Bayou Bayou Outdoor Guide
Catholic Tide Charts for June thru September Great Features and Forecasts Tips for Saltwater Fishing
Summer 2013
s o e d o R g n i h Fis n o i t i d E
Contents
On Our Cover
Bayou Outdoor Guide Summer 2013
Saltwater Fishing Rodeos
s p i T y t r for Thi Fishing
Roni Allemand of Houma caught this nice redfish in the northern section of Lake Mechant. There’s lots of trout and redfish to be taken in the coastal waters of South Louisiana this summer.
S al t w a te r
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Cover photo by Lawrence Chatagnier
Specks and reds await summertime anglers
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Offshore action looks excellent this summer
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22 18
Choosing the right charter fishing captain
28 Beachcombing for speckled trout
Advertisers Index Associated Pump & Supply .....................7 Baithouse Seafood ................................30 Barker Honda .........................................10 Boudreaux’s Marina ...............................28 Bridge Side Cabins & Marina ................26 Budweiser ................................................3 Camp Renee/ Camp Robert ..................32 Channel 10 .............................................23 Charles A. Page & Sons ........................20 CMC - Coastal Mechanical Contractors .33 Dagate’s Marine .....................................21 Daigle Himel Daigle ...............................25 Data Management Services ...................24 Dr. Neil Maki Orthopaedics ....................15 Evolution Marine ....................................31 Fast Eddie’s Prop Shop .........................38 G & F Sporting Center .............................8 H & H Marine ..........................................19 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
Home Hardware Center ...........................6 KEM Supply House, Inc. ........................11 Lafourche Ford Lincoln ............................5 LeBlanc & Associates ............................14 Lirette Ford .............................................41 Marie’s Wrecker Service ........................34 Moran’s Marina ......................................16 Pellegrin Marine, Inc. .............................35 Pirate’s Marine .......................................36 Robert’s Repair Rental & Retail, Inc. .....17 Sand Dollar Marine & Deli & Motel ..........9 Southern Outdoors & Marine, LLC ........39 Southland Dodge ...................................37 Sunshine Equipment .............................27 Synergy Bank .........................................13 Terrebonne Marine .................................40 Thibodaux Physical Therapy .................11
34 Tide Charts June thru September
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Outdoor Guide
2013 Louisiana Saltwater Fishing Rodeos Swollfest Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: June 6-8 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500 4
Cut Off Fishing Club Public Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: June 6-8 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419 Krewe of Terreanians Fishing Rodeo Place: Houma Date: June 7-9 Headquarters: Houma Municipal Auditorium Contact: John Poiencot (985) 665-2628 Charles Kornegay (985) 860-8650 ABC Dental Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: June 20-22 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina Contact: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500 Creole Classic Place: Grand Isle Date: June 20-22 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Catholic High School Fishing Rodeo Place: Port Fourchon Date: June 20-22 Headquarters: Moran’s Marina Contact: Moran’s Marina (985) 396-2728 Krewe of Houmas Invitational Saltwater Fishing Rodeo Place: Cocodrie Date: June 22-23 Headquarters: CoCo Marina Annual E.D. White Open Family Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: June 29 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419
Golden Meadow – Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo Place: Golden Meadow (Port Fourchon) Date: July 4-6 Headquarters: Port Fourchon Marina Contact: Chris Moran (985) 396-2728 John Maurer (985) 860-3287 Fourchon Oilman’s Association Fishing Rodeo Place: Port Fourchon Date: July 11-13 Headquarters: Port Fourchon Marina Contact: Port Fourchon Marina (985) 396-2792
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Outdoor Guide Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: July 11-13 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina Contact: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500 SLHS Hooks and Leaders Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: July 20 Headquarters: Bridgeside Marina Contact: Bridgeside Marina (985) 787-2419 International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: July 25-27 Headquarters: Rodeo Pavilion near the Sand Dollar Motel and Marina East end of Island Contact: Angela Pacaccio (504) 615-0099
Terrebonne Sportsman’s League 63rd Annual International Fishing Rodeo
(freshwater, offshore, shoreline, saltwater bowfishing, scuba)
Place: Houma Date: Aug. 2-4 Headquarters: East Park Recreation Center Contact: Roy Labat (985) 688-2065 Troy Bonvillain (985) 804-7504 Mike Bourgeois (Big Daddy) Memorial Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Aug. 3 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419 D. Jeansonne Invitational Boondoggle Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Aug. 8-10 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419
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How It Works...
