Louisiana Sportsman

Topwater troubles?

May 15, 2018 Patrick Bonin

May is a great month to throw topwater lures for speckled trout all along the coast, and it’s especially true in Big Lake.[…]

A redfish tournament is a game of fractions of an inch. A "perfect pincher" slid over a redfish tail can make the difference in ensuring a big red doesn't break the slot.

Play the ‘slots’ during redfish tournament

May 15, 2018 John Manion

For the uninitiated, redfish tournaments might seem the same as any other rodeo, where the heaviest fish wins. The difference is the introduction of the slot-sized fish; meaning only a certain length fish will do.[…]

A tournament fish finally makes the livewell. A freshly landed redfish appreciates some oxygen after the fight of its life; but a dead red will keep an angler off the leaderboard.

Livewell tips

May 15, 2018 John Manion

Weight deductions of half, to as much as a full pound, are assessed if tournament anglers bring in a dead fish. But it’s a delicate process to keep redfish alive in 90-plus degree temperatures in the blistering heat of Louisiana summers.[…]

Correct gear essential for deep-water jigging

May 15, 2018 Joel Masson

When fishing the reefs around Lake Pontchartrain, deep-water jigging is definitely the most rewarding way to catch speckled trout.[…]

The ol’ croaker hole

May 15, 2018 Capt. Steve Himel

Catching a bunch of croakers and frying them up whole is a childhood memory many locals still cherish. Today, it’s pretty much gone because trout and redfish get all the attention.[…]

Seabrook, Bonnabel worth a look, guide says

May 15, 2018 Joel Masson

To fish the reefs in Lake Pontchartrain, Capt. Ty Hibbs generally launches out of Seabrook, which gives him several good areas to hit before he tries the reefs.[…]

Proper deep-water anchoring techniques

May 15, 2018 Capt. Steve Himel

Not getting a proper anchor set is one of the most frustrating parts of fishing in deep water, both for those attempting to anchor, as well as others in the surrounding boats who are disturbed by it. […]

May 2018 ‘Yakin’ best bets

May 15, 2018 Chris Holmes

Black Bayou Lake is a premier fishery for bream, and it’s relatively under-fished. Power boats are limited to a 50-hp maximum engine size, and that prohibits the majority of bass boats. Personal watercraft (jet skis) are also prohibited. The lake is well protected by heavy tree cover, and provides perfect paddle craft fishing in a variety of weather conditions.[…]

Louisiana to field three participants in Hobie Fishing World Championships

May 15, 2018 Chris Holmes

Louisiana is known for world-class fishing, so it’s only natural that it also produces world-class kayak anglers. Preparations are under way for the Hobie Fishing World Championship 7, to be held in Amal, Sweden this May.[…]

New gear review

May 15, 2018 Chris Holmes

While a lot of the current splash surrounds pedal-drive kayaks, Jackson’s new Liska model is making waves for those that prefer traditional paddle ‘yaks. Born from the wildly popular Cuda series, the Liska offers many features and upgrades that make it perfect for kayak anglers looking to ply inshore waterways and even nearshore saltwater adventures.[…]

Can you keep bull sharks?

May 15, 2018 Jerald Horst

While many people, in Andy Jones’ experience, fish for alligator gar and bull sharks for the excitement that comes with catching hard-fighting fish with mouths full of big teeth, both species are indeed edible and in fact, delicious.[…]

‘Yak tournament tactics

May 15, 2018 Chris Holmes

Kayak tournament season is in high gear ,with tournaments being held across the state that cover a wide variety of formats and species. We caught up with some winners to get a few tips on their strategies for success.[…]