GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Lindsey is too cute in this hi/lo red dress from Dusty & Company. Worn with or without leggings, this buttondown dress features roomy pockets and a cinch hem. Accessorize with stackable bracelets and white booties with a black heel for a flirty look.

An upcycled vintage sweater a with white and black houndstooth tie takes center stage when paired with a pleated magenta skirt. Pair with a black felt hat and white leather boots for a fun night out.

Brandi is ready for date night in this v-neck dress featuring a flounced collar and ruffled cuff detailing. This flattering fit dress has a fluid drape and multi-color roses. Complete the look with vintage chandelier earrings and translucent green sculpted heels.

THE MENTAL SIDE OF BASS FISHING article by KENNY COVINGTON

Fishing is a complicated sport. The weather, choice of lures, areas, water clarity, seasonal habits and movements of the fish, the list goes on and on, is what gives this sport the intrigue it does. There is no such thing as overnight success just as there is no guarantee you will catch them every time you go out on the water. This sport is ever changing and evolving, and with the advancements of technology, it’s even more so.

The one aspect about the sport of bass fishing that hasn’t changed is the mental aspect of it. The human mind is a complex unit, and everyone is programmed differently. I have seen times when great fishermen are beat mentally before they ever put their boats in the water and made their first cast in tournament competition. I have seen average fishermen get on successful rolls and win back-to-back tournaments, events where they seem to do no wrong, simply because they believed strongly in the technique they were using or the lure they were throwing. In the end it’s all about the mindset.

Legendary fisherman Bill Dance once stated, “confidence, without a doubt, is the most important lure in your tacklebox.” I remember reading Bill’s quote and found it to be an interesting observation. It wasn’t until I started studying and following the career of Rick Clunn that I became totally aware and immersed in the human mindset and its power while fishing. While I don’t profess to have all the answers when it comes to developing a strong mental outlook while on the water, I do have a few things I would like to share in hopes they work for you as well as they have worked for me.

The following is a list of guidelines that I follow and while I don’t profess to have been the first to come up with these ideas, I have found them to be effective and have helped make me a better fisherman. By following these rules, I have learned to control my own mindset and not concern myself with the way my competition thinks, allowing me to block out distractions and focus on what I am trying to do on the water. Let’s take a look…..

Do not believe in luck. Many years ago, I learned I couldn’t allow “luck” to be the determining factor in my success or failures. I put too much time and effort into this sport to leave my fate up to the luck factor. With this mindset, I have always believed the more I prepare the luckier I get, and I have proven to myself this is not a coincidence. At the tournament weigh-ins I always hear things like, “well, we lost a lot of fish today” or “my partner lost a five pounder at the boat” or “I had two fish break me off.” When I hear these things, my mind automatically goes to “were you using the right rod and reel for the technique you were using” or “were you using the correct hooks for the lure and technique” or “when was the last time you changed your line or were you using the correct line for the technique you were using and did you tie a good knot?”. Bad luck? Maybe, but I am willing to bet it is more due to human error and element than it is the fishing gods not being on your side on a particular day. No matter if it is good or bad, you create your own luck.

Do not listen to dock talk. I love a good tackle store as much as the next fishermen. I like to walk around and look at the colors, makes and models of all the lures. It’s almost like a drug. I might find something new that catches my eye, or I may just restock on some things I am currently missing. Tackle shops are an important part of any fishermen’s success, but they can also be a contributing cause to their failures. Unless you totally trust the person providing you the information, be careful when believing what you are told.

My being skeptical of people is a trait I have carried with me since childhood. When it comes to talking to other fishermen, this skepticism has come in quite handy. Some fishermen’s three pounders are always five pounders in conversation. If they tell you “We must have caught forty today,” cut that number in half. Too much specific information is not a good thing. Instead of asking about particular lures and specific areas on a body of water, I am more interested in what the fish are doing. If someone tells me they are catching their fish on a spinnerbait then I can determine the fish are actively feeding in shallow water. If someone says they are catching their fish on a jig, chances are they are fishing cypress trees or in a situation where they can flip or pitch.

Building a plan off general information you have gathered is what wins tournaments. Relying on specific information another angler told you is what gets you beat.

Regardless of the conditions, someone always wins. I love bad weather tournaments. They are the easiest ones to win. I have always had a theory, the worse the weather, the better my chances. When I hear my competitors talk about how miserable the weather is, I know I already have an advantage. I have fished in sleet, snow, rain, high winds, you name it I have fished in it. I have also been successful in each scenario. I have never fished a tournament when no fish were caught. Ever. Someone always catches them, so why can’t that someone be me?

