It’s always great to be back at Toledo Bend Lake at Cypress Bend Park to enjoy the fisherman’s paradise. With the world-wide Corona virus pandemic, it wasn’t a sure thing if the eleventh annual Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) and the Sabine Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Fish Fest could be held. Saturday, June 6, 2020 was the very first day a group fishing tournament could become reality because of COVID-19. Youth fishermen gathered early to cast a rod for the largest bass, bream, catfish, white perch (crappie), turtle, and any other freshwater fish off the banks of Cypress Bend Park. TBLA President, Ricky Yeldell heads the non-profit organization formed by volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of fishing on Toledo Bend. Fishermen have been flocking to the lake where no social distancing is needed in your own boat
Pre-registered fishermen were treated to a free day of fishing at Cypress Bend Park. The Fest is always open to school age children in kindergarten through 12 th grade for the previous school year. Youth from Louisiana and Texas were eligible to fish. Fishermen who catch one of the largest three fish in the categories of bass, bream, catfish, white perch (crappie), turtle, and other fish category win a rod-n-reel combo and a medal. Fishermen provide their own fishing equipment and bait.
Fishing started at 7:30 a.m. and youth weighed in all fish by 11:00 a.m. All fishermen checked in at the registration table to pick up their ditty bags and Fish Fest t-shirts. The ultra-cool black and gold t-shirts added style to the park. A list of individual and business sponsors was handed to fishermen, along with the Fest rules.
To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition http://www.etypeservices.com/Sabine%20IndexID378/