Bayou Catholic Outdoor Guide June 2016

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Bayou Outdoor Guide Summer 2016

s o e d o R g n i Fish ition Ed HOUMA, LA ~ JUNE 2016 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Contents

On Our Cover

Bayou Outdoor Guide Summer 2016

Saltwater Fishing Rodeos

Capt. Bill Lake of Bayou Guide Fishing Charters caught this redfish in late spring of this year down in Dularge. Capt. Lake says that the redfish are so plentiful that you can pretty much catch them anytime you want. Redfish are aggressive, and they don’t get wary much especially if there’s a lack of fishing pressure in the vicinity.

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Cover photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Time to catch the summer Blues

Big game fishing sizzles this summer

Redfish opportunities abound this summer

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Speckled trout await anglers this summer

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Advertisers Index Associated Pump & Supply Co., Inc. ... 7 Barker Honda ..................................... 11 Bayou Guide Fishing Charters ......... 16 Charles A. Page & Sons ..................... 14 Coastal Mechanical Contractors, Inc. .17 Dagate’s Marine ................................... 9 Daigle Himel Daigle ............................ 13 Data Management Services ............... 24 Evolution Marine ................................ 23 Family Vision Clinic ............................ 12 G & F Sporting Center ........................ 19

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

Galiano Wealth Management Group... 22 H & H Marine ........................................ 6 Jones Insurance ................................. 25 KEM Supply House, Inc. .................... 19 LeBlanc & Associates, LLC ................ 12 M & L Engine ...................................... 20 Pellegrin Marine, Inc. ........................... 5 Robichaux Ford .................................. 21 Southland Dodge Jeep ........................ 3 Synergy Bank ..................................... 15 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ............. 18

Tips for saltwater fishing

Attention

Rodeo Chairperson: If you would like to have your rodeo listed in the Summer 2017 Bayou Outdoor Guide email information to: bayoucatholic@ htdiocese.org

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Outdoor Guide

2016 Louisiana Saltwater Fishing Rodeos CAPTAIN BILL LAKE/BAYOU GUIDE FISHING CHARTERS

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Swollfest Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: June 8-11 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina Contact: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500

Creole Classic Place: Grand Isle Date: June 23-25 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419

CASA of Hope Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: July 9 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419

Krewe of Terreanians Fishing Rodeo Place: Houma Date: June 10-12 Headquarters: Houma Municipal Auditorium Contact: (985) 855-2084

LA Pipeliners Association Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: June 23-25 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina

Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: July 16-18 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina Contact: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500

ABC Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: June 16-18 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina Contact: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500 Annual KC Council 8779 Fishing Rodeo (Freshwater, saltwater, offshore and children’s divisions) Place: Theriot-Houma area Date: June 17-19 Headquarters: Knights of Columbus Home Theriot, LA Contact: Michael Hebert (985) 709-1390 Annual E.D. White Open Family Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: June 18 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

Krewe of Houmas Invitational Saltwater Fishing Rodeo Place: Cocodrie Date: June 24-25 Headquarters: CoCo Marina Contact: Charlie Pitre (985) 226-8788 Golden Meadow – Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo Place: Golden Meadow (Port Fourchon) Date: June 30, July 1-2 Headquarters: Port Fourchon Marina Contact: Chris Moran (985) 396-2728 Fourchon Oilman’s Association Fishing Rodeo Place: Port Fourchon Date: July 7-9 Headquarters: Port Fourchon Marina Contact: Port Fourchon Marina (985) 396-2792

South Lafourche Cheerleading Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: July 23 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419 International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: July 28-30 Headquarters: Rodeo Pavilion near the Sand Dollar Motel and Marina East end of Island Contact: Heather Martin (985) 306-0535 Big Game Vintage Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: TBA Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina Contact: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500

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www.bayoucatholic.com

Outdoor Guide

2016 Louisiana Saltwater Fishing Rodeos

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Terrebonne Sportsman’s League 66th Annual International Fishing Rodeo (freshwater, offshore, shoreline, saltwater bowfishing, scuba) Place: Houma Date: Aug. 5-7 Headquarters: East Park Recreation Center Contact: Troy Bonvillain (985) 804-7504

