Visit Hudnall’s swamp nirvana

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Bassmaster Elite Series sophomore Derek Hudnall grew up fishing the swamps of South Louisiana. And when he’s not traveling the country on the tour, Hudnall still returns to keep his skills honed. But Hudnall’s trips to the swamps aren’t just about practicing his skills.<br><br> “My love for South Louisiana goes much deeper than the great fishing,” he said. “A day on the water in the swamps brings a sense of serenity and peacefulness that you can only understand if you live here. It’s my culture, my history — it’s my nirvana.” <br><br> Bassmaster photographer Andy Crawford documented one of Hudnall’s recent trips back to his roots. Jump aboard and ride along. <br><br> Derek Hudnall was waiting on me when I showed up 45 minutes before daylight. He caught a 6-pounder there the previous day. Bass that size are monsters for this river system, so he was all smiles and ready to hit the water. <br><br> “The front that was supposed to come through last night hasn’t made it yet,” he said. “The fish should be chomping.”
Bassmaster Elite Series sophomore Derek Hudnall grew up fishing the swamps of South Louisiana. And when he’s not traveling the country on the tour, Hudnall still returns to keep his skills honed. But Hudnall’s trips to the swamps aren’t just about practicing his skills.

“My love for South Louisiana goes much deeper than the great fishing,” he said. “A day on the water in the swamps brings a sense of serenity and peacefulness that you can only understand if you live here. It’s my culture, my history — it’s my nirvana.”

Bassmaster photographer Andy Crawford documented one of Hudnall’s recent trips back to his roots. Jump aboard and ride along.

Derek Hudnall was waiting on me when I showed up 45 minutes before daylight. He caught a 6-pounder there the previous day. Bass that size are monsters for this river system, so he was all smiles and ready to hit the water.

“The front that was supposed to come through last night hasn’t made it yet,” he said. “The fish should be chomping.”

