By Steve Graf

I’ve been tournament fishing since 1990 and the changes I have seen in equipment are staggering. From electronics, rods and reels, bass boats to bait and tackle, it’s amazing how far the sport of bass fishing has progressed. Let’s look at a few of the changes that have made the sport so much better.

First, who would have thought the electronics used today would be comparable to something you would see on a NASA spaceship. The biggest difference between depth finders today versus the 1990s would be the visual details. Today you can literally see every individual fish and how they’re positioned on a rock or a brush top.

You can watch fish attack your bait in real time! You can see and learn so much about the mood of the fish and how they are reacting to whatever bait you’re throwing.

Next, when it comes to rods and reels, top-name companies like Daiwa are constantly looking at ways to make everything better with both innovation and technology. Whether it’s the materials or components used, they are always trying to make a better rod that’s lighter and stronger for greater hook sets and reels that will cast smoother and farther while giving anglers so many options for different retrieve speeds.

Now let’s look at the most expensive item an angler can invest in — the bass boat. Next to the trucks anglers buy to pull these luxury boats, bass boats have become ridiculously overpriced and overdesigned.

Back in 1998, a top-of-the-line Ranger bass boat listed for about $30,000. Ranger, which has been a leader with innovation in the bass boating world, continues to add and perfect the modern-day bass boat year after year with innovations like hull design, digital switches and gauges, cushioned casting decks, and adjustable/softer seats with tilt steering wheels. They were the first to add live wells to a bass boat which were all made and built by hand. Who would have thought that today there would be a keyless ignition system and heated seats with leather wrapped steering wheels.

Today, with all the new innovations and perks all bass boat companies are creating, who would have thought the average price would jump from $30,000 in 1998 to $140,000 in 2025! A tournament angler today will more than likely have a minimum of $175,000 tied up in just the truck and boat alone.

So, as you can see, bass fishing has come a long way in terms of technology and innovation, as well as cost. This does not include the 30 to 50 rods and reels tournament anglers bring to each event, along with all the tackle like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastic worms and fishing line.

Has bass fishing become a rich man’s sport? Well, that depends on how serious the angler wants to be. Does he want to be a weekend warrior and fish for fun, or does he want to compete in tournaments at a high level? To fish competitively today, the electronics on the boat may be the most important feature. If you’re not good with reading and using the depth finders on your boat, you’re probably just donating your entry fee.

Who would have thought that to be a professional bass fisherman on a major tournament trail in 2025, you would have to pony up over $50,000 up front for entry fees before you ever even wet a hook.

Who would have thought that some anglers would take out a second mortgage on their house just to fish professionally. The sad part is, only a handful will make it. By the end of year three, a lot of anglers are bankrupt, in financial ruins and maybe divorced.

While a lot of what I’ve just covered is depressing, I have never seen bass fishing as popular as it is today. The sport is attracting a huge number of young anglers fishing on high school and college teams. There are still many anglers age 40 and above, but the younger generation is quickly taking over the sport due to their ability to maximize the use of electronics, especially when it comes to forward-facing sonar.

Today, who would have thought that bass fishing would be as popular as it is in 2025! We should thank people like Ray Scott (founder of B.A.S.S.) for creating a professional tournament trail and the Super Bowl of bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

We should thank the legendary anglers of the sport like Rick Clunn, Gary Kline, Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Hank Parker and Forest Wood (founder of Ranger Boats) for taking the sport to a level anglers could only dream of.

‘Til next time, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read my article each week. It truly means a lot to me, and I really appreciate your feedback, both good and bad.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

---

The DeSoto Parish School Board honored six outstanding educators and staff members as Employees of the Month for January and February during its board meeting.

The following individuals were recognized for their dedication and contributions to their respective schools:

Connie Evans – Stanley High School (SHS)
Jacqueline Roberson – North DeSoto High School (NDHS)
Grace Lewis – Mansfield High School (MHS)
Megan Warren – Logansport High School (LHS)
Scott Ziegler – Mansfield High School (MHS)
Thea Wilson – Mansfield Middle School (MMS)
These employees were acknowledged for their commitment to excellence, going above and beyond to support students, staff, and the broader school community.