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Fourth Annual “Ride the Bull” Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Place: Grand Isle Date: Aug. 17 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419
The Annual Caminada Redfish Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Sept. 27-29 Headquarters: Sand Dollar Marina Contact: Sand Dollar Marina (985) 787-2500
The Annual Hercules Fishing Rodeo Place: Cocodrie Date: Aug. 9-11 Headquarters: Houma Air Base Arena Contact: Jerry Boudreaux (985) 860-7894
Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Oct. 11-12 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419
The Annual Original Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo Place: Grand Isle Date: Aug. 30-31, Sept. 1 Headquarters: Bridge Side Marina Contact: Bridge Side Marina (985) 787-2419
Bayou Dularge Annual KC Fishing Rodeo
(Freshwater, saltwater, offshore and children’s divisions)
Place: Theriot-Houma area Date: Oct. 12-13 Headquarters: Bayou Dularge Marina Theriot, LA Contact: Louis Liner (985) 709-4194
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Outdoor Guide
s p i T y t r fo Thir ter Fishing S al t w a
Barbing live baits
There are a multitude of positions that hooks can be placed into live baits. Probably one of the more traditional tactics is hooking the live bait through both nostrils. This is a popular tactic while live bait trolling, simply because the baitfish swims more naturally. However, by hooking the live bait just in front of its dorsal fin, the live bait will tend to swim deep. This can be very effective while slow trolling or simply when drifting with live baits over a deep, offshore structure. 8
Tough knot
The Bimini Twist (also known as the twenty-timesaround knot) is the only knot that maintains 100 percent strength under all conditions. Use it to double the line for a strong leader connection.
Lures that look new and bright
Fish bite best on lures that look new and bright. Buy only lures you know you will need, and buy just enough to last a few trips. Rinse used lures and dry them before returning them to the tackle box.
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Cut back that front part
Change monofilament often. Once it begins to look dull or feel rough, it is no longer strong. At the very least, cut back that front part of the line to remove the weaker section, then retie the leader.
Soak it in a bucket
Before storing a reel for any length of time, soak it in a bucket of fresh water for several hours to get all of the saltwater out of the line and the interior corners of the reel.
Big fish with rough lips
Big fish with rough lips require extra-heavy monofilament. It takes 80 to 100-pound test to land 100-pound tarpon, or 50 to 80 to land a really big snook. But casting a long length of that stuff is difficult, so divide the leader into two stages. Keep the heavy stuff short – 12 to 20 inches, for example – and use lighter (e.g., 30 to 40-pound test) for the secondary section that is essential when fishing around heavy cover or structure. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
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Set the hook
Many anglers set the hook before the fish has the bait or lure well inside its mouth. Better to wait an extra second or two if you cannot see the fish, or wait until you actually see the bait or lure disappear inside the fish’s mouth. A good way to time this is to wait until you feel a lot of pressure on the line from the fish.
Understanding tidal currents
Understanding tidal currents and how they affect the areas you fish is critical, because the movement of water does not always precisely follow high and low tides. In many spots, especially inlets and channel entrances, the tidal current may lag the actual tide by an hour or more. In areas like this, fish often respond more to the direction and speed of water movement than to the actual height of the tide. But in open water the height of the tide can be most important.
Marine charts
You’ll find fish in places where food is readily available. The mouth of a creek, channel, inlet or estuary during falling tide is a prime example. Structure of almost any type is another. Marine charts and maps are indispensable for locating such potential hotspots.
Noisy lures
When fishing turbid water, try noisy topwater lures. Lures with a rattle or pop worked slowly are easy for the fish to locate. Smaller is sometimes best on calm days, but bigger is better in choppy water.
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Outdoor Guide Quick sinking
Gel braid lines are more sensitive than monofilament. They also have a smaller diameter that offers less resistance in current, which makes them an excellent choice for fishing lures that sink quickly, especially jigs. They have become very popular with heavy jigs in extremely deep water. Some anglers fish them in depths in excess of 300 feet.