The launch chosen is next to Boo Palu’s Bar & Grill, which sits right on the Tickfaw River and serves as a stopping place for boaters and anglers alike. The river is a hive of activity during the warmer months, with more recreational runabouts than bass boats.
The launch chosen is next to Boo Palu’s Bar & Grill, which sits right on the Tickfaw River and serves as a stopping place for boaters and anglers alike. The river is a hive of activity during the warmer months, with more recreational runabouts than bass boats.
One more sip of coffee, and he was ready to get things going as light began to filter through the thick clouds of the frontal system.
One more sip of coffee, and he was ready to get things going as light began to filter through the thick clouds of the frontal system.
The weather has been crazy in South Louisiana (as with much of the Deep South this year), so Hudnall left the cover on his boat when he drove to the launch. And it was fortunate because he drove through sprinkles associated with the winter front moving through the region that morning.
The weather has been crazy in South Louisiana (as with much of the Deep South this year), so Hudnall left the cover on his boat when he drove to the launch. And it was fortunate because he drove through sprinkles associated with the winter front moving through the region that morning.
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Once the cover was stored, Hudnall was ready to back his Skeeter in and head out.
Once the cover was stored, Hudnall was ready to back his Skeeter in and head out.
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Although he knows the Tickfaw intimately, he fired up his Lowrance HDS12s so he could look at the options while he drove upriver.
Although he knows the Tickfaw intimately, he fired up his Lowrance HDS12s so he could look at the options while he drove upriver.
He was soon buzzing along the Tickfaw, which snakes through the cypress swamps on its way to its mouth at Lake Maurepas. “It’s just a beautiful place to spend time,” he said. “I grew up fishing all of this with my dad.”
He was soon buzzing along the Tickfaw, which snakes through the cypress swamps on its way to its mouth at Lake Maurepas. “It’s just a beautiful place to spend time,” he said. “I grew up fishing all of this with my dad.”
Flooded cypress swamps line the river, adding amazing scenery to the enjoyment of a day on the water. Alligators prowl the waters during much of the year, although the cold water of Louisiana’s winter meant they were inactive and unseen during this trip.
Flooded cypress swamps line the river, adding amazing scenery to the enjoyment of a day on the water. Alligators prowl the waters during much of the year, although the cold water of Louisiana’s winter meant they were inactive and unseen during this trip.
Hudnall’s first stop was in a residential development’s canal system right off the main river. “This is where I caught that 6-pounder yesterday,” he explained. “I caught a number of fish in here.”
Hudnall’s first stop was in a residential development’s canal system right off the main river. “This is where I caught that 6-pounder yesterday,” he explained. “I caught a number of fish in here.”
He decked several rods so he could alternate lures on his way along the stretch of cypress trees. While pulling out these tools, a bass swirled at the base of a nearby cypress tree, putting a grin on the angler’s face. “I’m going to catch that bass,” he said.
He decked several rods so he could alternate lures on his way along the stretch of cypress trees. While pulling out these tools, a bass swirled at the base of a nearby cypress tree, putting a grin on the angler’s face. “I’m going to catch that bass,” he said.
His initial selections for the day included a Spro Little John crankbait, a Missile Baits Flip Out jig/D Bomb combination and a Delta Lures spinnerbait tipped with a soft plastic swimbait.
His initial selections for the day included a Spro Little John crankbait, a Missile Baits Flip Out jig/D Bomb combination and a Delta Lures spinnerbait tipped with a soft plastic swimbait.
Hudnall also quickly rigged a Missile Baits D Bomb to get it to the bass that showed itself. “Did you see that bass?” he asked. “That’s a good sign.”
Hudnall also quickly rigged a Missile Baits D Bomb to get it to the bass that showed itself. “Did you see that bass?” he asked. “That’s a good sign.”
He made his first pitch of the day to the base of the cypress tree around which he saw the bass swirl.
He made his first pitch of the day to the base of the cypress tree around which he saw the bass swirl.
The Tickfaw River bass grabbed the D Bomb on Hudnall’s first cast. The angler quickly set the hook and began the fight.
The Tickfaw River bass grabbed the D Bomb on Hudnall’s first cast. The angler quickly set the hook and began the fight.
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After releasing the bass, Hudnall switched to the spinnerbait to cover water. We discussed the wive’s tale about catching a fish on the first cast. “I know some people think that’s bad luck, but I don’t believe in that,” he said. “I don’t care what cast a bite comes on — I’m going to set the hook.”
After releasing the bass, Hudnall switched to the spinnerbait to cover water. We discussed the wive’s tale about catching a fish on the first cast. “I know some people think that’s bad luck, but I don’t believe in that,” he said. “I don’t care what cast a bite comes on — I’m going to set the hook.”
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One of Hudnall’s HDS units tracks his progress through the swamp, while the other is dedicated to imaging. He doesn’t really need the latter in these waters, but he still keeps them running while he fishing.
One of Hudnall’s HDS units tracks his progress through the swamp, while the other is dedicated to imaging. He doesn’t really need the latter in these waters, but he still keeps them running while he fishing.
The D Bomb was always close at hand in case a bass swirled. It is his go-to bait whenever a fish shows itself during the spawn. He worked it into the regular rotation throughout the day, as well.
The D Bomb was always close at hand in case a bass swirled. It is his go-to bait whenever a fish shows itself during the spawn. He worked it into the regular rotation throughout the day, as well.
Tickfaw River bass can be found all along the banks during the spawn, but locating active runouts can be a key to catching numbers of fish that ambush bait being pulled out of the flooded swamps. <br><br> “With any body of water, any time you have drains that replenish fresh water and create current and draw out baitfish, the fish are going to relate to that and those areas are going to be prime fishing spots,” he explained. “The fish are going to look for a place to ambush the prey —whether it be a cypress tree or a clump of grass.”
Tickfaw River bass can be found all along the banks during the spawn, but locating active runouts can be a key to catching numbers of fish that ambush bait being pulled out of the flooded swamps.

“With any body of water, any time you have drains that replenish fresh water and create current and draw out baitfish, the fish are going to relate to that and those areas are going to be prime fishing spots,” he explained. “The fish are going to look for a place to ambush the prey —whether it be a cypress tree or a clump of grass.”

He is a well-rounded angler, able and willing to use a variety of baits to put together tournament stringers, but he’s a power fisherman at heart. So, the Flip Out jig was always handy.
He is a well-rounded angler, able and willing to use a variety of baits to put together tournament stringers, but he’s a power fisherman at heart. So, the Flip Out jig was always handy.
The pro keeps his thumb on the line as he’s pitching cypress trees to maximize contact with the lure at the end of the line.
The pro keeps his thumb on the line as he’s pitching cypress trees to maximize contact with the lure at the end of the line.
With just one bass willing to play on the first bank, Hudnall strapped down for a move. “I know there are fish here,” he said. “They should be eating with this front pushing through.”
With just one bass willing to play on the first bank, Hudnall strapped down for a move. “I know there are fish here,” he said. “They should be eating with this front pushing through.”
The next stop was in the Blood River, one of the major tributaries in the Tickfaw River basin.
The next stop was in the Blood River, one of the major tributaries in the Tickfaw River basin.
Louisiana is the home of Mardi Gras celebrations, but New Orleans isn’t the only place that holds parades. There was a large Fat Tuesday boat parade on the Tickfaw the day before our trip, and evidence hung from the trees. <br><br> “I thought I’d have the river to myself yesterday, but when I launched there were boats everywhere,” he said. “I didn’t know what was going on. I forgot all about the Mardi Gras boat parade.”
Louisiana is the home of Mardi Gras celebrations, but New Orleans isn’t the only place that holds parades. There was a large Fat Tuesday boat parade on the Tickfaw the day before our trip, and evidence hung from the trees.