“We are incredibly proud of these individuals for their hard work and dedication,” the board stated. “Their impact on our schools is invaluable, and we are grateful for their contributions.”

DeSoto Parish Schools continues to celebrate and recognize educators and staff who make a difference in the lives of students and the community.

---

On February 12, the United States commemorates the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States (1861-1865). Born in 1809, Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the nation’s greatest leaders, known for his role in preserving the Union during the Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

Lincoln’s Leadership and Legacy

Lincoln’s presidency was marked by difficult decisions and national division, but his steadfast leadership helped guide the country through its most challenging era. His Gettysburg Address, delivered in 1863, remains one of the most famous speeches in American history, emphasizing democracy and equality.

Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 by John Wilkes Booth cut his presidency short, but his impact endured. His commitment to ending slavery led to the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States.

Honoring Lincoln Today

Lincoln’s legacy is honored across the nation through statues, memorials, and schools bearing his name. His contributions to democracy, equality, and leadership continue to inspire Americans, making February 12 an important day for reflection.

---

By Brad Dison

In the winter of 1907-1908, Prefect of Police Louis Lépine employed dog auxiliaries to patrol the lonely beats in and around Paris, France. Having the dogs patrol the lonely beats would free up human police officers to concentrate their efforts in areas with higher crime rates.

On one lonely beat along the Seine River just outside Paris, a young boy fell into the river. Unable to swim, the boy flailed in the water in panic. He was barely able to let out a yelp. Suddenly, one of the police dogs who lived nearby, a large Newfoundland dog, leaped over the hedge, plunged into the Seine, and pulled the struggling boy to safety. Everyone, especially the young boy’s father, was jubilant that the dog had saved the young boy from drowning. The crowd gathered to take turns caressing the Newfoundland hero. The boy’s father rewarded the dog with a large, juicy beefsteak. Two days later, another young boy fell into the Seine a short distance away and struggled to tread water. Again, the Newfoundland hero jumped the hedge, plunged into the Seine, and pulled the child to safety. The people rewarded the dog as they had earlier, with caresses and another large, juicy beefsteak.

The following day, another child fell into the water and the Newfoundland came to the rescue again. After this third time, police began to look more closely at the incidents. They questioned the three children separately. The first child to be rescued said he slipped and fell into the river, but the second and third child said they were pushed into the Seine. Police worried that a disturbed criminal was stalking the neighborhood and pushing children into the river so that they would drown. This same scenario happened several more times. Hardly a day went by that a child was not pushed into the river. Luckily, all were within earshot of the Newfoundland hero.

Catching this individual proved to be a difficult task. None of the children had seen who had pushed them into the river. It was normal for people to casually walked along the banks of the Seine. A uniformed policeman began patrolling the area in an attempt to catch the serial “pusher” in the act. It was obvious that the serial “pusher” was aware of the police presence because no children were pushed when he was around. Children were still being pushed in the river and rescued by the dog, but it always happened when the policeman was not looking. There were no witnesses either. The policeman dressed in plain clothes, but children were still being pushed into the river and rescued by the Newfoundland hero, who by this time had become somewhat of a local celebrity. Still, the policeman was unable to witness the crime. The policeman began watching from a concealed location. He watched as children played by the river’s edge but the serial “pusher” only pushed children who were alone presumably so there would be no witnesses. Then, the hidden policeman noticed a child alone by the edge of the river. Moments later, he saw the serial “pusher” calmly walk up and push a child into the river. His mouth dropped as he saw the Newfoundland hero spring into action and pull the child to safety. The policeman knew the serial “pusher” well. He had seen him nearly every day since his investigation began, but he never suspected that the serial “pusher” was… the Newfoundland hero whose only motivation was the reward of caresses and beefsteak.

Source: New York Times, February 2, 1908, p.14.

---

none

DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

---

A months-long narcotics investigation culminated in the arrest of a Mansfield man and the seizure of a significant quantity of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Jan. 31.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, in coordination with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, concluded an eight-month investigation into Odell Malone III, 56, who was suspected of distributing methamphetamine in and around DeSoto Parish.

