During two of the last three fishing seasons, the Empire area has been the launch pad for a delightful little trip to hell.
Three years ago, you could motor your boat out of the area, but if you took along your fishing pole, you were likely to be ticketed for fishing in an oil-impacted zone.
Two years ago, the oil was mostly gone, but it was replaced by a river that was higher than Whitney Houston during her Barbara Walters interview. (Too soon?)
But last year, there was no oil in sight and the river was crazy low throughout the spring and summer.
The speckled trout, not surprisingly, responded like the hungry, saltwater-loving creatures that they are, according to Jonathan Mathes of Delta Marina.
“Four Bayous (Pass) was just full of trout last May, and it stayed great throughout the summer,” he said.
Four Bayous is only a 17-mile run from Delta Marina, and most days, it’s well worth the trip.
“It’s really good — weather permitting,” Mathes said. “A light east wind is best, but the area is moody. You’ve got to play the weather.”
That’s because the Four Bayous area is so eroded and wide-open.
Mathes also mentioned No Man’s Land, Bay Adams and Pomme D’or as particularly fishy May hotspots on the west side of the river.
There are also plenty of options other than Battledore on the east side.
“But you have to get past California Point,” Mathes said.
He mentioned in particular Belle and Stone islands, as well as Whiskey Bay and the old Conservation Camp area.
“Stone is full of fish this time of year,” he said, “but you have to wait for the winds to chill out.”