Lubricate a new reel
Lubricate a new reel to make sure no critical areas were overlooked at the factory. Lube it again at the end of the fishing season or every six months if you fish throughout the year. Baitcasting reels may need a touch on the levelwind gears more often. Always use light oil in those areas where grease is not required.
Use what you know
Use only brands of fishing line that you are familiar and comfortable with. Unknown bargain lines will often let you down at the worst moment.
Don’t use a wire leader
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Don’t use a wire leader if you can get by with monofilament. You will get more strikes this way. Wire also kinks easily, which may cause it to break. Even toothy fish like Spanish mackerel and bluefish can be caught on mono leaders if the material is heavy enough (at least 50 or 60-pound test), and if you cut back the mono whenever it begins to look gnawed.
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Skip the swivel
If you must use a wire leader, skip the swivel if possible. Make a loop in the wire with a Haywire Twist, and tie the doubled mono to the wire loop with an Albright knot.
Don’t let fishing get the best of you.
Larger diameter line
The Connector knot is the best way to attach a larger diameter line to a smaller one because it slips through guides easily.
Circle hooks
Hook sizes and shapes are critical with all types of bait. Circle hooks, for instance, are popular because they very rarely hook fish in the throat, and their hookup rate is as good as or better than the conventional J-hook. Treble hooks are a poor choice for baitfishing since they are easily swallowed and do far more damage than when attached to a lure. Any fish that escapes with a treble hook in the throat is a dead fish.
Live bait stays in top condition
Live bait stays in top condition longer if kept in a well with good circulation. Incoming water is always best, but if that’s not possible, use an aerator. Warm water cannot hold as much oxygen as cool, so temperature is critical. In an aerated, noncirculating system, the water must be changed every few hours to remove waste material that replaces oxygen in the water.
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Outdoor Guide Lures work better
Most lures work better if attached to the line or leader with a loop knot. This allows a more natural action for bait as well.
Feel it move
A fish that appears tired and lethargic needs some help. If you simply toss it back in the water, it will likely sink and die. Moving it back and forth in still water or facing it upstream in current will get its respiratory system back in operation a lot faster. Wait until you can feel the fish beginning to move on its own before letting it go.
Shrimp, crabs and crustaceans
Shrimp, crabs and other crustaceans can be kept alive and healthy for many hours in an ice chest if they are packed in wet newspaper or damp vegetation so they do not make direct contact with the ice or ice water.
Three ingredients for chumming
Chumming requires three ingredients: fresh or freshfrozen material, a current to carry it, and judicious use. The idea is to create a line of food that draws fish from far away. Toss in too much food over a short period of time, and the fish may hang too far back and simply enjoy a free lunch. Too little chum may not move them at all. Start slowly and gradually increase the chum until you get results.
How to release
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Use wet hands, a wet soft towel, or a wet cotton glove to release fish. Use long-nose pliers or some other device designed for hook removal wherever possible. If the hook is in a location where removal would require too much time or cause injury to the fish, cut the leader as short as possible and put the fish in the water as quickly as you can.
The best striking motion
The best striking motion is sideways, not up. Sweep the rod smartly to the side until you feel the line come tight, and then hold firm pressure until the fish begins to take line.
Rinse your rod and reel
Thoroughly rinse your rod and reel with fresh water immediately after fishing the salt. A gentle wash will do the job better than a hard spray. Make sure you pay close attention to the metallic frames of the rod guides; they are thin and can be easily damaged by corrosion if not properly cleaned.
Flashing game fish
The truth is some saltwater fishermen have found ways to attract more game fish into striking their transom baits. Vicious strikes to these anglers become an everyday occurrence. But more importantly, the size of the fish that attack these transom baits are often the biggest catch of the day. If you have an outboard powered boat, we often call these baits, “Prop Wash” baits. The baits are literally fished only a few feet in back of the prop wash. The outboard motor is actually trimmed up until it begins to cavitate. Now you have a combination of flashing blades on the surface with the propeller Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
CAPT. TOMMY PELLEGRIN PHOTO/CUSTOM CHARTERS
creating turbulence on the surface as well. Skilled fishermen who have learned how to flash fish with their propellers, have also found that bigger baits and lures result in more success while using this deadly trolling tactic.