On the afternoon of Jan. 31, narcotics agents from DeSoto and Sabine Parish, along with the DeSoto Special Investigations Unit (SLIU) and DeSoto K9, conducted a traffic stop on Malone’s vehicle near Highway 175 and 346 in Oxford. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over six ounces of methamphetamine and a large sum of U.S. currency. Agents also found a juvenile under the age of 17 inside the vehicle at the time of the stop.

Malone already had an outstanding DeSoto Parish narcotics warrant for six counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) and two counts of Cruelty to Juveniles. During the investigation, authorities observed a juvenile accompanying Malone during suspected drug transactions. In total, agents seized approximately half a pound of meth.

Following Malone’s arrest, DeSoto Narcotics Agents, SWAT, K9 units, and the Tri-Parish Task Force (Sabine Sheriff’s Office) executed a search warrant at a residence on Grove Street in Mansfield, believed to be linked to Malone. Inside the home, agents discovered drug paraphernalia, further supporting the drug distribution allegations.

Malone was booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on the following charges:

Six counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) (existing warrant)
Two counts of Cruelty to Juveniles (existing warrant)
Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Meth)
One additional count of Cruelty to Juveniles
Vehicle Required Headlamps violation
Child Restraint Required violation

Authorities continue to emphasize the dangers of narcotics distribution and the impact it has on local communities. The successful operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to keeping drugs off the streets and protecting the welfare of children.

---

DeSoto Parish Schools, in collaboration with the local community, will launch the ‘You Matter Campaign’, a movement dedicated to fostering support, compassion, and mental health awareness across the region on February 10, 2025.

The campaign aims to remind students, teachers, staff members, and the entire community that they are valued, seen, and heard. With a strong emphasis on mental health and suicide prevention, the initiative seeks to provide crucial resources, encourage open discussions, and ensure that no one feels alone in times of struggle.

“We want to build a culture where compassion thrives, where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, and where every individual knows they truly matter,” said a spokesperson for DeSoto Parish Schools.

Through outreach programs, awareness events, and community support networks, the ‘You Matter Campaign’ will work to create a positive and caring environment within DeSoto Parish. Organizers are calling on community members to take part in spreading the message, reinforcing the idea that everyone deserves to be heard and supported.

The campaign encourages residents to stand together in solidarity, ensuring that DeSoto Parish remains a place where no one faces their challenges alone.

#DeSotoStrong

---

The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center between the dates of JAN. 27 – FEB. 2 (1 week) and includes arrests made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Booking photos for each, unless they have bonded out, are readily available in the DeSoto Parish Sheriff App on iPhone or Android. The three (1) attached images may be clicked and scrolled for view.

By Doug De Graffenried

The land of north Louisiana is described as rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests. I ride the route between Ruston and Gibsland almost daily. I estimate that I have driven 72,000 miles coming to work and going home over my time at Trinity Methodist Church. I very much enjoyed the drive on I-20. In that drive I experience rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests.

Of late, DOTD has a project on I-20 from Tarbutton Road to the Bienville Parish line. That is approximately eleven miles. Since early in the fall of last year contractors have been clearing the right of way on both sides of the Interstate. They have also removed the trees from the median of the Interstate.

They are efficient and organized when it comes to tree removal. The trees have been ground up. On colder mornings, the mounds of wood chips and mulch appear to be smoking. Or as we used to say, “they can see their breath.” By the afternoon, those mounds of wood chips were hauled off. I wonder what those wood products will become.

Over the course of these months my driving has changed.

The woods were growing remarkably close to the edge of the Interstate. There were multiple trees, that if blown over, would have landed on the roadway. I know it was done for safety. But it has changed my view of the drive. I can see fields not previously seen. I can see cars headed in the opposite direction. I can see the road ahead and how it curves. Strangely the drive seems more spacious. Once the grass grows this spring, it will be a more pleasant drive.

It is also the time of year that I have started trimming things in the yard getting ready for spring. The rose bushes will be introduced to my trimming shears this week. I’m not going to talk about murdering crape myrtles, but you do it if that is your thing.

There are cases where growing things need to be trimmed back or cut down! The resulting margin allows the plants to grow more fully or the driver to experience new vistas. For you overworked workaholics out there, I’m talking about creating a margin in your life. I’m hinting about taking a day off, getting some rest, cutting back, or going on vacation. For some of you I’m suggesting driving to work another way. You need to see different roads.