I allow the conditions, regardless of how bad they are, to help determine what I can or even can’t do to be successful. As a rule, if it is windy, then I probably need to use lures like a Rat L Trap, spinnerbait or a crankbait, something I can feel in the wind, and doesn’t require me to work the lure. If it’s raining, I like to slow down and flip or pitch jigs and soft plastics, which is contrary to what you a lot of the fishing magazines would have you believe. On cold days when it is cloudy with bits of sleet or even snow, I have done exceptionally well throwing a big spinnerbait. The higher the weather pressure system, the deeper and slower I usually fish.

I have learned the worse the weather scenario, the more patience I must have as an angler.

Keep your mind in the game. I have always believed most tournaments are won or lost in the final two hours of the event. It is during this time, regardless of the time of year or weather conditions, when your mental focus tends to lack the most. You haven’t had a bite in a while, your back is hurting from standing up all day, your hot,

tired, hungry or whatever else may be going through your mind. And now is when you will get the one bite that can make or break your tournament day. From the conversations I have had with other fishermen, it usually breaks them. I have seen or heard it happen too many times to count.

At twelve o’clock each tournament day I tell myself, “Let’s refocus and get this thing done.” During the day, I make sure I take a minute to drink something or eat a snack. I may think about relocating to another part of the lake or maybe even refresh my thoughts on what I have been doing up until this point in my day. Everything or anything I can do to make sure I am just as fresh at two o’clock as I am when I started at six in the morning is the goal. It’s your job to keep your mind sharp and make good decisions. The lost lunker, like the worst tasting pill, sometimes is the best medicine.

Mind games. Fishermen are good at playing mind games. Anything that is within the rules to gain a competitive advantage is fair game so why not try to psych out your competition. Usually the older the fishermen, the harder it is to get under their skin, and I fall into this category. I guess that is why I never hear much from my competitors. Once an angler sees they can get under your skin, the mind games will continue. Not just from other fishermen but what you will do to yourself.

While I am on the water, I do not answer my phone. For the most part I do not read text messages or respond to them. I know people who will call their buddy at ten in the morning and ask if they have caught anything. If you call me that is a wasted phone call because I am not answering. I don’t want to know what you have caught; how tough the fishing is or what you heard so and so caught earlier. I will find out at the weigh-in what everyone else has done, so why concern myself with that information beforehand?

Before you allow someone to live in your mind rent free, you must first decide if that person is worthy of free rent.

Control the controllable variables, prepare for the ones you can’t. As an angler, you must always take into consideration the “what if” factors of being out on the water. In some earlier articles I have discussed this at length, but it is worth mentioning again. Anything you can control to make your day on the water more successful, you should try and do. If you can’t control it, then you should at least prepare for it.

A lot of non-fishing things that mentally destroy anglers on the water are things that could have been easily avoided. Not preparing for the current weather is the most common culprit. Not having enough clothes to stay warm. Not having the proper rain gear to stay dry. The wrong shoes, the wrong clothes, all these things play a role in your success as an angler. Don’t overlook these things, they will come back to bite you.

When you are tired, wet, cold, hot, hungry, thirsty, or any combination of these things, you will have a hard time being successful on the water.

On a quick side note, by the time you are reading this article the Major League Fishing circuit will be fishing (the week of February 5th –10th) on Lake DarBonne, Caney Lake and Bussey Brake Reservoir. If you are wanting to go watch your favorite anglers in action, please have respect and be courteous not to be in their way. This is how those guys make a living, don’t be a reason they don’t want to come back to this area in the future.

Well, it looks like we have run out of time and space again for another month. I hope we were able to share with you some thoughts and ideas that will help you become a better angler and make this sport a more enjoyable one. Be safe out on the water and remember to catch one for me! See you next month!

MARSALA BEVERAGE IS PREPARING THE RELEASE OF Bud Light Next, its first U.S. carb-free beer. The newest innovation from the Anheuser-Busch family will be released on February 7th. A 12-ounce serving of Bud Light Next is 4% alcoholby-volume and 80 calories. That’s 30 fewer calories and about the same amount of alcohol-by-volume compared a domestic premium light lager. The taste of Bud Light Next, “light, refreshing and clean” with a hint of citrus. It will be sold in 6-packs and 12-packs in both bottles and cans.

Marsala Beverage marketing director, Tyler Flemister, explained that Bud Light Next is an effort to keep “evolving and innovating” the Bud Light brand for different drinkers. Highlighting recent launches such as Bud Light Seltzer and a fruit-flavored Bud Light. “This is another pillar in providing the right products for the right consumers. Brewed for the 21-plus Gen Z audience, Bud Light Next is for the next era of beer drinkers, by providing them an alternative beer that has the stats and sessionability of products they enjoy such as seltzers, and carries on the legacy of the Bud Light name.”