Drop back for hookups
Many saltwater game fish, such as bill fish, will actually come up to a bait and kill it with its bill. By killing the bait with its bill, the game fish can capture its meal with ease. Fast striking game fish, like Kingfish, Wahoo and Bluefish, will often cut their forage fish in half then return to dine on the remainder of the fish. In all of these situations, a smashing strike may result in a missed fish. Many anglers will bring in their damaged trolling lure right away and begin to rig another bait. However, the skilled saltwater angler will simply take advantage of this opportunity by putting the trolling reel in free spool and free lining the bait back to the waiting game fish. By free lining, the bait actually appears to be injured. It is also presented to the game fish, right in front of its nose.
Live bait chumming
Here is one of the more traditional chumming tactics for capturing live baits in a cast net. Live bait is normally chummed up by mixing up a couple of slices of whole wheat bread and a can of “Cozy Kitten” cat food in a five-gallon bucket, then adding a gallon of sea water to the mixture. While keeping your boat upcurrent of the baitfish, slowly toss the chum into the water. Once the baitfish are chummed up, toss your cast net. After your live well is filled with enough bait to both fish and chum, you are now ready for some very exciting live bait chumming action. Live bait chumming is highly effective when anchored up-current of your targeted game fish. Simply begin to toss your live baits out into the water a few at a time. Often the live baits will begin to school right behind your anchored fishing boat.
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Channels of redfish
Just like schools of freshwater bass, redfish will often use these deepwater exits to reside during passing fronts. Or they may use these to simply migrate from backwater to estuaries into the sounds and finally, the ocean when they become adults. Some of these better redfish flats will have a hard sand, or shell bottom. Or there could be numerous shell beds, feeder creek mouths, points, jetties or even grass flats. And just like largemouth bass, redfish will often relate to an ambush point when feeding on these fishy flats.
Fish scents work
Another study proved that some fishermen give off offensive enzymes from their hands. So when touching baits and lures, they are more than likely scaring off the game fish they are trying to catch. Saltwater fishermen are guilty of adding to this dilemma when they apply suntan oils to their hands and body. Naturally the suntan oil is needed to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. However, when the same fishermen handle baits and lures, they are also decreasing their chances of catching quality game fish. For this one reason, we will normally designate one or more fishermen in the boat to handle baits and lures. The suntan lotion is applied by someone else, and their hands are not allowed to touch baits or lures.
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Outdoor Guide
Krewe of Terreanians Annual fishing tourney is set for June 7-9
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The 14th Annual Krewe of Terreanians Fishing Tournament is scheduled for June 7-9. 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 and 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-a-lait 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 John Poiencot at (985) 665-2628 or Charles Kornegay at (985) 860-8650.
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The 29th Annual Creole Classic Fishing Tournament will be held on June 20-22 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 22, 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.
29th Annual Creole Classic is June 20-22
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Outdoor Guide
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Chris Moran, president of the Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo, would like to announce that the 65th annual rodeo will take place July 4-6, at Fourchon Marina, 288 Flotation Canal Road, Port Fourchon, LA. This year’s admiral is Brent Bankston. 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. There will also be food booths. 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. gmfourchontarponrodeo.com) or call (985) 860-3287.
