Offshore Fishing
All about banks
For most offshore-fishing Louisianans, the existence of hard rock banks off their coast is unknown except for the one commonly called the “Midnight Lump.”[…]
South Central LA
Ask Captain Paul
The Pickets
As most know, the owner of the Pickets — Apache Oil Corporation — were in May in the process of removing some of the rig platforms that are no longer producing These platforms are in the Ship Shoal Leased Area, Block 26 area in Caillou Bay. […]
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Cocodrie Wonderland — Fish for exotic species around this offshore oasis
Our boat was drifting on a cobalt-blue sea about 220 over a limestone-capped, coralline-encrusted “mountain.” We were out to catch what our skipper, Tommy Pellegrin, called “Cocodrie exotics” — a term he uses to describe the big variety of reef fish he catches from natural bottoms.[…]
Events & Announcements
‘Great New Orleans Gun Grab’ author part of gun-rights documentary
A new documentary prominently featuring a book by former Louisiana Sportsman editor Todd Masson and Gordon Hutchinson will show in theaters across the country in the next couple of months.[…]
Bass Fishing
14-inch minimum ends in Basin
A 14-inch minimum-length regulation that has been in place since Hurricane Andrew blasted the Atchafalaya Basin becomes a thing of the past Thursday (June 20) after the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved its removal.[…]
Inshore Fishing
Proceed with caution when fishing Raccoon Island
Raccoon Island’s productivity comes with a price, especially for anglers unfamiliar with its dynamics — both natural and man-made.[…]
Inshore Fishing
High Life Swimmers tough for speckled trout to resist
Every year, as we enter the summer doldrums, trout start to shy away from live shrimp. Old salts say it’s because their mouths get sore from being pierced by so many shrimp horns.[…]
Inshore Fishing
Don’t let easterly breezes scare you off — Fish Dularge’s inside waters
During the months of May and June, most anglers get a hankering to fish outside areas where the specks are big and hit with more attitude than Tito Ortiz.[…]
Freshwater Fishing
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
Another national wildlife refuge that is an absolute must for canoe and kayak anglers is Lacassine. As in years past, the refuge’s pool that is reserved for non-motorized boats has produced monster bass this spring.[…]
Freshwater Fishing
Float plan
Few people utilize a float plan, plain and simple. But they are important to prevent a mishap from becoming dangerous.[…]
News Breaker
Wetlands conservation grant to fund Terrebonne Parish project
A section of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands is about to get a major shot in the arm.[…]
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Greener on the Other Side — How to fish Raccoon Island without fighting the crowds
Fishing the islands means different things to Louisiana speckled trout connoisseurs. Masses of pulverized shell, thick spartina grass rimmed by hidden oyster reefs and even near-perfect circles of roseau cane all have their place in different areas along the coast for anglers to hoist healthy yellowmouths over the gunnels.[…]
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Phony Fishermen — Live bait isn’t needed to load up on Dularge trout
Live bait was designed by Satan himself.
It’s surely not a coincidence, then, that it’s all Louisiana speckled trout will hit in the heart of summer when the air is thick and heavy, and temperatures are hotter than hell.[…]
Contents
Refuge-relax — Head to Bayou Teche NWR for a quiet day of fishing
The balsawood float sailed through the air like a bullet with purpose to the predetermined target making a sploosh as it hit the water.[…]
News Breaker
Agreement allows the Pickets to remain
It appears that Ship Shoal 26 — better known as “the Pickets” and serving as a trout-fishing Mecca — will continue to be a fishing hotspot for the time being. But for how long remains the question.[…]
Inshore Fishing
Reader offers advice
Dear Capt. Paul:
I recently wrote to you about the data card on my Garmin 182c not reading, and you posted the article in the April Louisiana Sportsman magazine. I am writing today to give you the results.[…]