Sportsman's paradise

By By Mike Giles / outdoors writer
Feb. 28, 2003
Although many people are quick to point out Meridian and Lauderdale County's faults and shortcomings, there's one thing that they can't gripe about; our outdoor opportunities. We are situated smack dab in the middle of some of the finest hunting and fishing opportunities to be found anywhere in the world. You name it and we've got it.
They used to say that Louisiana was the sportsman's paradise. If that's the case, then why do several thousand Cajuns come to our state each year to hunt and fish and partake in our bountiful woods and waters? Because we have some of the finest hunting to be found anywhere in the world that's why!
If you're located in the Meridian or the east-central Mississippi area, chances are you can be in the woods or on the water within fifteen or twenty minutes from work or home. Our area is just chock full of small streams, creeks and lakes that are literally teaming with fish.
Private waters
In addition to that, we have an abundance of public and private waters that are easily accessible for many people for the purpose of fishing. Even some of the larger private lakes such as Dalewood and Lake Eddins have small off-the-water lots that provide people with affordable opportunities. Once anglers have learned these lakes, they will provide some of the best fishing to be found anywhere bar none.
On a recent fall fishing trip to Lake Eddins my fishing partner and I caught and released more than 70 bass with the largest going over seven pounds.
Of course we have the old faithful Okatibbee Lake that produces crappie and bass year after year. It's been called the Dead Sea, the Big O and numerous other derogatory names by exasperated fishermen. However, the anglers who take the time to learn the lake experience some mighty fine fishing year round. Bonita lakes and Long Creek Reservoir also offer excellent opportunities for both city and county residents alike. And if you're hankering for some big river fishing, we have the Tombigbee River less than an hour's drive from Meridian.
Springtime gobblers
Although many people have put up their guns and pulled out the fishing poles, many turkey hunters are finally getting ready to crank up their calls. Even with all of the timber harvesting and clear cutting, we still have an abundance of turkeys in our area.
March 15 marks the opening day of the youth weekend hunt for turkeys. This hunt is for hunters 15 years old or younger. They may harvest one gobbler regardless of beard length. The following weekend also marks the opening day of the regular turkey season.
Many hunters will go after that old gobbler in the morning and then head to the water in search of bass or crappie later in the day. Regardless of what you like, there's sure to be excellent spring hunting or fishing just minutes away. Try it, you just might like it.