Angler’s last-chance cast yields personal best bass at Toledo Bend

Father and Son Experience Miraculous Catch at Toledo Bend

TOLEDO BEND — In a moment that blends patience, perseverance, and a touch of divine favor, Gene Kidder of Opelousas and his son experienced a fishing miracle on December 18 at Toledo Bend. Known as a mecca for largemouth bass, the lake holds the promise of double-digit catches for many anglers, but even the most hopeful fishermen can leave empty-handed. For the Kidder family, the day seemed to be one of disappointment—until God turned the tide.

Faith in the Last Cast

After an entire day of casting with no bites in Housen Bay, Gene and his son were ready to call it quits. Heading back toward their camp at Miller Bay Point, they decided on one last attempt, guided by intuition and hope. It was near a small brush pile that Gene made a simple cast with a purple crankbait—and the unimaginable happened.

“At first, I thought I was snagged, but the rod tip twitched and that’s when I realized it was a fish,” Kidder recalled. “I didn’t think it was a bass, but a catfish instead.”

This unexpected blessing reflects the truth of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Their perseverance, even when it seemed fruitless, was rewarded with a personal best: an 11.9-pound largemouth bass.

A Gentle Giant in Clear Waters

Despite its impressive size, the bass gave little fight, a reminder of the quiet ways God’s blessings can arrive. “She really didn’t fight,” Kidder said. “She bellied up about 5 feet from the boat and had just given up. I landed her in the boat with no net.” Clear skies and calm waters provided perfect conditions, emphasizing the beauty of God’s creation and His provision for those who patiently seek Him.

Celebrating a Lifelong Passion

At 83 years old, Kidder has spent a lifetime on the water, but this catch marked a special Christmas-like gift. He and his son immediately set course for Buckeye Landing to document the achievement. The largemouth bass measured 28 ¼ inches and had a girth of 20 inches, a testament to Toledo Bend’s reputation and, perhaps, God’s hand in granting a day of extraordinary fruitfulness.

A Reminder of Stewardship

After weighing and tagging the fish, the father and son carefully returned her to the water, reflecting Proverbs 12:10: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” Kidder marveled that such a majestic fish was caught with a simple purple crankbait, reminding all that God can use the simplest tools for great blessings.

Prayer for the Community

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the reminders of Your provision in both big and small ways. We pray for families, anglers, and all who seek patience and perseverance in their daily lives. May Your blessings flow abundantly, and may we always recognize Your hand in the moments of joy and surprise. Protect the waters, the creatures within them, and the people who rely on them for recreation and sustenance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.