Features from February 2020

Columns - February 2020

  • 2019’s most-interesting game violations
    Violations are down in recent years,but some guys still don’t get it right. Oyster poaching highlights Louisiana’s wildlife violators in 2019.
  • A dish of Cajun spice
    On cold days, it’s nice to come inside and have a meal that is tasty, filling and warms you all over. This seafood/sausage chowder will do just that.
  • Go with your gut? Fishing in the info age
    Anglers scour media outlets seeking a mountain of information in hopes that their next fishing trip will be more successful.
  • Species spotlight: Channel catfish
    Channel catfish are known as the smallest of the “big three” species of catfish. The average size is about 16 inches, or 1½ pounds, but they can grow much larger.
  • Tree stand malfunctions
    By always wearing a safety harness in elevated stands, checking equipment and exercising many accidents can be prevented.
  • Winter catfish from a kayak
    If you pick your days and dress appropriately, chasing blue catfish in Lake Pontchartrain can make for a great day of fishing.
  • Yamamoto’s 4.5 Xl Tiny IKA has plenty of fishing uses
    Rig a Yamamoto 4.5 XL Tiny Ika for bass or speckled trout. It’s the perfect artificial for finesse fishing, as well as power fishing.

Outdoor Updates - February 2020

Field Notes - February 2020

Hot Spots - February 2020

  • Anacoco Lake is an overlooked north Louisiana crappie hotspot
    Don’t ignore Anacoco Lake when the crappie spawn approaches. This Leeville-area reservoir on the way to Toledo Bend gets very little fishing pressure.
  • Calm-weather hoos
    Milder winter that makes duck-hunting trips real duds can have a silver lining if you’re an offshore fisherman like Tyler Hatrel of Metarie.
  • Fausse Pointe slabs
    February and March are great months to catch early spring sac-a-lait at hotspots like Lake Fausse Point and Lake Dauterive.
  • Grand Isle: Go deep off the beaches
    Keith Bergeron, aka Captain Herk, is convinced that big speckled trout hang out year-round along the beaches of Grand Isle and Fourchon, including January and February.
  • Northshore slabs ready to spawn
    Ray Miller said February is when crappie are easily accessible in the Tchefuncte River because the spawn brings them into the shallows.
  • Sabine Lake’s specks are back
    There’s reason for optimism among trout fishermen on Sabine Lake. Overall, the lake is in fantastic condition, both salty and clear.
  • Stephensville slabs
    When Tommy Duplantier of Lafayette talks about his favorite area to catch sac-a-lait in February, he gets pumped up.
  • The tight-line fool
    Jeff Bruhl tight-lines crappie jigs to catch slabs this month. It’s a technique that requires a bit of practice because they are notoriously light biters.
  • Toledo Bend best bass month is at hand
    February is prime time to catch big bass at Toledo Bend. Low water shouldn’t slow down the action in what looks like is going to be a great time.