Features from April 2024
Paul Paille makes a habit of fishing boat launches for bass and said they offer some of the most unique ambush points in the entire river.
People who want in on a lot of action can find it with bedding bream. Finding a bream bed is like hitting the jackpot.
The Lake Pontchartrain bridges and reefs create abundant excellent fish-attracting structure and can produce great catches.
Turkey hunting veteran Chuck Jones is finally getting some long overdue recognition for his time in the outdoor industry.
The new Louisiana regulations for speckled trout, which preserves more of the 3 year olds, will give our fishery a size boost.
Capt. Bruce Baugh is a local legend in Southwest Louisiana when it comes to wade fishing for the largest of Calcasieu Lake’s speckled trout.
Columns - April 2024
- Whether you kayak fish inshore saltwater or freshwater species, now is the time to break out the topwater lures.
- Louisiana has settled in on a redfish management plan that might check at least most of the boxes in a strategy to restore this species.
- This super simple turkey chili recipe incorporates one half of a wild turkey breast and ingredients that you can commonly find in your pantry.
- Vudu's HOT Mullet is the perfect imitation of a small finger mullet, a sought-after food source along any coast for inshore fish.
- Our editor did a little research and he thinks Taylor Swift must be a fisherwoman or outdoors person by looking at her song titles.
Outdoor Updates - April 2024
- Youth hunter turn out was good and Hunter Hoffman from Springfield won first place with a huge 241 1/8 Non-Typical buck that he killed on a Hunt of a Lifetime Hunt in Alabama.
- Louisiana recreational offshore fishermen will get about a six-week earlier jump on red snapper this spring.
- Public comments were heard concerning the proposed black bear hunting season during the LWFC March meeting.
- On Friday, Feb. 23, Randy Gauntt boated a 12.14-pound lunker bass, and the next day, Wesley Banks put an 11.46-pound trophy in his boat.
- Derek Battenfield of Nederland, Texas, caught a 12.92-pound bass while fishing at Toledo Bend on March 10, 2024.
- The bass fishery at Toledo Bend Reservoir is on fire, spitting out big fish at a clip of better than one per day.
- Colby Hand, Russell Aucoin and Levi Thibodaux all caught double-digit bass at Toledo Bend at the end of February.
- Sid Wilde of Robert was fishing at Bussey Brake Reservoir on March 8 when he caught a new lake record bass that weighed 15.78 pounds.
Hot Spots - April 2024
- April’s going to be on fire. Things are going to pop big time at Toledo Bend and we’ll see more double-digit bass.
- According to Capt. Ryan Vincent of Reel Cajun Fishing, fishing action picks up in April and just gets better after that in Lafitte.
- According to Sam Jenkins of Abita Springs, a bass tournament competitor, now is the time to seize the moment at the Tchefuncte River.
- Kirk Stansel of Hackberry Rod and Gun knows the potential this time of year for West Cove. It’s a gold mine for speckled trout.
Field Notes - April 2024
- Garrett Hooker of Gardner and Sam Rachal of Elmer, both 17 and Oak Hill High School Bass Fishing Club team members, are riding a hot streak.
- The best way to locate a spot to elk hunt is through a guide, but if you want to do it on your own, Andy Dyess of Madison, Miss., has advice.
- April is a great time to get out to your favorite waterway and catch redfish. Live shrimp are one of the best baits to use.
- The Lake Bistineau State Park is a good place to stay when fishing or exploring Lake Bistineau, or “Big Broth.”