“I thought I’d have the river to myself yesterday, but when I launched there were boats everywhere,” he said. “I didn’t know what was going on. I forgot all about the Mardi Gras boat parade.”

Camps along the Blood River varied from roomy land-based structures to quaint houseboats. If you look closely at the cow skull atop this cool camp, you can see more Mardi Gras beads.
Camps along the Blood River varied from roomy land-based structures to quaint houseboats. If you look closely at the cow skull atop this cool camp, you can see more Mardi Gras beads.
Squarebills are a swamp-fishing staple, and he spent a lot of time bouncing the Little John off wood and dragging it along bulkheads. But it’s the cypress trees and associated root systems he especially likes.<br><br> “The hard cypress bottoms of South Louisiana create the perfect subsurface cover for squarebill cranking,” he explained. “The bass will get right next to that wood, and the Little John will cause them to react when the bait bounces off.”
Squarebills are a swamp-fishing staple, and he spent a lot of time bouncing the Little John off wood and dragging it along bulkheads. But it’s the cypress trees and associated root systems he especially likes.
“The hard cypress bottoms of South Louisiana create the perfect subsurface cover for squarebill cranking,” he explained. “The bass will get right next to that wood, and the Little John will cause them to react when the bait bounces off.”
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The swamps of South Louisiana are beautiful, with flooded cypress trees surrounded by root systems called “knees.” All of that wood creates perfect ambush points for bass, so Hudnall picks apart stretches of these waterlogged forests.
The swamps of South Louisiana are beautiful, with flooded cypress trees surrounded by root systems called “knees.” All of that wood creates perfect ambush points for bass, so Hudnall picks apart stretches of these waterlogged forests.
Often the trees are so thick it’s only possible to cast into the stands of cypress, but he pushed into deeper sloughs running out of the inches-deep wetlands. “You see that clean water pulling out of there?” he asked. “That’s why bass love them; those runouts are pulling bait out of the swamps, and the bass can sit there and feed.”
Often the trees are so thick it’s only possible to cast into the stands of cypress, but he pushed into deeper sloughs running out of the inches-deep wetlands. “You see that clean water pulling out of there?” he asked. “That’s why bass love them; those runouts are pulling bait out of the swamps, and the bass can sit there and feed.”
Again, a squarebill is a perfect tool for generating reaction bites by bouncing the lure off the trees, stumps and root systems in these runouts.
Again, a squarebill is a perfect tool for generating reaction bites by bouncing the lure off the trees, stumps and root systems in these runouts.
Cast-off seed pods from red maples scattered along higher ground and the shadows of cypress trees create abstract artwork on the water’s surface.
Cast-off seed pods from red maples scattered along higher ground and the shadows of cypress trees create abstract artwork on the water’s surface.
Much of the South Louisiana landscape is covered with water, creating a seemingly endless fishing landscape. Water fluctuations can be pretty extreme, between the daily tides and flood periods. You can see the water marks on the trees.
Much of the South Louisiana landscape is covered with water, creating a seemingly endless fishing landscape. Water fluctuations can be pretty extreme, between the daily tides and flood periods. You can see the water marks on the trees.
Hudnall pulled out his jig box and tied on another jig, choosing a different color in hopes of generating some bites.
Hudnall pulled out his jig box and tied on another jig, choosing a different color in hopes of generating some bites.
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Crawfish teem in the South Louisiana swamps, making jigs perfect tools when he needs to slow down and really pick cypress cover apart. “This time of the year, the fish just aren’t real active, and they don’t want to exert a lot of energy chasing baitfish,” he said. “They don’t have to work as hard and that’s why a Flip Out jig with that D Bomb can be so effective. <br><br> “A crawfish is somewhat of an easy prey to bass with a lot of protein, and that big jig really does a good job mimicking that bait.”
Crawfish teem in the South Louisiana swamps, making jigs perfect tools when he needs to slow down and really pick cypress cover apart. “This time of the year, the fish just aren’t real active, and they don’t want to exert a lot of energy chasing baitfish,” he said. “They don’t have to work as hard and that’s why a Flip Out jig with that D Bomb can be so effective.