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A E R

Mike Bourgeois (Big Daddy) Memorial Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Aug. 6 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419

Boondoggle Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Aug. 11-13 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

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St. Matthew’s Episcopal School Back to School Fishing Rodeo Place: Cocodrie Date: Aug. 26-27 Headquarters: CoCo Marina Contact: fishforsmes.eventbrite.com Seventh Annual “Ride the Bull” Extreme Kayak Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Aug. 27 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419

CAPTAIN BILL LAKE/BAYOU GUIDE FISHING CHARTERS

The 28th Annual Hercules Fishing Rodeo Place: Houma Air Base Arena Date: Aug. 12-14 Headquarters: Houma Air Base Arena Contact: Dwane Boudoin (985) 688-6614

The Annual Grand Isle Original Redfish Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Sept. 2-4 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419 The Annual Caminada Redfish Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Sept. 23-25 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina Contact: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500

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Ladies Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Oct. 8 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419

Attention

Rodeo Chairperson: If you would like to have your rodeo listed in the Summer 2017 Bayou Outdoor Guide email information to: bayoucatholic@ htdiocese.org 7

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Outdoor Guide

Big game fishing action

Sizzles in the summer south of Cocodrie

CAPTAIN JESSE LUGUETTE/MISTA J SPORTFISHING

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By Chris Berzas In the summer, big-game fishing activities soar as temperatures increase in the Gulf of Mexico’s waters south of Cocodrie.

And the Bayou Catholic readership is fortunate to live very close to what is known as one of the nation’s finest destinations for offshore fishing.

There are just so many species to fish for out of Cocodrie.

Not too far out, anglers can tussle with bull redfish, cobia and a variety of snappers.

Perhaps the most prized species are yellowfin tuna found in locations far offshore such as the fabled Green Canyon.

Capt. Jesse Luquette with Mista J Sportfishing headquartered in Dulac experienced a very special trip to the Green Canyon in June 2015.

“We left the dock at Noon and set off to Green Canyon for an overnight fishing trip,” Luquette said.

“When we arrived we also witnessed a good number of boats out there participating in a blue marlin tournament.”

As soon as the anglers began the first troll, the yellowfins were on.

Reels were screaming and lines were metering out due to the long and strong runs this species is well noted for.

“We ended up the night with 18 yellowfin averaging 90 pounds,” Luquette said. “Our largest fish went 145 pounds.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

“We also did some deep dropping at depths of 100 feet,” he said.

“Besides the yellowfins, we headed back to the docks with 50 golden tilefish averaging 20 pounds – the largest of which was 34 pounds.

“It was just a great night with lots of action and fish.”

For the summer of 2016, Luquette expects another great season at Green Canyon for marlin, yellowfins and mahi-mahi (dolphinfish).

Interested in battling the brutes far offshore?

Then read on to find such adventure this summer.

“We see many more bull dolphins in June, July and August,” he said.

As for baits for yellowfins, Luquette’s daytime preferences are medium-sized hardtails slow trolled 50 to 100 yards behind his 39-foot Venture. He chums with live pogeys, and the prop wash brings up the tuna.

At night, anglers switch to freelining chunks of blackfin at given depths.

“When clients want action for blue marlin, we set out a spread of Fathom Offshore Big Game lures, specifically surface lures,” Luquette said.

Wahoo will also be available during the summer and Luquette often gets some of the larger of these fish hooked when pulling baits for blue marlin.

Of course, there’s red snapper in season, and Luquette will also target cobia (ling).

Both red snapper and mangrove snapper will be targeted 10 to 15 miles offshore in depths ranging from 30 feet all the way to 200 feet.

Cut pogey, hardtails and live bait are used during red snapper trips.

“We will also find cobia around the satellite rigs in depths of 90 to 100 feet,” he said. “We use lighter tackle and H&H lures for cobia, also catching some on live bait at times.

“In June there will be a run of shrimp boats over depths of 250 feet, and we will catch cobia and blackfin behind these boats.”

Luquette will also engage in fishing the depths for gag grouper and scamp grouper and will also hook up to the larger warsaws. The grouper fishing can be experienced all summer long.

In August, the guide will take advantage of the recreational amberjack season finding them near rigs south of Cocodrie

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from the South Timbalier Block to west of Eugene Island.