1982, Anheuser Busch introduced Bud Light nationally. Bud Light, the most popular beer in the country, is a light bodied lager with a fresh, clean and subtle hop aroma. Its delicate malt sweetness and crisp finish provide the ultimate refreshment. Bud Light is brewed using a blend of premium aroma hops, both American grown and imported, and a combination of barley malts, water and rice. Its superior drinkability and refreshing flavor make it the world’s favorite light beer. Bud Light contains 4.2 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Brewing an American Light Lager, like Bud Light, is hard. The style is so clean and clear that any imperfection can come through. That’s why we believe in brewing the highest-quality light beer on Earth using the finest ingredients that come from the Earth. And that’s why we pay special attention to every step throughout the brewing process to ensure the Bud Light in your hands is the best it can be. We believe you, the light beer drinker, deserve the very best with every single sip. We work hard to make sure that’s exactly what you get with every Bud Light.

Bud Light Platinum has reinvented the category of light beer. Within each cobalt blue bottle lies a bold formula that’s triple filtered with a smooth finish to create its stop shelf taste. Its the first of its kind, and the only beer worthy of the name Bud Light Platinum. Bud Light Platinum contains 6.0 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

Bud Light is expanding the brand’s citrus portfolio with a refreshed Bud Light Lime and the addition of Bud Light Orange. Both light lagers are brewed with real lime and orange peels, and deliver a clean and crisp taste that highlights natural citrus flavors in every sip. The colorful new packs for Bud Light Lime and new Bud Light Orange feature bright orange and lime details, with accents of real citrus peels. Together these beers form the ultimate citrus combo for a taste that’s unmistakably summer.

Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees. Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits, and non-alcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts.

Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter: @marsalabeverage1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

Quilt Exhibition The NELA Delta African American Heritage Museum Quilt Exhibit showcases African American quilt art from Louisiana and the Delta Region as part of the museum’s celebration of Black History Month Venue: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, 1051 Chennault Park Dr, Monroe Phone: (318) 342-8889

Black History Month Opening Program Join Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum for a special Black History Month opening program. Venue: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, 1051 Chennault Park Dr, Monroe Hours: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Phone: (318) 342-8869

Share the Run Kick-Off

This February, Fleet Feet Monroe teaming up with Saucony and Black Girls RUN! for the second annual Share the Run virtual running and walking challenge. Venue: Fleet Feet Monroe 1866 Forsythe Ave, Monroe Cost: Free Phone: (318) 855-3146

North Delta Boating and Outdoor Show

North The Boat Show is back and bigger than ever! The North Delta Boating and Outdoor show will be at the Monroe Civic Center. February 4-6, 2022. This year featuring the Major League Fishing Fest with games, angler meet and greets and more! Venue: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Hours: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

39th Annual Krewe of Janus Ball Don't miss out on the 39th Annual Krewe of Janus Ball! This is a formal event where ladies are required to wear floor-length gowns and gentlemen are required to wear a tux. Venue: Bayou Pointe 1 Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Phone: (318) 323-0230

MLF Stage 1 Bass Pro Tour

The 2022 Bass Pro Tour will kick off Feb. 5-10, 2022, with Stage One at Caney Creek Reservoir, Lake D’Arbonne and Bussey Brake in Monroe-West Monroe Venue: Lake D'Arbonne 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville

Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat, and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Cost: Free to attend Venue: Ruston Farmers Market 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 957-1305

Flying Heart Live with Ian Smith

Join Flying Heart Brewing Pub in the beer garden for Flying Heart Live with Ian Smith! Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Black Inventors & Scientists Traveling Exhibit NELA Delta African American Heritage Museum are pleased to welcome Black Inventors and Scientists Museums. This traveling exhibit is a wonderful way to learn about the great contributions of Black inventors and scientists who have given everything from the refrigerator to aspirin. Venue: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, 1051 Chennault Park Dr, Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Phone: (318) 342-8889

MSO presents Romantic Vocal Works

Join the Monroe Symphony Orchestra's for Romantic Vocal Works. Venue: Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall, 200 University Ave, Monroe Cost: $10 Adults; $5 Students Phone: (318) 812-6761

Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday of the month with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Hours: Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304

Best of the Bayou Classic

ULM Softball is proud to present the Best on the Bayou! Venue: ULM Softball Field 308 Warhawk Way, Monroe

NAIA Baseball Cajun Collision

Cajun Collision provides you with an early season 15 team tournament full of some of the Nation’s best teams. Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex, 1290 LA-136, Sterlington

Krewe de Riviere Children's & Pet Mardi Gras Parade

Celebrate Mardi Gras with the Krewe de Riviere! Enjoy food trucks, activities and more to help you get in the Mardi Gras spirit! Venue: Downtown Rivermarket 316 S Grand St, Monroe Hours: 10:00AM