“A crawfish is somewhat of an easy prey to bass with a lot of protein, and that big jig really does a good job mimicking that bait.”

The sun was popping in and out of thick clouds all day, so Hudnall alternated between wearing his sunglasses and going without. South Louisiana waters rarely are clear enough for sightfishing, so shades aren’t needed to do anything more than break the glare and perhaps see some of the underwater cover in an area.
The sun was popping in and out of thick clouds all day, so Hudnall alternated between wearing his sunglasses and going without. South Louisiana waters rarely are clear enough for sightfishing, so shades aren’t needed to do anything more than break the glare and perhaps see some of the underwater cover in an area.
He continually switched lures trying to dredge up a bite on what was turning out to be a tough day on the water. “Welcome to the Tickfaw,” Hudnall laughed. “I caught a number of fish yesterday, and I really thought they would bite with this front rolling through. But this river can be tough.”
He continually switched lures trying to dredge up a bite on what was turning out to be a tough day on the water. “Welcome to the Tickfaw,” Hudnall laughed. “I caught a number of fish yesterday, and I really thought they would bite with this front rolling through. But this river can be tough.”
He made a number of short runs to try new stretches of water, looking for the magic formula for success.
He made a number of short runs to try new stretches of water, looking for the magic formula for success.
This is South Louisiana, and that means you never know what you’ll see. Like this Big Foot peeking from behind a tree. “I never saw that,” he said with a chuckle. “That’s too funny!” <br><br> Of course, there’s plenty of wilderness in this part of the country for Big Foot to thrive and go unnoticed (if you believe in that sort of thing).
This is South Louisiana, and that means you never know what you’ll see. Like this Big Foot peeking from behind a tree. “I never saw that,” he said with a chuckle. “That’s too funny!”

Of course, there’s plenty of wilderness in this part of the country for Big Foot to thrive and go unnoticed (if you believe in that sort of thing).

The scenery of the swamps can’t be beaten, even on tough fishing days. It was still winter, but another month would see these trees full of vibrant growth, amplifying the beauty.
The scenery of the swamps can’t be beaten, even on tough fishing days. It was still winter, but another month would see these trees full of vibrant growth, amplifying the beauty.
With bass simply refusing to play ball, he reached into his rod locker for a soft plastic Missile Baits Quiver 6.5, a new lure Hudnall says is perfect for coaxing bites on tough days. <br><br> “It gives off a unique action that no other bait like it has,” he explained. “It has the subtle finesse action of Senko, paired with a paddle tail that gives it a very natural movement in the water. It gives the fish something different to look at.”
With bass simply refusing to play ball, he reached into his rod locker for a soft plastic Missile Baits Quiver 6.5, a new lure Hudnall says is perfect for coaxing bites on tough days.

“It gives off a unique action that no other bait like it has,” he explained. “It has the subtle finesse action of Senko, paired with a paddle tail that gives it a very natural movement in the water. It gives the fish something different to look at.”

The Quiver was added to the options on his deck, and Hudnall continued probing the swamp for willing bass.
The Quiver was added to the options on his deck, and Hudnall continued probing the swamp for willing bass.
Bass often hang out around outside cypress trees, which offer a little deeper water for more stable conditions, Hudnall said.
Bass often hang out around outside cypress trees, which offer a little deeper water for more stable conditions, Hudnall said.
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The wooden world of swamps can be hard on fishing line, especially when bouncing squarebills through cover. So, he takes time to retie whenever he feels any nicks on his line. This attention to detail prevents broken line when fighting a bass to the boat. </p> <p>“Half the battle of fishing is to make sure that the odds are in your favor,” he said. “It’s extremely important to retie often and check your line often, especially when fishing around that cover. You never know when that fish will strike, and you want to have the odds in your favor. Make checking your line a habit.”
The wooden world of swamps can be hard on fishing line, especially when bouncing squarebills through cover. So, he takes time to retie whenever he feels any nicks on his line. This attention to detail prevents broken line when fighting a bass to the boat.

“Half the battle of fishing is to make sure that the odds are in your favor,” he said. “It’s extremely important to retie often and check your line often, especially when fishing around that cover. You never know when that fish will strike, and you want to have the odds in your favor. Make checking your line a habit.”