And on his 2016 offshore adventure list, Luquette will be offering swordfishing trips when they are available to be targeted.

As you can read from above, there’s a wealth of offshore fishing adventure available along the Louisiana coastline right near home.

For more information, contact Jesse Luquette at Mista J Sportfishing at (337) 453-6311 or visit his Facebook Page: Mista J Sportfishing.

Offshore anglers are reminded that in addition to their basic and saltwater licenses, they must have in their possession a valid recreational offshore landing permit (ROLP) when landing the following species or species groups: tunas, swordfish, billfish, snapper, amberjack, grouper, hinds, cobia, wahoo and dolphinfish.

For more information on the free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) and to obtain a permit please visit http://www.wlf. la.gov/rolp.

CAPTAIN JESSE LUGUETTE/MISTA J SPORTFISHING

The Bayou Catholic readership is fortunate to live very close to what is known as one of the nation’s finest destinations for offshore fishing. Yellowfin tuna are highly sought after in big-game fishing. Capt. Jesse Luquette with Mista J Sportfishing in Dulac found these beauties far offshore in the Green Canyon.

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Outdoor Guide

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he t h c t a c o t e m Ti summertime

By Chris Berzas We were armed and ready.

As a family complete with grandchildren, we walked the long walkway to the extended pier set out on the saltwater lake.

All were carrying dip nets, drop nets, handlines and a host of bait to include turkey necks, chicken necks and cut-up fish heads.

As grandfather of the bunch, I worked hard for 45 minutes or so attaching line to drop nets and affixing the bait to the center of these contraptions.

The children and grandchildren made quick work of tying turkey and chicken nets to handlines and readying the dip nets for some quick scooping.

“We’ll start by checking them in Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

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10-minute intervals,” I said to the group.

As the nets and lines were setting in the water, my sons began casting artificial baits in the hopes of catching some white trout that frequented the area near the pier.

“OK, it’s time to check,” I announced when the prescribed minutes had passed.

“Got some over here,” said my granddaughter Joann who was just elated to be on her first crabbing trip with the family.

Watching her smile I was so happy to see her not glued to the cellphone on social media or downloading music for a good change of behavior.

My grandsons too were excited as I hurriedly opened the cooler

allowing them to drop the blue crabs into the containers from drop nets and dip nets.

Later that night, we had more than enough enjoying three dozen fresh-boiled blue crabs with the lagniappe of freshly-fried fillets of plenty white trout.

Recreational crabbing in Louisiana reaches its peak of popularity in July. All along Louisiana’s coast, children, teenagers and adults can often be observed pulling up nets or gently lifting a line with blue crabs hanging tightly to chicken necks or a variety of other meaty baits.

There are numerous places to get into recreational crabbing, and these include just about anywhere you can get access to the water.

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If you’re in a boat, then you have just about the entire eastern coastline, and numerous, inland shallow lakes.

For those families without boats, there is Pointe-aux-Chenes (PAC) Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes southeast of Houma.

According to Jeff Marx, marine fisheries crustacean biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, there is ample room for family enjoyment of this activity surrounding PAC WMA. “There are roadside locations and areas around the boat launches,” Marx said. “We also have some new docks recently constructed there to do some fishing or crabbing for those without boats near the PAC WMA headquarters.

“There’s also a narrow shoulder with road access to crabbing by Island Road on the southern boundary of the unit.”

The biologist also said many of the launches provide access to

crabbing and these include Bason’s boat launch, Big Bayou Blue Marina, the Grand Bayou Unit public launch, the PAC Marina and the Pointe Barre Road public launch.

There is a limit at PAC WMA which is 12 dozen crabs per vehicle.

Grand Isle is also an extremely popular area beckoning recreational crabbers. Grand Isle State Park is a good option to drop a net or a line, as well as the old bridge.

As for license needs, Louisiana regulations indicate “Any person using crab nets or crab lines for the purpose of taking crabs for recreational purposes shall not be required to purchase or possess a basic recreational fishing license or be required to purchase a gear license. However, persons using crab nets or crab lines on Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) or refuges must possess a basic recreational fishing license or a Wild Louisiana Stamp.”

