By Christian Coffman

NATCHEZ — Fishing is not just a hobby for cousins Broderick Jackson and Antonio Ellis. It is a pastime with family roots.

When The Dart landed onGayosa Street, Jackson and Ellis were preparing for a fishing trip to a friend’s pond with other close family members. Exactly where the cousins were headed is closely guarded.

“We can’t tell anybody else about our secret spot, that’s a secret amongst the fellas,” Jackson said.

The cousins started fishing together last year, primarily on the hunt for catfish.

Jackson and Ellis say their Ugly Stik fishing rods are good for wrangling the whiskered river fish.

The cousins said that fishing can also serve as a great stress reliever.

“You know how this community is,” Jackson said. “If something discourteous is going on, we try to get away from it by fishing. We enjoy the peace and quiet.”

The local fishermen try to get out to their fishing spot every chance they get.

Fishing trips with his grandmother to Black River in Louisiana reeled in Jackson’s passion for fishing as soon as he was taught how to cast a rod.

“Now, I’m just looking for the biggest thing in the river,” Jackson said.

Jackson keeps pictures of his biggest catches on his phone and shows the images of giant bass and catfish whenever he gets the chance.

But it is the one that got away that tends to stick in the cousin’s minds.

“Don’t even (ask me), I’ll be thinking about it for days,” Ellis said.

Jackson said if anyone asks to go fishing, he tries to take them  when the opportunity arises.

“I don’t mind doing it,” Jackson said. “Especially if it’s kids in the neighborhood who ask.”

The longest time Jackson and Ellis have been out catfishing is half a day.

“Some days we’re out there for six hours, and sometimes we’ll have our line sunk in the water for an hour before we reel one in.”

Jackson and Ellis both agree the best technique for catching fish is to have patience.