If you cut back and trim away some of the stuff you are busy about, you might discover some of the beauty and blessing that God has created for you.

You have noticed that even Jesus needed to get away from the crowds and spend time being with God. If he did it, why do we have such a tough time trying it?

---

As National School Board Recognition Month comes to a close, DeSoto Parish Schools proudly honors District 11 Board Member Rosie Mayweather for her dedication and service to the community.

Mayweather’s leadership and commitment to students, families, and educators have played a vital role in shaping the district’s success. Her efforts exemplify #TheDeSotoDifference, ensuring that DeSoto Parish Schools continue to provide quality education and a supportive learning environment.

“We are grateful for Rosie Mayweather’s unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in our schools and community,” district officials shared in a statement.

DeSoto Parish Schools extends heartfelt appreciation to Mayweather and all board members who work tirelessly to support education and student achievement.

---

By Steve Graf

I’m not sure where to start to describe the impact bass fishing has had on my life. I think it’s safe to say that I have gotten a lot more out of bass fishing than probably any of my other hobbies combined. It’s a sport that has provided me a lifetime of great memories and has allowed me to make some of the best friends a man could ever ask for.

Let’s start by going way back to my early days of fishing on our ranch in East Texas. What a great training ground it was! I was basically self-taught after being introduced to bass fishing by my best friend’s dad (who also sparked my interest in hunting as well).

By the age of 10 (in 1972), I was a subscriber to Bassmaster Magazine which really lit my fuse for basic bass fishing information. What a great publication full of tips and tricks with full scale color drawings on how, when and where to catch fish. I would literally sit by the mailbox with excitement, waiting on each issue.

For a young boy who was not an avid reader and struggled with dyslexia, if it wasn’t for Bassmaster Magazine, I’m not sure I would have learned how to read at all. This magazine gave me a purpose and a reason to learn how to read!

I remember the first tackle box I ever saw; it belonged to my Dad. I was enthralled with going through it and handling all the funny-looking baits. Some I had learned about through my Bassmaster Magazine, while there were other baits I had never seen before.

Now many of these baits never made it back to Dad’s tackle box because I lost most of them on a stump or a log in one of our stock ponds on the ranch. Dad was never much of a fisherman, but he would do inventory occasionally to see just how many of his lures I had lost.

He never really got upset about the lures lost in action, but I could tell he was disappointed that some were missing. I guess he was just happy I found something I was passionate about other than baseball.

Well, baseball did take up much of my time up until 1985. It was then, during a routine physical, that my doctor randomly asked me what I was going to do to fill the void of my baseball playing days. I told him that I would probably play a little softball, a lot more golf, and bass fish.

Little did I know, it would be a friend of mine who would introduce me to tournament fishing by asking me to fish a night tournament on Lake Bistineau. This was life changing for me and ignited my passion for competitive bass fishing.

After fishing local and regional team trails up until 1998, I decided to take my fishing to the next level by fishing the highest level on the FLW Tour as a co-angler. But I also jumped in the BFL’s (the lowest level of FLW) and fished as a boater/pro while also entering the FLW Everstart Series (now Toyota Series) and Bassmaster Opens, which for the last 20 years has been my passion.

For the last eight years, I’ve basically been dedicated to a couple of tournament trails within the American Bass Anglers Organization: one called the Solo 150’s (their highest level) and the other called the new Pro League. I have truly enjoyed both and still look forward to fishing.

Over the years, I have made some lifelong friends and connections with some of the biggest names in the bass fishing world. These people, who have achieved so much, also introduced me to others who have had a huge impact on me as an angler and a person.

There’s something about the bond anglers have that is so special. These are guys who will come to your rescue in time of need on and off the water. Guys you can share information with and that you can trust to keep that info to themselves.

At each tournament, memories are made. Stories are told over and over of situations we have been in before along with stories of great days on the water both during practice and tournaments. But understand, anglers tend to exaggerate or stretch the truth occasionally.

But the bonds you share with other anglers is what makes bass fishing such an enjoyable sport.