It is important to note that state WMAs and National Wildlife

Refuges (NWRs) also have differing rules with regard to prohibition of certain types of recreational gear as well as varying daily limits.

Therefore, it is better to check with the headquarters and regulations of the area you visit for recreational crabbing before heading out. Some WMAs and NWRs in Louisiana also mandate a daily permit.

Louisiana regulations also indicate that there is no minimum recreational size limit for blue crabs. The daily and possession limit is 12 dozen per person. Some state WMAs, refuges and NWRs mandate a 12 dozen per vehicle or boat limit.

Also, rules maintain that no person shall possess adult female crabs in the berry stage (i.e., carrying the eggs or young attached to the abdomen). All crabs in the berry stage taken by any means shall be returned immediately to the waters.

Have a great summer and get into the blues.

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Outdoor Guide

Krewe of Terreanians fishing tourney is June 10-12

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

The 17th Annual Krewe of Terreanians Fishing Tournament is scheduled for June 10-12.

Headquarters for the event is the Houma Municipal Auditorium, 800 Verret Street. The tournament features saltwater, freshwater and an offshore division. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes will be given away.

Awards will be given in the saltwater division for redfish 27 inches and over, redfish under 27 inches, speckled trout, drum, flounder, five redfish stringer under 27 inches and five speckled trout stringers. Offshore division: red snapper lunker, $500 first place only. Miscellaneous: Largest fish, $300 first place. Freshwater division: bass, catfish, sac-a-lait, perch and five bass stringer.

Children’s division: children 4-12 years fish free, redfish under 27 inches, trout, drum, bass, sac-alait and perch.

Tickets are $30. Scales open Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For more info call (985) 855-2084.

K of C Council 8779 fishing rodeo June 17-19

CAPTAIN BILL LAKE/BAYOU GUIDE FISHING CHARTERS

The Knights of Columbus Council 8779 will host its 31st Annual Fishing Rodeo on June 17-19. The headquarters for this year’s rodeo will be at the Knights of Columbus Home, 1331 Dr. Beatrous Rd. The rodeo has categories for all anglers.

Children age 10 years or under can enter fish in the children’s division free if one of their parents has a rodeo ticket. The motto of the rodeo as always is “Take Your Children Fishing,” and the goal is to promote a community activity where the whole family can come together to enjoy friendly competition with other families. Scale hours: Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prizes awarded at 6 p.m. There will be live music, and food and drinks will be available for purchase beginning at Noon on Sunday.

Tickets are available at most area sporting goods and marine supply stores, and from any member of the St. Eloi Knights of Columbus Council No. 8779.

With the purchase of a rodeo ticket you are eligible to win one of many door prizes, including a first place cash prize.

For more information, contact Michael Hebert at (985) 709-1390.

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Outdoor Guide

32nd Annual Creole Classic set June 23-25

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The 32nd Annual Creole Classic Fishing Tournament will be held June 23-25 at Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle. There will be adult’s and children’s categories.

Rodeo tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12.

There will also be a “BBY Calcutta” ticket for $25. With the purchase of each ticket, individuals receive a hat. There will be a kick-off party with food Thursday evening at Bridge Side Marina; and live music on Saturday night, June 25, by Good Feelings.

All events including the weighin will be held at the Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle.

The categories this year will be: adult – speckled trout, white trout, bull red (over 27 inches, rat red (under 27 inches), drum, sheepshead, flounder, lemon fish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and snapper; children – catfish, rat red (under 27 inches), flounder and speckled trout.

For more information call the Bridge Side Marina at (985) 7872419.

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

Golden MeadowFourchon Tarpon Rodeo June 30-July 2 Eddie Callais, president of the Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo, would like to announce that the 68th annual rodeo will take place June 30, through July 2, at Fourchon Marina, 288 Flotation Canal Road, Port Fourchon, LA. This year’s admiral is Ashley Barrios, who is the first female admiral in the 68-year history of the rodeo. Everyone is invited to attend this year’s festivities which include an adult’s and children’s division in both fresh and saltwater, and a scuba division. Adult divisions tickets are $25 and children’s division (12 and under) tickets are $10. Music is scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. One can also earn the title of “King of the Catch” in the rodeo’s annual cook-off. The cook-off will take place on Friday, July 1 at Moran’s Marina. Tasting begins at 4 p.m. Cook-off teams will serve up dishes featuring local Louisiana seafood.

