UNCERTAIN, Texas - A longtime East Texas fisherman claims his bass boat was destroyed early Saturday morning by what he describes as an 8-foot-tall, hair-covered creature near the Louisiana border waters of Caddo Lake, in an area that has been the site of unexplained phenomena for decades.
Clyde Tatum, 54, of Marshall, was rescued by Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens after spending nearly three hours clinging to cypress roots in the predawn darkness. His 16-foot aluminum bass boat was found later Saturday morning, apparently crushed and partially submerged near Ferry Lake Landing.
"I've been fishing these waters for thirty years, and I ain't never seen nothing like this," Tatum said from his hospital bed at Marshall Memorial, where he was treated for hypothermia and lacerations. "That thing came right up out of the water like something from a horror movie. Had to be eight feet tall, covered in dark hair, with eyes that glowed red in my spotlight."
According to Tatum's account, he had launched from Uncertain boat ramp around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, heading to his favorite fishing spot near the Louisiana line where Caddo Lake narrows into bayou country. The area is known locally for both excellent bass fishing and strange occurrences dating back to the early 1900s.
"I was running quiet with my trolling motor, heading toward them big cypress trees where I always catch fish," Tatum explained. "That's when I heard this splash behind me, real loud. When I turned my spotlight around, there it was, standing in water up to its chest, maybe thirty yards away."
Tatum said the creature appeared to be examining him, making low grunting sounds before moving closer to his boat. "It didn't seem aggressive at first, more like curious. But when I tried to start my outboard motor, that's when it went crazy."
The fisherman described how the creature grabbed the stern of his boat and began shaking it violently. "It was strong as anything I ever seen. Lifted the whole back end of the boat right out of the water and started twisting it like a pretzel. I jumped overboard and swam for them cypress roots as fast as I could."
Texas Parks and Wildlife Warden Jim Patterson, who responded to Tatum's emergency radio call, confirmed finding unusual evidence at the scene. "The damage to Mr. Tatum's boat is unlike anything I've seen in twenty years of water rescue work. The aluminum hull was twisted and compressed in a way that would require tremendous strength."
Patterson also noted finding what appeared to be large footprints in the muddy shoreline near where Tatum was rescued. "We documented prints that measured approximately 17 inches long and 7 inches wide, with clear toe impressions. They don't match any known wildlife in East Texas."
Dr. William Dyer, a wildlife biologist at Stephen F. Austin State University, examined photographs of the prints and boat damage. "While I remain skeptical of 'Bigfoot' explanations, the physical evidence is intriguing. The print morphology doesn't match bear, which would be the most likely candidate for a large, powerful creature in this environment."
Harrison County Sheriff Johnny Klevenhagen said his department is investigating the incident but has not ruled out conventional explanations. "We're looking at all possibilities, including the chance that Mr. Tatum encountered someone operating illegal equipment in the area, possibly related to drug trafficking or other criminal activity."
However, Tatum firmly maintains his account. "I know what I seen, and it wasn't no person. This thing was huge, covered in hair, and strong enough to crush a bass boat with its bare hands. I'm just thankful to be alive."
The incident has renewed interest in Bigfoot research in East Texas. Lyle Blackburn, author of "Beast of Boggy Creek," plans to investigate the area this weekend. "The Caddo Lake region has always been a hotspot for cryptid activity. This latest encounter fits a pattern we've documented throughout the Ark-La-Tex region."
Meanwhile, local fishing guides report that several clients have cancelled trips to the area following news of Tatum's encounter. "People are spooked," said guide captain Bobby Joe Martinez. "Can't say I blame them. That's always been a weird part of the lake anyway."
Tatum, despite his traumatic experience, says he plans to return to fishing once he recovers and purchases a new boat. "I ain't gonna let no swamp monster keep me off the water. But I'll be carrying more than just fishing tackle next time."