Louisiana Sportsman

October 18, 2026

Jeb’s terminal rig is built around a lot of weight, a 2-ounce pyramid sinker, plus a ¼-ounce jighead.

This is brute fishing

July 15, 2018 Jerald Horst

“This isn’t finesse fishing,” chuckled Jeb loudly. “We want to get them in.”[…]

Leonard Kleinpeter mounted this brass plaque in Crackerhead to commemorate a long bream fishing friendship.

Bass, crappie and bream fishermen who frequent the canals of Crackerhead can’t help but to have seen a solid brass plaque mounted on one of a pair of modest-sized cypress trees standing in the water off a canal bank.[…]

Back in the day

July 15, 2018 Jerald Horst

Jeb and Tina Ard weren’t always catch-and-release, fish-for-fun anglers. Early in their marriage, the couple, both 43, fished for food. Especially for Jeb, fishing meant eating.[…]

Leonard Kleinpeter applies vanilla extract from a pump spray bottle to keep gnats at bay.

Tip of the day

July 15, 2018 Jerald Horst

He smelled so good I wanted to lick him.

Leonard Kleinpeter has just sprayed himself with bug repellant, but not the stinky stuff in a can.[…]

Stay mobile for maximum trout action

July 15, 2018 David A. Brown

If the notion of “shooting fish in a barrel” appeals to you, summer trout fishing probably won’t be your cup of tea. Sure, you may find a pile of fish, but finding implies looking — and this time of year often requires a lot of that.[…]

Kayak anglers can rent mini-sheds at PAC Kayak Rentals and keep their boats on site, eliminating the need to transport ‘yaks for each trip. It’s proven a popular option, and additional sheds are currently being built.

PAC Kayak Rentals Revisited

July 15, 2018 Chris Holmes

It was a little over two years ago when we reported on Louisiana’s first and only kayak-specific marina. When Eddie and Lisa Mullen opened Pointe-aux-Chenes (PAC) Kayak Rentals, it was something special. It’s even better now. They wanted to make a place that was specifically designed for the needs of kayak anglers.[…]

When the tide is moving hard at Bayou Black, bass can be found out on the edges of the reeds.

Pitching tips for Bayou Black

July 15, 2018 Chris Ginn

Pitching plastics at Bayou Black doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few tips Engerran passed along to help you be more successful.[…]

SeaDek foam traction pads offer stylish looks while making your kayak stealthier through noise reduction. They also reduce standing fatigue and make the deck cooler to the touch. The pads are easy to clean and resist mud and blood stains.

New gear reviews

July 15, 2018 Chris Holmes

SeaDek Kayak Traction Pads

Made from closed cell PE/EVA foam, SeaDek pad kits for kayaks offer an exceptional traction surface, and also add to a kayak’s stealth factor by reducing noises caused by dropping or hitting gear against the plastic deck. The cushiony foam also lessens fatigue from prolonged standing, and keeps the deck much cooler to the touch on hot summer days.[…]

July is a month where you might have to bounce around a bit, picking up a few fish at each stop. But those fish will quickly fill the cooler.

Be flexible to fill trout limits

July 15, 2018 Andy Crawford

Capt. Tommy Pellegrin always has a plan in mind when he leaves the dock. But he said he’s ready to zig and zag because, well, stuff happens.[…]

Thomas Dameron caught this nice redfish while kayak fishing in Pointe-aux-Chenes.

July’s Best Bets

July 15, 2018 Chris Holmes

How: Even though it is hot, the fishing on Toledo Bend has been good. Early mornings and late evenings are the most productive — and the most comfortable. Bass are hitting topwater baits fishing shallow early morning and evenings, but as the day wears on, they are heading deep. Throw drop-shot rigs, Texas-rigged plastics and deep-diving crankbaits.[…]

Pellegrin uses a No. 4 treble hook when fishing shrimp because he knows they will sink into flesh and won’t let go without the use of pliers.

Treble hooks hold tight

July 15, 2018 Andy Crawford

Capt. Tommy Pellegrin uses slip corks because they make it so easy to cast.

He uses slip corks because they make it so easy to cast, even working over deep water.[…]

Tippets

July 15, 2018 Catch Cormier

Early July should be great surf fishing for speckled trout. Try poppers starting at first light. An hour after the sun rises, switch to Clouser Minnows or other baitfish patterns. An intermediate or sink tip line will help get the fly down in the trough areas where the larger trout are feeding.[…]