All funds raised at the rodeo go to benefit South Lafourche High School students with academic scholarships. Tickets can be purchased at many local establishments and at Moran’s Marina at Fourchon. For more information check the Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo website at (www. fourchontarponrodeo.com).

CAPTAIN TOMMY PELLEGRIN/CUSTOM CHARTERS

www.bayoucatholic.com

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Outdoor Guide

Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is July 28-30

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The Annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, set for July 28-30, will be held under the Pavilion at the end of Hwy. 1 in Grand Isle. This is the rodeo’s 94th year.

Activities include the Wednesday afternoon harbor tour on the Coast Guard Cutter followed by the presentation of the rodeo queen and her maids.

The Pavilion opens to the public on Thursday. There will be fish displays, and charitable, educational and food booths open. The children’s crab races will begin at 2 p.m. under the Pavilion. The scales will close at 8 p.m. There will be live entertainment Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m.; and Friday from 7 to 11 p.m.

There will be many food, and arts and craft vendors.

The awards ceremony will take place in the Pavilion on Saturday beginning at approximately 8 p.m.

Weigh station hours are Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo has over 3,000 participants competing for over 100 trophies in first, second and third place prize fish. All categories of fish, including tag and release programs, are clearly listed in the program, which comes with the purchase of a ticket.

This year’s rodeo president is Donny Rouse. This year’s admiral is Barry Kern.

Adult and children divisions are included. Children’s crab races remain the same along with the children’s fishing division. For information, visit www.tarponrodeo.org.

CAPTAIN BILL LAKE/BAYOU GUIDE FISHING CHARTERS

Capt. Bill Lake Over 20 years charter experience

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Outdoor Guide

Speckled trout Summer has arrived

By Chris Berzas It had been a not-so-decent morning fishing with my cousin Ronald Lavergne.

Together, we found a few redfish in a current line running south with the tide.

The fish were taken along points where the line edged closer to deeper waters.

But we were actually looking for speckled trout so we were forced to make some changes.

Heading a few miles south, we eventually found schools of small mullet rafting everywhere.

“We may have found the specks,” I suggested.

Casting into the rafting schools with VuDu Shrimp 18 under popping corks however produced nothing.

“These schools are not even disturbed at all,” Lavergne said. “I have been watching for surface activity and nothing is happening.”

Lavergne was exactly correct. When we first discovered the raft of fish we thought for certain we found the specks – but we were wrong.

An hour passed by and suddenly I saw the familiar sight of shrimp vaulting out of the water.

I cast in that direction and was immediately rewarded with my popping cork disappearing into the depths.

Lavergne too had hooked up and was working a trout to the boat.

Just an hour later, we had 15 speckled trout ranging from 14 to 20 inches in the cooler.

We kept fishing another couple of hours until we had

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CAPTAIN BILL LAKE/BAYOU GUIDE FISHING CHARTERS

reached our limits.

Lesson learned, Lavergne and I discovered we just had to find the shrimp. The speckled trout were demonstrably particular that afternoon.

Summer is here again, and Louisiana coastal anglers will be out in force chasing the most-sought-after inland species along the Louisiana coastline.

And veteran Capt. Bill Lake of Houma knows well how to find and catch plenty speckled trout in the Bayou Catholic readership area.

He remembers a very special trip made in June 2015 while taking a gamble.

“It was early June and I decided to take the trip to Ship Shoals 58,” he said. “The waters were just calm and slick, and I suspected that we could possibly get into some good trout.”

Arriving at the location, Lake was happy to see there were no other boats around.

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“We started dropping chicken-on-a-chain Wedgetail Mullets in 25 feet of water,” he said. “On the very first couple of drops, we hooked up on some bluefish.

‘We added a little more weight and about midway down each of us had two trout at about three pounds on double-rigged Wedgetail Mullets.”

By the end of the trip, Lake and his clients boated over 80 speckled trout ranging three to five pounds.

“We had a lot of doubles, and it was a fantastic trip,” he said.

This summer, Lake advises anglers that they will be able to find good numbers of speckled trout at the new Pickets artificial reef.