‘Til next time, keep on fishing and keep on setting the hook as you never know, the next fish you catch just might be the fish of a lifetime.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

---

By Brad Dison

The Four Tops were one of the most commercially successful pop music groups of the 1960s. The members of the Four Tops, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, and Lawrence Payton, were propelled to stardom with their hits such as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch), “It’s the Same Old Song,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” “Bernadette,” “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I Got),” and many more.

In 1988, the Four Tops, still with its original lineup, released an album of new material called “Indestructible.” To promote their album, the Four Tops went on a world tour. The album proved more successful in the United Kingdom than in the United States, and by the end of the year had climbed into the UK Top 10. By the third week of December 1988, the Four Tops were homesick. They had completed their live shows and had one more contractual obligation to fulfill before they could return to their homes and families in Detroit, Michigan for Christmas. On December 21, 1988, they went to film two of their songs for the British music television program called Top of the Pops. The Four Tops had planned to film both songs, their number one hit from 1966, “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” and their newest single “Loco in Acapulco,” at the same session. They were so sure that they would film both songs at the same session that the Four Tops had already purchased four first class tickets for Pan Am’s flight 103 which was scheduled to depart London’s Heathrow Airport at 6:00 that evening.

The producer of Top of the Pops had other ideas. “Loco in Acapulco” was scheduled to be broadcast on the following day, December 22, 1988, and “Reach Out I’ll Be There” was scheduled for New Years Eve. To make it appear that the songs were filmed at different times, the producer required the Four Tops to wear different suits for each performance and the stages would be decorated differently for each performance. The change of suits required only a few minutes, but the stage transformation would take several hours. Despite their best efforts to persuade the producer to film both songs in the same session, which began with friendly requests and progressed into a cursing match, the producer would not budge. He held their contract. They had no choice but to film one song on December 21 and return the following day to film the other. This meant that they would have one less day to spend with their families during the holidays.

The homesick Four Tops’ anger had not diminished that evening when Pan Am Flight 103 took off without them. At 7:02 p.m., as Flight 103 was flying over Lockerbie, Scotland, a terrorist’s bomb exploded in the baggage compartment beneath the first class section of the airliner. All 259 people on the jet and 11 people on the ground perished in what has become known as the Lockerbie bombing. This article is dedicated to the 270 people who lost their lives in that disaster. Had the Four Tops gotten their way, that number would have been 274.

Sources:

1. “The Four Tops Nearly Boarded Lockerbie Plane, says Duke Fakir,” BBC News, October 20, 2016, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-37713546.

2. Brian McCollum, “A Grim Anniversary: The Four Tops Almost Boarded the Plane Bombed Over Lockerbie in 1988,” Detroit Free Press, December 21, 2021, https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2021/12/21/four-tops-lockerbie-pan-am-flight-103-home-detroit-christmas/8970501002/.

---

Every day, we rely on weather forecasts to plan our activities, whether it’s scheduling outdoor events, deciding what to wear, or preparing for severe storms. On February 5, National Weatherperson’s Day, we honor the dedication and expertise of meteorologists and weather professionals who work tirelessly to keep us informed.

Weather forecasting combines cutting-edge technology with in-depth scientific knowledge. These professionals study atmospheric patterns, analyze data from satellites and radar systems, and use complex models to predict weather conditions. Their efforts not only help us prepare for the day but also save lives by providing early warnings during severe weather events.

The Role of Meteorologists

Meteorologists work in various fields, from broadcasting to research and emergency management. They monitor weather patterns, predict climate trends, and study phenomena like hurricanes and tornadoes. Their contributions are vital in reducing the impact of natural disasters and understanding climate change.

Tips for Understanding Weather Patterns

1. Learn Weather Symbols: Familiarize yourself with common symbols used in forecasts, such as rain clouds, sun, and snowflakes.
2. Follow Reliable Sources: Tune into trusted weather channels or apps for accurate updates.
3. Know Local Trends: Understanding your area’s typical weather patterns can help you anticipate changes.

Take a moment today to thank the weather professionals who make our lives safer and more convenient, and perhaps learn a bit more about how the weather shapes our world.

---

none

DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

---