The Roots of a Southern Hook

As I've stated before, we are Southern Hooks because we are "hooked" on the Southern Life and our families are the ones who "hook" us.  I thought I'd take a minute and introduce my Southern Hook grandparents.  Everyone meet D B and Sarah Massey, and yes that's a little JD in Pawpaw's arms.  You may now snicker.

I owe so much of my "Hooks" nature to them.  You see, Pawpaw was the first person to ever put a little Zebco 33 in my hand and Mamaw gave me my first bite of fried catfish.  We would spend summers camping in the "trailer" on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and weekends at some of the beautiful parks around the South. We went through shrimp for bait and shrimp for supper.  Pawpaw and I decimated Vienna sausages and potted meat eating lunch on the banks of the river or a lake tucked back somewhere.  Sunday after-church lunch was fried chicken and mashed potatoes.  Pawpaw and I would spend afternoons in his downstairs wood shop building bookshelves and furniture that never turned out exactly right, but Mamaw would praise our craftsmanship none the less.  Firefly catching, picking figs and collecting pecans (all from the backyard) were a priority!  And I learned to pray from them both.  A deep reverence and respect for God and the wonderful world he has created for us was instilled deep in my heart thanks to their guidance.  I was getting a grounding in the Southern lifestyle.  I've carried those lessons and more throughout my life.

Both have passed into a much better place now.  However, I can still hear their words in my heart.  On the cool evenings fishing I can hear Pawpaw whisper to me, "Throw over there.  I saw a swirl."  I walk into the kitchen and can smell Mamaw's turnips and cornbread cooking and my mouth instantly waters.  The lessons permeate my life.  I do my best to pass these lessons on to my own little Hooks now.  I can look in their eyes and hear their words and I am instantly that little Hook seeing and hearing the same thing.

Take a minute and thank those who have ingrained the Southern Lifestyle in your heart and soul.  Listen to their words. Cherish the moments with them.  Most importantly...pass it on.

Stay Southern, Hooks.

- JD

Crawdads...or Crawmoms

     Okay Hooks...It's time.  You know that time.  When the crawdads are ready for a good boiling!  Nothing says Spring like a huge pot of mudbugs boiling with potatoes and corn. Or mushrooms and sausage!



     Growing up in the South I have lots of crawfish memories.  Notice I said crawfish not crayfish... I'm Southern after all.  Crawfish boils that might have been 20 pounds or 500 pounds were a common thing.  Spices making noses runny and beer making throats wet.  However, there is one time that stands out in particular. One spring I'll never forget.



     I had started my first semester at the University of Southern Mississippi during a very cold January.  The first month of school was bitter and February wasn't much better, however when March rolled around the world took on new life.  I had learned of the local crawfish hot spots, but I hadn't found one to call home.  Then one day I strolled into my favorite little corner store/ bar-b-que joint. The name of this landmark of college life in Hattiesburg was "Strick's."  At least I think that's the correct spelling.  I never really paid that much attention.  My bad.  I eased in the door one Thursday afternoon and BAM...I saw it.  The biggest dang wash tub of crawdads I'd ever seen.  It must have had a kajillion pounds of boiled crawdads in it ready for the taking!  On either side of the tub were plastic sacks and a gallon milk jug cut artfully into a scooper.  I walked around in amazement and finally was able to pull myself away long enough to ask the young lady behind the counter how much a pound.  She replied in the sweetest voice I'd ever heard, "only .99 cents."  I had found paradise.  I clutched a scooper in one hand and a plastic sack in the other.  Like a mad man I went to filling the sack.  When I had finished, I walked to the counter and sat the sack down.  The young lady took this moment to further thrill my soul.  "You need some beer with these," she sang out in a voice laden with Tupelo honey.  I nodded and walked to the beer cooler.  I snatched up a 12 pack of Bud and made my way back to the counter.



     After paying, walking to my truck, and climbing in, I sat there and simply enjoyed the aroma.  The smell of those crawdads was like Easter, Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one.  I started my truck and eased to my apartment on Ross Boulevard.  After the short 5 minute ride I pulled into my parking lot.  I climbed the stairs and opened my front door.  As I sat the bag of boiled heaven on the table, I pondered a moment.  It was just too beautiful a day to sit inside and eat my little treasures inside so I made a command decision.  I would eat on the steps!  I was a king and could look over my empire with glee.  So I popped the beer in the fridge after collecting two from the box and turned on the stereo.  I just happened to have been listening to Bob Marley the night before and he was still able to croon to me that next afternoon.  With Mr. Marley telling me of life in a far off place, I took my throne outside.  I said there and waited teasing myself as long as I could stand.  I finally opened a beer, took a big swig and grabbed the first crawdad.  I looked at him and I swear he was smiling at me.  A quick twist and a pull had head in one hand and tail in the other.  A crunch and a slurp later, the spices from that little crustacean flowed into my mouth and were quickly followed by the meaty and soul cleansing tail.  I was home in the South with a beautiful March sun shining on my face.  I had a cold beer and a sack of joy.  I promised myself that every Thursday through the season would be thus.  And it was.



     Yes indeed, Mr. Buffett.  A white sport coat and a pink (or cayenne red) crustacean.  Stay Southern, Hooks.



