According to Capt. Chris Danos (504-606-6223), there’s good reason to get to Pointe a la Hache this month, although he won’t personally be partaking of any of the action. (Due to an unfortunate accident, he required rotator cuff surgery that’ll keep him sidelined until December.)
But he said October should be the start of a great fall and winter season.
“I’m loving the early cold fronts and hoping it spurs a strong transition instinct in the trout population,” he said. “Once water temperatures begin to change I expect the trout to move into the bigger bays and hang along shorelines either near or right at the mouths of the various bayous, and at points and coves.
“In October I start fishing Bay Lafourche, Oak River Bay, Lake Campo, Pato Cabello and Four Horse Lake. Those would be my hunting grounds, if I was healthy enough to hunt. But they should still be in the same areas through November and into December.”
Danos said some really nice sized trout hung out a long time — well into September — at various Black Bay rigs and structures, but the action there became inconsistent.
If you’re heading out this month, Danos shared a few tips for a better trip.
“First, fish these areas on a falling tide,” he said. “Remember you want to mostly focus right at the mouths of the bayous or near them, depending on the current. On a stronger falling tide, back off into the bay a ways. At times with lighter tide movement, fish in the mouth itself. And use live shrimp under a cork.
“The trout are waiting in the bays by these bayous on the falling tides for the current to bring live shrimp right to them. For them, it’s like getting room service. So throw a live shrimp and catch a trout. Plastics will work, too, except for the days when they don’t, and you’ll regret not spending a few bucks for some live insurance.
“Second, you’ll likely do better drifting than anchoring up right off the bat. Unless you know a spot that is a definite producer, I suggest you drift and troll until you find the fish, then stick the Cajun anchor. I typically look for current lines and drift or troll along them while casting there. Some days the trout hang quite a distance from the mouth when the tide is falling hard. You’ll likely have to stick and move. Stick when you catch some, move when the action stops. And always try casting on all sides of the boat.
“Third, look for birds and fish them when you find them. They’ll be pouncing on shrimp from above and trout will be gulping them down from below. That’s when you want to toss your plastics double rigged, either with or without a cork. Also look for signs of bait in the water, and consider taking off your cork and try tight-lining plastic in the deeper passes, especially as we move into the fall months and the water and air tempertures get cooler.
“Last, if you want to catch some reds, anchor off at any prominent point in any of those same bays and bait your hook with a live or dead shrimp under a cork. They’ll find you.”
