Features from June 2020
The surf-fishing at Elmer’s Island in Grand Isle usually produces some great speckled trout, including some trophies in spring.
Every bass angler knows vegetation attracts their prey, but what do you do when faced with miles of salad? These pros tell you how to focus your efforts.
Don’t let muddy water keep your bass boat in the garage. Bass pro Greg Hackney shares his tips on catching bass in water that’s downright muddy.
Does Louisiana have another big splurge of trophy trout? Take tips from these trophy trout masters in case Louisiana has a run of big specks this year.
Do you have to have live bait when fishing offshore? Well, it doesn’t hurt. But choose the right jig for the job, and you could be fighting bigger fish.
Doing battle with Louisiana’s sunfish is limited only by an angler’s imagination. Check out these different ways that Ray Jones puts them on his stringer.
Oklahoma guide Josh Jones says technology has changed the way he targets crappie and other gamefish. Here’s what he thinks.
Finding Louisiana speckled trout in June is a matter of understanding the fish and water salinity. Understanding the process can put you on a lot more fish.
Columns - June 2020
- The Mister Twister Sassy Swimmer is a great jig and spinnerbait trailer, but it also works great for bass when rigged by itself.
- There are still some big speckled trout in Louisiana, and Todd Masson had the good fortune of running across one on a recent trip with Capt. Ty Hibbs.
- Yellowfin tuna swim throughout all the tropical and subtropical oceans of the earth. These big, bluewater fish are fun to catch and quite tasty.
- Speckled trout are great targets for Louisiana kayak fishermen when summer arrives. There is no better time than now to chase trout in the kayak.
- The author has added a new, improved jighead to the arsenal he takes to the water when he’s targeting trophy speckled trout.
Outdoor Updates - June 2020
- Brian Carlos of Luling landed a monster triggerfish that was a catch of a lifetime and would have smashed the existing state record for that species.
- Queen Bess Island restoration project will help brown pelican rookery and was a top priority for state and federal fish and wildlife management agencies.
- In April, Lake Charles’ Brian Windsor found some great quality trout in Calcasieu Lake. High numbers of speckled trout over 12-inches were also reported.
- CCA Louisiana’s 26th annual STAR Tournament, which runs from May 23-Sept. 7, has prizes offered including a dozen boats and prizes approaching $500,000.
- Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission members received an update on the status of Louisiana’s flounder fishery at the May 7 meeting.
- Members of the commission decided to vote down a previously passed amendment banning the sale of untested deer urine products in Louisiana.
- Many Louisiana anglers will head out on May 22 into the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy the opening of the 2020 recreational red snapper season.
- Travis Meche Sr. hooked an 8.82-pound bass on May 2 in Sandy Cove at Lake Fausse Pointe. It was the fifth 8-pound class bass reported since mid-February.
- Beginning June 1, migratory bird hunters, including waterfowl hunters, will be required to complete the Harvest Information Program certification process.
- There are multiple nonprofits and organizations in Louisiana that provide opportunities for disabled citizens to participate in outdoors activities.
- The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission announced the 2020 recreational red snapper season will begin on Friday, May 22.
- While individuals have been able to “socially distance” to fish, big professional events like bass and crappie tour events have been postponed or cancelled.
- Lake D’Arbonne give up two big lunker bass for lucky angler Blake Burnett of Eros, La., on back-to-back days back in March.
- Restoration project in Terrebonne Parish fixing many problems. Construction began on the first phase at the West Belle Pass headland in February.
- So many people were stuck at home because of the pandemic that in early April, stores ran short of and even out of crickets.
- Steven Prudhome hooked a lunker Toledo Bend bass on a Texas-rigged, black-red-flake Zoom Ol’ Monster worm in Housen on Saturday, May 2.
- For the first time in its 65-year history, the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Field Notes - June 2020
- Here are five reasonably priced gifts that a fishing or hunting Dad would love to unwrap this Father’s Day on June 21, 2020.
- Angler David Meyers explains how he learned to use macaroni boiled in crab boil for mangrove snapper chum from an old timer.
- Bass pro Tyler Rivet is very serious about his penchant and passion for catching bass on plastic frogs, namely Scum Frog Pro Series models.
- Don’t be afraid to tie on a crankbait around heavy cover. Greg Hackney’s go-to lure for June is a Strike King KVD 1.5 or 2.5. Baits with two treble hooks.
- Fishermen addicted to the thrill of a topwater bite will absolutely love what bass pro Brett Preuett of Monroe ties on in June.
- Capt. Art Jones of Orange Beach, Ala., shares his techniques for catching big red snapper, including the bait and line to use.
- Prepared redfish for the table every way possible? Try this redfish ceviche recipe. It can be an appetizer or a main dish and is perfect for summer.
- From Caddo Lake to Lake Seminole, Toledo Bend and Lake Sam Rayburn, bass pro Randy Allen of GIlliam will use a Zoom Super Fluke in June.
Hot Spots - June 2020
- Grand Isle is a must-fish south Louisiana hotspot in June. Redfish can be caught in the marshes, and speckled trout can be found near the beaches.
- Owen “Big O” Langridge, a guide who fishes out of Venice Marina, said the trout and redfish action was excellent through April and May, and he’s expecting more of the same in June.
- Huge numbers of smaller, male speckled trout await Shell Beach anglers in June. They should target the MRGO rocks and outer bays.
- Tripletail fit the bill if you’re looking for tasty fishing action. The average fish caught in southwest Louisiana is in the 5- to 15-pound range.
- Veteran Chicot Lake angler Andre Oliver said bass fishing should be great when the lake re-opens. Chicot State Park was closed to the public March 18.
- Higher water gives Toledo Bend anglers more options for bass in June. Idle around focusing on your electronics to pick out ridges, creeks and drains.
- The Chandeleur Islands are roughly a 40- to 45-mile boat ride from Venice, Hopedale Marina or Mississippi ports, and can be a dynamic fishery.