- JD

Grandma got... Well you know the rest

Christmas in the South is a singular event. There are people everywhere in the South who wait all year for the chance to out decorate, out shop and out "Christmas" each other. It's not uncommon to see frames of out side of house that are littered with small lights of various sizes and colors. The frames are built to resemble Santa's sleigh, Nativity Scenes, snowmen and any number of things considered "Christmasy." The other side of this is the tradition of riding all over creation looking at the displays. The children gasping in delight at the colors and the parents discussing the power bill and what the neighbors of these house must think at 2 on the morning when the midnight sun is lighting up the yards for houses around.



Second only to this is the decoration competitions on the inside of homes. Houses will ooze Christmas cheer from every light, corner, hallway and table. Visitors will discuss in hushed tones the class and divinity with which these decorations are placed throughout. At least until the ride home where the words, "gawdy" and "tacky" are often spoken.



However, in all actuality Southerners celebrate Christmas like no others. With gusto are wreaths thrown up. With flair are small Santa's and elves placed in every cubby hole and nook. Candles big and small are brought out, placed in holders and a sconces.... And we love it! The family gathers and smiles are seen every where. Children are aglow with reindeer food made of glitter and oatmeal that is strewn on front steps, sidewalks, and drive ways. Loved ones who have passed are remembered with tears, tales and laughter. This is our Christmas. It's the best. We wouldn't trade our traditions for all the toys in the bag.



To our Southern Hook family, you are all special to us and we are truly grateful for your support and kindness. Merry Christmas, Y'all!



Stay Southern, Hooks



- JD

Mango Duck Quesadilla

'Tis the season. The season for DUCK!
Try this on for size! Mango Duck Quesadillas!!

1 duck breast
1/2 cup mango cut up
1 tbsp minced green onion
1 tbsp sliced, seeded jalapeño
4 oz shredded cheddar, pepper jack cheese
6" flour tortillas


Cook the duck breast in a pan skin side down on medium heat. After 8-10 minutes turn and cook for 3-5 more minutes. Remove from the pan and remove the skin from the duck. After this, shred the duck.


Spread the cheese over the tortillas and put the other ingredients on the cheese.
Fold each tortilla in half and press down. Then lightly oil them with... You guessed it. Peanut oil. Now pan grill them for 2-3 minutes. They should be light golden in color.
Cut them in half and serve!!! For added kick squeeze just a little lime over them.


Dang!!! That's good duck!!!


- JD

Welcome to the Team!

Big news, Hooks! We have had the good fortune of adding our very own professional bass angler to our team - Mr. Chris Stokes!

Aside from being a true Southern Hook, Chris has a lengthy record of great bass fishing! A run down of the organizations he has participated in includes:

The Walmart Bass Fishing League (BFL), B.A.S.S. Opens (Central Divisions), The McNider Marine Tournament Trail, Team Tournament Trails, Dixie Bass Anglers, Collinsville Bass Club, The East Central Bass Club.


Chris' professional highlights include:  Three time qualifier for BFL regionals, Three time qualifier for Team Trail regionals, Two time qualifier for the Dixie Bass Regionals, Numerous local wins, and "Angler of the Year" D&N Tournament Trail

We can't begin to relate how excited we are about adding Chris to our team! We will keep you all updated on the events he his participating in so that if he's in your area, you can go out and root a fellow Southern Hook on- especially at the weigh ins!



- JD

Southern Hook Humor

We in the South have a great sense of humor. We have the innate ability to turn tragedy to comedy. Hence the picture above. Some Southern Hook somewhere saw this no longer moving armadillo ( or 'possum on the half shell) and thought, "why not?" So as only a Southern Hook would do, they added a cup of coke to the deceased and took a this picture thereby turning tragedy to comedy.

It's a gift that we possess. An innate ability all Southern Hooks have. Kind of our own super power. This humor is woven into our daily lives with elegance and flair. If you don't believe me, just have a conversation with any Southern Hook. Our lives are made up of laughter and smiles. And we freely share these with our friends and family, and more often times than not complete strangers.

So as you walk through your day, take the opportunity to share a smile and a laugh with another. Give them a gift that can't be bought. It's what we do. It's part of being a Southern Hook!

- JD

Southern Hooks Creme Brûlée

Time for a Southern Hooks favorite!! With the fall coming on, nothing better than a Creme Brûlée!!!


You need:


2 cups of heavy cream

5 egg yolks (fresh eggs rule!!!)

1/2 cup of sugar

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

1/2 cup of light brown sugar

Preheat your oven to 275 degrees. Then whisk the cream, egg yolks, vanilla, and sugar together. Whisk it up until its all creamy and good looking.

Take this concoction and pour it into 4 of those little ceramic bowls. Okay so I don't know the names of them but at least I know what the are.

Place the bowls in a Pyrex casserole (like your momma uses) and add hot water to about half way up the sides of the bowls. Place the Pyrex dish in the oven for oh, lets say 45 minutes-ish to maybe an hour-ish. After the first 45 check them with a knife. If the knife is clean, you have achieved creamy goodness!!!

Take they Pyrex out, remove the bowls and let them cool for 15-20 minutes. Then sprinkle them with the light brown sugar. Make it a then layer. But cover the whole thing.
Now the fun part!!! Get creative!!! Give the tops some heat! I've seen everything from long neck lighters to those handheld torches used. The idea is to heat the brown sugar until it caramelizes on the top. I usually just broil them in the oven for a second or two.
Now..... Dig in!!!

- JD