“In April, we have already taken some good fish there,” he said. “One morning we pulled up there and had 350 fish averaging 18 inches in the cooler. So I suspect that in June that will be the place to be.”

Lake said that later on as summer progresses anglers will be targeting trout on Ship Shoals 27, 28, 33 and 58.

“Ship Shoals 58 is a small platform and it can get

Summer is here and numbers of speckled trout await anglers.

Read on where and how to get in the action. covered up pretty easy with four to five boats,” he said.

“But you can catch trout in the five-pounds range at 58.”

At all these summer locations, Lake and his clients will be casting mostly plastics to include Wedgetail Mullets, Wedgetail Eels, Bayou Chubs and VuDu Shrimp.

“Our primary colors for the Wedgetail Mullets and Wedgetail Eels are chicken-on-a-chain,” he said. “When we use Bayou Chubs, we cast LSU and Cajun pepper colors.

“We will also double-rig four-inch VuDu shrimp at times and cast them with less weight allowing them to suspend and really catch a bunch of trout when conditions allow.”

Of course, in many of these locations numbers of specks can be taken on live shrimp under popping corks especially farther inshore and when birds are hovering over the action.

As for a speckled trout forecast for 2016, Lake is thus far impressed with his catches since April.

“But you never know for sure,” Lake said. “I remember May 2000 when catches were great early but dropped off sharply in the summer.

“I am not saying that will happen again this year, it’s just that a long-term forecast can often be misleading.”

For more fishing information and guide service, Capt. Bill Lake can be reached at (985) 637-3712. You can also visit his website at www.captlake.com.

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Outdoor Guide

Terrebonne Sportman’s League Rodeo Aug. 5-7

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The Terrebonne Sportsman’s League will be hosting its 66th Annual International Fishing Rodeo and auction Aug. 5-7. The headquarters for this event will be the East Park Recreation Center in Houma.

This international rodeo has categories for all anglers – freshwater, offshore, shoreline, saltwater, tag and release, catch and release, and scuba – with over 120 places to be awarded.

Tickets are $25. Merchandise such as rods and reels, and other fishing related items will be awarded to all winners. A fishing rodeo shirt and cap is included with each entry ticket.

The main weigh station is at the East Park Recreation Center.

Weigh station hours are Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for scuba, and 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. for all others.

Following the weigh-in on Sunday there will be a live auction with items for everyone. After the auction will be the awards ceremony.

The Terrebonne Sportsman’s League, Inc. is the oldest and one of the largest leagues in the state. While hosting one of the largest fishing rodeos in the state, the Terrebonne Sportsman’s League is dedicated to the conservation and protection of Louisiana’s coastal environment and natural marine resources.

For more details, contact Troy Bonvillain (985) 804-7504, Larry Jordan (985) 601-4110, or Mike Bonvillain (985) 860-4664.

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We Are Your Power Source Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

Grand Isle Original Redfish Rodeo Sept. 2-4 The 55th Annual Grand Isle Original Redfish Rodeo will be held Sept. 2-4, Labor Day Weekend, at the Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle.

Entrance prizes in excess of $10,000 can be won at the Labor Day weekend rodeo.

Fishing will commence on Friday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m.

Awards and door prize presentations will start at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Rodeo festivities include dinner and a dance on Saturday evening and lunch at Noon on Sunday.

For more information call the Bridge Side Marina at (985) 787-2419.

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Outdoor Guide

Redfish

By Chris Berzas It’s always a trip I look forward to.

Trolling in shallow marsh ponds and sight-fishing for wakes and tails just gets me thrilled.

It gets even more exciting when you spot a cluster of gulls flying low above the waters following a school of fish as they travel near the shore.

It’s almost a given you will score.

Redfish are aggressive, and they don’t get wary much especially if there’s a lack of fishing pressure in the vicinity.

And there’s a variety of ways to catch marsh reds.

My most exciting moments come when a slot red jumps on a dogwalking topwater – especially when you see the wake running to the lure before the fish smashes it.

And fishing a plastic under a popping cork will also often get these bronze finnies exited as they rush quickly to mouth the plastic and take a run.

Then there’s the simple method of casting and slowly reeling in a plastic swimbait.

