By Rebecca
Chaisson
Managing Editor
If fishermen are known for stretching the truth, then the first official kayak renters at Eunice City Lake may have already earned a spot in local legend.
The story begins the way most fishing tales do — with two friends, a boat, a dream and a stubborn determination to find “the perfect spot.”
When Eunice City Lake recently launched its new kayak rental service, Myles Woods and his fishing partner, Clarence Arceneaux, were among the first to answer the call of the wild water.
Or as the lake’s new slogan might ask: The lake is calling. Are you going to answer?
Woods and Arceneaux certainly did.
“We had more than just fun. We used the kayak to hit every corner of the lake. Nothing was stopping us from finding the perfect spot,” Woods said of their first time fishing via kayak.
Like many great fishing stories, however, the adventure took an unexpected turn.
“Eventually we parked the kayak to take a break and eat some food,” he continued. “When we loaded up the kayak and prepared to board again, I went first because I’m a little heavier than my friend. Well as I’m getting in, my boot gets stuck. My friend grabs me, but it was too late. I flipped the whole kayak and had to quickly retrieve all our fishing gear.”
In that moment, the fish caught the fishermen.
Fortunately, both anglers survived the experience with wet clothes, muddy shoes and a story they’ll likely be telling for years.
Woods, who was born in Denver but has called Eunice home since 2010, admitted the kayak didn’t exactly provide the fishing advantage he imagined; yet, he loved every second of it.
“I won’t lie, 75 percent of the time, we do catch something,” he claimed, as all fishermen do. “I thought the kayak would increase our chances, but it didn’t. We spent half the time fighting the early wind.”
Still, every angler knows that sometimes the adventure is more important than the catch itself.
“The water did cool me off after we stayed to fish some more and I dried off on the dock,” Woods laughed.
When asked if he managed to get a picture while he was in the water, he laughed some more.
“I was too busy trying not to drown,” he joked, despite wearing a life jacket.
The biggest fish Woods has landed at Eunice City Lake remains a 2-pound bass caught near the loading docks, but the fishermen don’t plan to retire their poles or their kayaks just yet.
“The fisherman know that the waters are dangerous and the waves can be heavy, but these reasons are not sufficient to remain ashore,” Arceneaux recited a somewhat butchered quote from Vincent van Gogh.
Fortunately for future adventurers, the waters of Eunice City Lake are generally much calmer than their dramatic tale might suggest.
During Tuesday night’s Eunice City Council meeting, Mayor Scott Fontenot encouraged residents to take advantage of the city’s newest outdoor attraction.
Visitors can reserve either single or tandem kayaks online through the Eunice Recreation website. The rentals are available for fishing, bird watching or simply paddling across the lake’s 60 acres of water. Renters must be at least 17 years old.
The lake’s new retail center also offers fishing rod rentals, tackle, live worms, hooks, weights, floats, spinner baits, stringers, cold drinks, sports drinks, candy, chips, pickles and other fishing essentials.
Fontenot reported that in the first 10 days of operation, the city recorded three tandem kayak rentals and six single-kayak rentals, while generating more than $300 in combined kayak and concession sales. Among the most popular items sold were live worms, with 24 boxes purchased during the opening period.
The mayor noted that business has started slowly due to recent heat and rainy weather, but he expects the operation to continue growing.
The recent Dads and Kids fishing event also helped introduce families to the lake, drawing more than 50 young anglers who spent the day learning to fish and enjoying time outdoors.
For those interested in trying their luck — and hopefully staying a little drier than the first kayak pioneers — reservations and information are available at eunicerec.com or by calling the lake at 337-516-1099.
