Bassmaster Elite Series sophomore Derek Hudnall grew up fishing the swamps of South Louisiana. And when heâs not traveling the country on the tour, Hudnall still returns to keep his skills honed. But Hudnallâs trips to the swamps arenât just about practicing his skills.
âMy love for South Louisiana goes much deeper than the great fishing,â he said. âA day on the water in the swamps brings a sense of serenity and peacefulness that you can only understand if you live here. Itâs my culture, my history â itâs my nirvana.â
Bassmaster photographer Andy Crawford documented one of Hudnallâs 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.
âThe front that was supposed to come through last night hasnât made it yet,â he said. âThe fish should be chomping.â