1601 Texas Hwy. Many, LA 71449 318-256-5880 15091 Texas Highway Many, LA 71449 381-256-4114
318-645-6188 1-888-661-6188
Rivers
Builders Supply, Inc.
Complete Line of Building Material 18 Toledo Bend Bass Digest
21435 Hwy. 191 Zwolle, LA Freddie Rivers, Owner www.riversbuilderssupply.com Like us on Facebook!
Toledo Bend Bass Digest 19
LOVE
IS IN THE
HAIR
MANY FAMILY HAIR SALON Salve Croskey Owner/Stylist
Mandy Davis Nail Tech
Walk Ins Welcome
210 Pico • Many, LA 318-431-5000