Youth Bass Camp

3 Day LTD Bass Camp

March 1 - 3, 2024, April 12 - 14, 2024, & July 29 - August 2, 2024   

Living the Dream Guide Service is pleased to announce our annual  Bass Camp. This intense training is targeted toward young anglers between the ages of 12 to 17, that are wanting to fish at the high school and/or college level. Our goal is to provide detailed instruction & practice so these youth can excel at bass fishing.

Our instructors have all been involved with professional fishing for many years. Our goal is to introduce fishing to the next generation of anglers whether it be for pleasure or for a career in fishing. We will start with some basics and move you through specific techniques of professional fishing


  • Each angler will have approximately 20 hours on the water
  • You'll learn how to choose tackle & techniques
  • Get Tips & Tricks from the pros
  • Speak with tackle & equipment reps
  • Have an understanding of tournament fishing
  • Compete for cash & prizes in a casting competition
  • Compete for cash & prizes in a team tournament



Who is LTD?

LTD or "Living the Dream" Guide Service is a premier guide service on Toledo Bend. Our guides have been fishing professionally and/or guiding for up to 30 years. Fishing is what they do! Visit our website at www.ltd.fish. We have teamed up with great guides and representatives from top fishing equipment manufacturers to bring a comprehensive class to young anglers. We promise a week of fun learning!!

Toledo Bend

The class will be held on world renowned Toledo Bend, named #1 Bass Fishing Lake in the United States in 2015 & 2016 by Bassmaster Magazine. Toledo Bend has made history with the amount of bass that have been caught that weigh over 10 lbs. The reservoir covers 185,000 acres and has over 1100 miles of shoreline.

LODGING & COST OF CLINIC

Lodging will be determined after registration is complete depending on the number of participants.  There will be constant supervision.


The price of the 2023 clinic is $1800.00 and includes all classes, boating activities, tackle, tournament, lodging & meals. Upon registration someone will contact you concerning a deposit of $900.

What you will Learn

March 1 - 3, 2024, April 12 - 14, 2024, & July 29 - August 2, 2024   

Lure Selection
This class well teach how to determine what type of lure to choose under any given conditions based on weather, body of water, cover & structure.

Worm Fishing
The most consistent lure made for fishing any situation is the worm. Harold Allen will break this down and demonstrate time, place, & application techniques.

Frog Fishing
Frog fishing has become more technical and involved. John Dean will show several varieties of frogs and techniques to use for each one. He will cover seasonal patterns and color selection.

Grass Fishing
Grass is a predominant structure on most southern lakes. The guide will show how largemouth use the grass, how to fish it, and how you can land a big one.

Crankbait Fishing
In depth lesson on crankbaits. We will cover all the different crankbait categories, along with color selection, retrieve techniques, and rod, reel & line selection

Angler Ethics, Attitude & Image
In the world of tournament fishing ethics, attitude and image could make all the difference in how far you go.

Boat Control
In bass fishing, placing your lure where it needs to be is crucial. In order to do that you must be able to use the trolling motor to control the boat. We'll give you some tips & tricks to do just that.

Seasonal Patterns
Determining seasonal patterns is vital in locating & catching bass year round.

Reading Electronics
Understanding your electronics is essential to locating bass. This class will educate the anglers on how to utilize information produced by marine electronics.

Fish Biology & Care
Knowing how to handle and care for the fish is important to all anglers & the lakes they fish.

Knot Tying
How to properly tie the right knot for different fishing techniques.

Classes

Each class will be divided into two groups, the Blue Group and the Yellow Group. Each of these teams will be furthur divided in two teams, Blue 1 and Blue 2 and Yellow 1 and Yellow 2. At any point during the class each group may be doing different activities, but all groups will take part in every activity. Please be sure to know which group and which team you are on.

Competition & Awards

Ace Attitude Award - An award will be given to the angler with the best all around attitude during the clinic.

Pitchin/Flippin Contest - During the week each angler will be individually coached on casting techniques and you'll have multiple chances to practice for the competition.

Most Improved - Our goal is to improve every aspect of fishing for the participants. An award will be given to the most improved during the week.

Team Tournament

On Friday, all anglers will participate in a team tournament. The rules are as follows:

1. Two person teams will be selected from a random drawing.
2. Each team has approximately 6 hours of fishing time.
3. Team members must make all decisions concerning fishing.
4. Each team will be assigned a boat, the boat captain is not allowed to coach anglers.
5. All boats will launch from designated site.
6. Boats must be back for official weigh-in at announced time.
7. Checking in late will be cause for disqualification.
8. There will be a .50 lb penalty for any dead fish.
9. All anglers must possess a Louisiana or Texas fishing license, follow the link on our FAQ page.
10. Life vests must be worn at all times when boat motor is being used.
11. Trolling motors must be controlled by anglers.

Summer Camp Staff

GLORIA THOMPSON - CAMP DIRECTOR
Gloria and her husband own and operate Living the Dream Guide Service. Please contact Gloria if you have any questions concerning the camp at gloria@ltd.fish or call the marina at 318-256-8991.

DUSTY ANDERS
Dusty is a long-time tournament angler.  He now strictly guides for a living.  He has worked with the bass camp since its inception.

Brandon O'Neal


Glen Freeman

Matt Loetscher
Matt has been fishing on Toledo Bend all of his life. He fished on Louisiana Tech's fishing team for 5 years at which time he traveled around the nation fishing collegiate tournaments on several circuits. Matt knows the ins and outs of collegiate fishing teams & tournament fishing. He posted numerous top 10 finishes, including one FLW win and qualified for the national championships every year of his college career. Matt has had a great year, winning an event and placing 2nd in another.  Matt guides with Living the Dream Guide Service.

Kobe Cartinez

Cooper Miller

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