Following all three presentations, it’s the thrust of the fish and the strong run that adds even more 22 excitement while listening to the drag on your reel sing loudly.

Indeed, redfish are powerful brutes that pound-forpound put speckled trout to shame when fighting these species on light tackle.

Capt. Bill Lake with Bayou Guide Service out of Dularge agrees there’s just no point to forecasting 2016 summer redfish action.

“There’s so many of them, you can pretty much catch them anytime you want to,” Lake said. “There’s just a great population of redfish out there.”

Completely accurate, Lake was talking about a management success story that continues to rival most all other saltwater species in Louisiana.

There’s no doubt about it, redfish are numerous and the lower slot reds have become a delicacy when grilled.

Redfish are now strongly targeted by anglers for both their fighting ability and the grilled cuisine.

There are two methods that have delivered loads of redfish to Lake’s clients in June.

“You want to work duck ponds and shorelines in June,” he said referring to locations in and near Lost Lake, Lake Mechant and Sister Lake.

“You want to work them over with spinnerbaits, gold spoons, Bayou Chubs and Wedgetail Mullets.”

The guide suggested that the eastern shorelines of Lake Mechant can be very good as well as the west bank of Lost Lake.

“You will find schools of five to nine redfish pushing wakes,” Lake said.

“Stay 60 yards away from the banks and idle to be able to see them. And fish all the runouts throughout the summer on the north banks.”

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

opportunities abound this summer For certain, anglers have been treated to a growing redfish population along the coastline.

The guide said casting ahead of the schooling reds with spoons, spinnerbaits and Wedgetail Mullets is the key to attract them to attack.

Another proven method is casting cracked crabs on the shoreline. Anglers will often see their popping corks go under when a redfish reacts strongly to a natural food.

Using cracked crab on a Carolina rig can also be a winning technique. Although this method will

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often work better in the Passes, shallow shorelines without much hang-up structure can provide action.

As the heat pounces the waters deeper into the summer, anglers may also find redfish in and near the rock jetties on Raccoon Island.

The bull reds will start showing up in late July, and they’ll be in all of the Passes, especially Whiskey Pass and Wine Island Pass.

The huge bulls here are known for their preferences for cracked crab cast especially when tides are moving in the Passes.

For more fishing information and guide service, Capt. Bill Lake can be reached at (985) 637-3712. He can be reached by email at b.lakejr@comcast.net.

All redfish taken by saltwater anglers in Louisiana must be at least 16-inches minimum total length. There is a five-fishper-person daily bag limit with not more than one exceeding 27-inches in length.

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Outdoor Guide

p i T g n i h Fis Fishing the humps “Some of my favorite saltwater fishing holes are simply high spots on the bottom, which are also called ‘Humps.’ Offshore humps normally consist of a coral reef or a lime rock ledge. Backwater bays and tidal estuaries also have up-risings on the bottom, these can consist of lime rock, coquina shell, sandbars and oyster shells.

As currents move baitfish schools over these humps a wide variety of saltwater species lay in ambush on the shallow portion of the uprising in hopes of capturing an easy meal.

An easy tactic for identifying humps is to watch for a decrease in bottom depth and a dark, wide mark on the bottom of your fish finder display. A smooth, slick spot on the surface is also a dead giveaway for a hump.

Humps are particularly productive when located close to areas where saltwater species frequent on a regular basis, like an inlet or offshore wreck.”

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2016

Fishing Tip Identifying fish down under

CAPTAIN TOMMY PELLEGRIN/CUSTOM CHARTERS

“A critical factor in becoming a successful angler is simply being able to see fish. Whether you are fishing shallow or deep, identifying fish will increase your overall success in a hurry.

A premium pair of amber lens sunglasses will allow your eyes to penetrate the water’s surface. Wrap around lens or side shields will also shield your eyes from the sun, while still allowing you to see fish.

If you require reading glasses, I would definitely recommend prescription sunglasses. A pair of cords will save the loss of your sunglasses at sea.

Finally, a wide variety of saltwater game fish often blend in with the bottom of their surroundings. Once you have sighted a fish, remember which feature of the fish caught your eye first. It may have been a dark tail, identifying stripes or even large eyes.

Remember to keep your head and eyes moving and you will see more fish down under.”

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