Oak River Troll

Fortunately, Capt. Ron “Ahab” Broadus’ hospital stay was short, and once out he provided some extra input into fishing this fish-filled winter paradise.

“I also prefer to fish the section of Oak River from the Pencil Canal to Orange Bayou, but the section from the Pencil Canal to the split is very productive and should be prime this month — especially between Pointe Fienne to Bay Jack Nevette,” Broadus said.

He said many anglers fish successfully farther east along Oak River, even though he seldom does.

“My advice is to find the pattern: Find where the fish are holding, whether flat on the bottom, off to one side, or along the ledges, and once you find that fish it,” Broadus said. “Those patterns will hold out for a few days until fronts and changes in temperature disrupt it, so if you catch fish flat on the bottom in the middle today, you can probably duplicate that success tomorrow.”

He positions his boat according to prevailing weather conditions.

“In February we typically get a lot of northerly winds, so I like to anchor along the north bank and cast toward the middle,” Broadus said. “I use double rigs (with) at least one 3/8-ounce jig and get it to the bottom before slowly retrieving it, using short lifts with your rod occasionally.

“Sometimes we do better when we anchor in the middle and cast to the ledges on the side, so you’ll have to find the pattern and stick with it. The negative about anchoring in the middle is the traffic. You just have to deal with it and be courteous.”

But sitting in one spot isn’t the only option.

“Trolling and drifting in Oak River can be very productive if the winds and tides are not too strong,” Broadus said. “You can drift and drag — just drag your bait behind you as you slowly drift and troll, lifting your rod tip up occasionally and let it slowly fall back down.

“Or you can cast ahead and retrieve to you as you drift. It’s trickier because you have to reel to keep the slack out, and that can be impossible if you’re moving too fast due to wind or current. But when the conditions are right, it’s an effective way to fish Oak River.

“Personally, I have more success anchoring on the north side and casting toward the middle.”

Meanwhile, the twins caught some fish, managing to boat some reds, specks and several more bass before calling it a day.

About Rusty Tardo 370 Articles
Rusty Tardo grew up in St. Bernard fishing the waters of Delacroix, Hopedale and Shell Beach. He and his wife, Diane, have been married over 40 years and live in Kenner.