Fishing has been a part of life for local physical therapist

For many in South Louisiana, as well as across Evangeline Parish, the love of fishing begins at an early age and is usually instilled by parents and grandparents.
Such is the case for local physical therapist David Vidrine who developed his love for fishing around the age of five.
“One of my most vivid memories of fishing for some reason was when I went to Mr. Earl Fontenot’s lake,” Vidrine said. “They must have had some kind of American Security Bank office party because my mom Sherry worked their for years. I went there with mom and dad. It was a bunch of grown-ups, but I got carried along with the crew.”
“Mr. Earl had an old crank bait on a rod,” Vidrine continued.
“I just started throwing it, and it was an old crank bait called ‘The Big O.’ I ended up catching a big bass with it. It was about a 4-pound fish, and I was excited.”
That love of fishing continued in Vidrine’s life and carried over into his adult years as a form of therapy.
“I love fishing,” he expressed. “There’s something about being on the water that just defreaks me. It gives me a peace of mind and gets me away from things to where I can go be clear. I say it keeps me semi-sane.”
Vidrine continued, “I’m a big hunter. I love to hunt, and I grew up hunting. I still duck hunt, occasionally deer hunt, and make my once or twice a year squirrel hunt, but, for the most part, when I’m hunting I’m thinking about fishing. There’s something about the water that I really have a big affinity for.”
While having a camp at Toledo Bend, Vidrine commented he still loves being out on the lake at Chicot Park. As he said, “I absolutely love Chicot Park, even though it can be frustrating. I don’t know if there is a prettier lake around than Chicot.”
He concluded, “It’s an absolutely gorgeous place.”