"The shoreline along Highway 33 is a great place to catch catfish. Many anglers sit on the banks, lob out a hook baited with red wigglers or cold worms and they're easy to catch."

Another prime area for catching catfish on D'Arbonne is on the flats near Bear Creek. Anglers fish this area in the same manner as those fishing Cross Lake. Drifting the flats with cold worms will almost guarantee a good bunch of catfish.

Breed noted another area that is growing in popularity, especially for groups of kids from the Children's Home or other such groups.

"Out at our LDWF headquarters off Highway 165 north, we have ponds stocked for just such groups to fish. One such pond has nothing but catfish, and it's a simple matter to let a kid catch some catfish there.

"When a group comes out to fish, our department furnishes the poles and bait, and all they have to do is come and fish. To coordinate a fishing trip to our ponds, call Dana Permenter, our Aquatic Educator at (318) 345-3912. She does a fine job of setting everything up for a good fishing trip," said Breed.

In addition to these prime catfishing areas located around the state, there are literally hundreds of smaller lakes and ponds where catfish roam and where a parent can share a unique bond with a child as eyes light up when a catfish is on the line.

Parents, especially those with younger children, should keep in mine the short attention span of their youngsters. If the fishing slows, it's not unusual for a kid to look for something else to do.

Take a break from fishing, explore the shoreline for turtles, crawfish and frogs. Be sure and take along plenty of snacks and drinks, and fish in areas with rest room access.

Once the trip is over, there is an element of catching catfish that is sure to make your little one want to come back for more. Once you reduce the box of catfish into a pan of snow-white filets, roll them in salted meal and drop them in a skillet of hot peanut oil, you have the makings of a feast you won't find this side of heaven.