Mardi Gras Madness Come to the Downtown River Market to hang out for the day and get ready for the parade! There will be live music, bouncy castles, mask making stations, food trucks, magicians and much more! Venue: Downtown Rivermarket 316 S Grand St, Monroe Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Krewe de Rivière Mardi Gras Parade

Twin Cities Krewe de Rivière is an all inclusive, community based Krewe that will roll The Greatest Sheaux on February 12, 2022. Venue: 500 Ouachita Ave, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Phone: (318) 376-2501

Flying Heart Live with Schaefer Mueller

A little hip-hop, a little Southern rock, and a whole lot of fun! Join Flying Heart Live with Schaefer Mueller. Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Valentines Dinner & Dance A night of good food, music and dance! Entertainment provided by: Rod Alley Payne and Karon Solomon. Venue: Strauss Theatre Center, 1300 1/2 Lamy Ln, Monroe Cost: $50 Hours: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Phone: (318) 323-6681

February 18 - 20 Gold Cup Weekend

Twin City BMX has prepared a weekend of exciting racing and more! Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 791-4457

Cherry Pie Extravaganza

The Fluffy Butt Rabbit Club invites you to celebrate their 1st Cherry Pie Extravaganza! Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo 501 Mane Street, West Monroe

Krewe of Janus Children’s Parade The parade will be rolling through the mall the morning of February 19th with the Krewe of Janus' King, Queen and the Royal Court! This is a free family event. Parade entrants must bring their own throws such as beads, cups, candy and toys. Wagons, bikes, or small battery-operated vehicles are allowed. Hours: 9:00 AM registration, parade rolls at 10:00 AM Venue: Pecanland Mall 4700 Millhaven Road, Monroe

15th Annual Krewe of Paws Mardi Gras Pet Parade The parade will start in the 100 block of Commerce Street in Antique Alley. Parade will go north on Commerce and turn left onto Pine Street. Parade will then turn left onto Trenton Street. Parade will proceed up Trenton Street and then turn left onto Wood Street. Parade will turn left onto Commerce Street and end back at the registration tents. Venue: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Jester Jog Color 5K

The most festive 5K of the year and we are making it even better! Run a portion of the West Monroe Mardi Gras Parade Route and Downtown West Monroe on a double loop route to celebrate with the colors of Mardi Gras! This year we will add the celebration of colors in the form of powders that are thrown during the run/walk!! Enjoy King Cake after the race. Finisher specialty beads for everyone! To guarantee your T-shirt please register by Feb, 3, 2022. Ainsley's Angel Runners are always welcome. Please use the Ainsley's Angel Category when registering. Venue: Alley Park, 250 Trenton St, West Monroe Hours: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Cost: $35

Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade Don't miss out on the Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade! This is a traditional Mardi Gras Parade with marching units, floats and costumes! Venue: Krewe of Janus Float Den, 901 Louisville Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 338-3172

Tommy Jaxson Band Head on down to VFW Post 1809 to enjoy live music by the Tommy Jaxson band! Venue: VFW Rodney J Hobbs Post 1809, 1499 Highway 594, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Simpatico at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub

Simpatico is making their debut at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub! Come on out for great craft beer, great food, and live music! Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Hours: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Flying Heart Live with Josh Love Not being afraid to cross barriers Josh Love is able to connect with any crowd. It’s always a treat to be able to come to a show of his! Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

NCLAC’s Independent Film Series The North Central Louisiana Arts Council presents the first film of their four film spring series - 'Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools.' The film series celebrates the creativity of independent filmmakers. Hours: 7:00 PM Cost: $5 per ticket Venue: Grambling State University, 403 Main St, Grambling Phone: (318) 247-3811

NLQG Quilt Show 2022 Join North Louisiana Quilters Guild for a fabulous quilt show that will highlight beautiful hand made items, hand quilted/machine quilted works of art, and stunning quilts in amazing styles and colors. There will be vendors to shop and demonstrations to attend. Purchase a chance to win a beautiful donation quilt made by guild member, Cathy Poe. There will be a special exhibit of featured quilts and many other things to see and do! Venue: West Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave, West Monroe Cost: $7 - Ages 9-79; Others - Free Phone: (318) 348-2964

MSO Presents Orchestral Dances

Bartok's 'Romanian Folk Dances', Respighi's 'Ancient Airs and Dances', Faure's 'Pavane', and Ginastera's 'Dances from the ballet Estanica', combine to bring European Folk music to life! Venue: ULM Brown Theatre 4001 DeSiard St, Monroe Cost: $10 Adults ; $5 Students Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Phone: (318) 812-6761

World of Outlaws at The Rev

The Outlaws are back at The Rev on February 26th! The Louisiana track offered a "race of the year" last time when David Gravel and Brad Sweet dueled. Don't miss this! Venue: The Rev, 8850 Frontage Rd, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Phone: (318) 245-7665