What’s Your Story: National Go Fishing Day brings father-son fishing team to Lake D’Arbonne
The Acremans fish more than 150 days a year — and one is allergic to fish
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - National Go Fishing Day serves as a reminder to step away from the daily routine and enjoy the outdoors with a rod and reel in hand. For one Northeast Louisiana family, though, fishing is already a way of life.
In tonight’s What’s Your Story, Aaron Dietrich introduces viewers to Jeff and Bryce Acreman, a father-son duo whose story may sound fishy — but they say it is 100% real. The pair spends more than 150 days a year on the water, chasing crappie and making memories on Lake D’Arbonne.
“We solve all the world’s problems out here — at least when we’re in the boat,” Jeff said.
Bryce has loved fishing since he was young, but the hobby came with an unusual challenge: he is highly allergic to fish. Jeff said Bryce used to wear gloves just to handle them.
“He loved to fish. He just couldn’t touch them,” Jeff said.
Despite the allergy, Bryce never gave up — and neither did his dad. Jeff said they don’t take any trip for granted.
“Every time the boat slides off the trailer, it’s counted a blessing in our book. We don’t take it for granted at all,” Jeff said.
“As long as he’ll let me get in the boat with him, I’m coming,” Bryce added. “So it’s really been good for us.”
That time on the water has paid off. The Acremans have built their skills from the ground up and now compete as a serious tournament team. They recently placed first at Crappie Fest, beating out hundreds of teams.
“We worked from the ground up. We didn’t have anyone to teach us about crappie fishing,” Jeff said.
Bryce, a University of Louisiana Monroe senior, joked he majors in fishing with a minor in business. He said Lake D’Arbonne continues to teach them something new.
“This lake’s huge. There’s always new places to learn and new ways to fish,” Bryce said.
On tournament days, the team stays locked in. Bryce watches the LiveScope and reels them in while Jeff serves as captain, coach and occasional counselor when the pressure builds.
“Bryce is so competitive, he’ll start beating himself down,” Jeff said. “And I’ll say, ‘Hey, at the end of the day, we’re still fishing.’”
As National Go Fishing Day encourages families to get outside, Jeff and Bryce say their story is a reminder that the best catch is often the person right beside you.
To share your story, email Aaron Dietrich at aaron.dietrich@knoe.com.
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