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Once the lure was retied, he got back to work knocking the Little John through the hard cover.
Once the lure was retied, he got back to work knocking the Little John through the hard cover.
His goal was to pull the Little John through the nastiest cover available. “You want a square bill to constantly be deflecting off of hard cover, which creates incredible reaction strikes — especially when the bite gets tough this time of year,” he explained.
His goal was to pull the Little John through the nastiest cover available. “You want a square bill to constantly be deflecting off of hard cover, which creates incredible reaction strikes — especially when the bite gets tough this time of year,” he explained.
That seemed to be the ticket, with a fish slamming the lure as it’s pulled through the swampy cover.
That seemed to be the ticket, with a fish slamming the lure as it’s pulled through the swampy cover.
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The fish at the end of the line pulled hard, scattering water as Hudnall wrestles it to the boat. The angler hoped it was another Tickfaw monster.
The fish at the end of the line pulled hard, scattering water as Hudnall wrestles it to the boat. The angler hoped it was another Tickfaw monster.
But there are other hard-fighting predatory fish lurking in these swamps, and Hudnall soon discovered he had hooked a choupique. Never heard of a choupique? Outside of South Louisiana, these fish are known by other names: mud fish and grinnel among them. The scientific name is bowfin. However, you know them, they are great fighters. Some in South Louisiana even eat them. <br><br> And did you know they are commercially fished for their eggs? Yep: Seems choupique roe is a dead ringer for pricy Beluga caviar. True story.
But there are other hard-fighting predatory fish lurking in these swamps, and Hudnall soon discovered he had hooked a choupique. Never heard of a choupique? Outside of South Louisiana, these fish are known by other names: mud fish and grinnel among them. The scientific name is bowfin. However, you know them, they are great fighters. Some in South Louisiana even eat them.

And did you know they are commercially fished for their eggs? Yep: Seems choupique roe is a dead ringer for pricy Beluga caviar. True story.

Hudnall pushed deep into a slough, fishing every tree and stump available in search of a bass.
Hudnall pushed deep into a slough, fishing every tree and stump available in search of a bass.
The thick stands of cypress make navigating difficult at times, so he sometimes had to push his boat off the trunks of trees.
The thick stands of cypress make navigating difficult at times, so he sometimes had to push his boat off the trunks of trees.
Finally, he turned to the Missile Quiver to slow down and see if that would generate a bite.
Finally, he turned to the Missile Quiver to slow down and see if that would generate a bite.
Again, the ample supply of wooden cover was targeted. He pitched the lure right up against that cover
Again, the ample supply of wooden cover was targeted. He pitched the lure right up against that cover
And, just as he was about to throw in the towel, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro finally struck gold with a nice 3-pounder that gave him a good fight. “You have to stay focused, even when the bite gets extremely tough, because you never know when that fish of a lifetime will hit,” he said. “Losing focused can turn a tough day into a disastrous day in a heartbeat; staying focuses and on point can turn a tough day into a great day when that strikes comes.”
And, just as he was about to throw in the towel, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro finally struck gold with a nice 3-pounder that gave him a good fight. “You have to stay focused, even when the bite gets extremely tough, because you never know when that fish of a lifetime will hit,” he said. “Losing focused can turn a tough day into a disastrous day in a heartbeat; staying focuses and on point can turn a tough day into a great day when that strikes comes.”
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The bite was a great way to end the day. “It’s important not to get discouraged on the water,” he said. “It keeps you humble, and it keeps you focused. And it keeps you hungry.”
The bite was a great way to end the day. “It’s important not to get discouraged on the water,” he said. “It keeps you humble, and it keeps you focused. And it keeps you hungry.”
The bass showed evidence of just how primal life in the Louisiana swamp can be. The chunky fish obviously had narrowly escaped becoming something’s dinner at some point, healing up in a way that made it look a little like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. <br><br> “I think it should be called Lucky,” Hudnall said with a laugh before releasing it.
The bass showed evidence of just how primal life in the Louisiana swamp can be. The chunky fish obviously had narrowly escaped becoming something’s dinner at some point, healing up in a way that made it look a little like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

“I think it should be called Lucky,” Hudnall said with a laugh before releasing it.

With that, he strapped down and made the run back through the swamps to Boo Palu’s.
With that, he strapped down and made the run back through the swamps to Boo Palu’s.
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Before heading down the road to his house, Hudnall climbed aboard his Skeeter once more to put everything in order.
Before heading down the road to his house, Hudnall climbed aboard his Skeeter once more to put everything in order.
He stored his rods, and locked everything down to ensure he didn’t lose any equipment while driving down the road.
He stored his rods, and locked everything down to ensure he didn’t lose any equipment while driving down the road.
With that taken care of, Hudnall hopped into his truck and started the 40-minute drive home — ready for his next trip to nirvana.
With that taken care of, Hudnall hopped into his truck and started the 40-minute drive home — ready for his next trip to nirvana.
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