Guide’s switch from kahle hook to live bait hook improves catch rate under popping cork
The speckled trout bite has been consistent out of Shell Beach, and Capt. Jakamo Laboureur said his recent switch to a live bait hook under a popping cork is helping him put more fish in the box.
“I’ve always used a No. 1 kahle hook, but I’ve been using a No. 2 live bait hook from Owner, and it’s almost like a circle hook,” said Laboureur, who operates Jakamo South Fishing Adventures. “They don’t straighten, the wire is a little heavier than a kahle hook and it’s a little smaller.
“It’s made me a believer.”
The trout bite has been consistent fishing about 3 to 4 feet under a popping cork with live shrimp from Campo’s hooked through the crown, he said.
“The trout have been on the rocks in the MRGO (Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Canal) pretty easy, pretty much catching limits every day with the guides I work with,” he said. “Other than that, there’s been fish in Bay Eloi, and Black Bay has also been holding fish.”
For the most part, the specks have now moved into their typical summertime pattern, he said.
“I think they’re pretty much on their way out,” Laboureur said. “I think once the (Mississippi) river drops a little bit, the stuff west of the channel toward the river will light up pretty good.”
Despite the unsettled weather in the next several days, Laboureur expects the fishing to remain solid.
“It looks pretty good,” he said. “It looks like a 30 percent chance of storms on Thursday and Friday, but this time of year, I take that day by day.
“There’s going to be a 20 or 30 percent chance of thunderstorms every day now through August.”