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Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is set for July 25-27
The Annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, set for July 25-27, will be held under, the Pavilion at the end of Hwy. 1 in Grand Isle. This is the rodeo’s 91st 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 3 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
CAPT. TOMMY PELLEGRIN PHOTO/CUSTOM CHARTERS
in the program, which comes with the purchase of a ticket. This year’s rodeo president is Jefferson Parish Assessor Tom Capella and the Admiral of the Fleet is Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet. 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
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Outdoor Guide
Specks and reds
summertime By CHRIS BERZAS On Monday, May 6, Captain Bill Lake knew the conditions were right to catch limits of speckled trout. The structure he was targeting had a tide moving in, and the trout were feeding well. “I had three clients from Texas with me,” said Lake. “And we launched at 5:30 a.m. and ran for half-an-hour in the dark to Ship Shoal 26. “I knew that we had to get there early since the bite was at daybreak,” he said. After pulling up to the platform, Lake tied on double-rigs for his clients. The baited offerings were Egret Baits’ cajun/pepper, purple/chartreuse tail, and chicken-on-a-chain Bayou Chubs. “For myself, I double-rigged an Egret Baits’ VuDu shrimp with a 1/4 oz. split shot above the double-rig 18 knot to get the bait to the bottom,” said Lake. “We were fishing by 6:10 a.m.” Once all baits were in the water, the fish immediately responded. “As soon as the shrimp hit the bottom, I had trout on,” he said. “I looked back and my clients had fish on as well. “It was two trout per angler at every cast there for a while, and the fish were between 16 and 18 inches, with a few at 20 inches,” said Lake. “They were some really fine speckled trout.” According to the angler, they picked up 48 specks in the first 30 minutes. “The pattern here was that the trout were evidently swimming around the rig, so we had action for a while and then it would stop,” he said. “They would eventually make it back to us, and the action would be fast and furious for another 20 minutes.” Two hours and 35 minutes later, Lake and his crew had finished catching their limits – a total of 100 trout. “It was an awesome morning,” he said. Now that summer is here, the Bayou Catholic readership will certainly be pondering over times spent in saltwater in pursuit of the area’s speckled trout and redfish. “Everything is running late with these recent cool fronts,” said Lake. “I am waiting to see how things shape up once we get our usual southeast winds here again. “With what I am seeing though, I think we will have a good, average Bayou Dularge year with speckled trout,” he said. “For the next three months, you will probably find Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
my office at what remains of Ship Shoal 26 (in the disassembly process), as well as Ship Shoals 28 and 33,” he said. “For anglers going out there, I would tell them to take along Egret Baits’ cajun/pepper, purple/ chartreuse tail, and chicken-on-a-chain Bayou Chubs, as well as their new VuDu shrimp. These can all be thrown single or double rigged.” Although the VuDu shrimp is customarily fished under a weighted popping cork, Lake advised that anglers should add a split shot to ensure more casting distance and to aid in getting to the bottom of the rig structures at 10 to 12 feet of water. In shallower waters along the coast, Lake said anglers can also find trout in the following locations: Pelican Pass by Taylor Bayou, Pass Wilson and Bay Round. “There’s a lot of trout to be taken here in the summer through late July,” said Lake. “They’ll be on shell reefs, and the VuDu shrimp under a weighted popping cork will be a great lure to catch them with. Anglers can also catch them on H&H Sparkle Beetles over those reefs.” Lake said that once anglers boat into these areas, look for the gulls working and usually the trout can be found under them. If not, knowledge of where the reefs are will assist anglers in catching trout. As for redfish, Lake admittedly has had some difficulty accessing marsh ponds due to vegetation infestation that even prevents trolling. “In the summer, I would suggest anglers to look along the shorelines on the eastern shoreline of Lake Mechant and the west bank of Lost Lake,” he predicted. “You will find schools of five to nine redfish pushing wakes. “Stay 60 yards away from the banks and idle to be able to see them,” he said. “And fish all the runouts throughout the summer on the north banks.” Into the heat of 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. Redfish will take Bayou Chub plastics as well as Egret Baits’ Wedgetail Mullets. For the bull reds, cracked crabs cast in the Passes serve well to entice these brutes. For more fishing information and guide service, Captain Bill Lake can be reached at (985) 851-6015. He can be reached by e-mail at b.lakejr@comcast.net. Regarding Louisiana regulations, anglers
a
await
anglers are reminded that they may take and keep 25 fish per person at 12 inches minimum total length – EXCEPT the 15 fish daily take and possession limit, with no more than two spotted seatrout exceeding 25 inches total length, regardless of where taken in a defined area of Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes in southwestern Louisiana. For redfish, there is the five fish daily limit with a 16
G
A E R
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
inches length limit restriction with no more than one over 27 inches maximum length. Please consult the 2013 Louisiana Fishing Regulations Pamphlet before heading out on the coast this summer.
IO N T C E L E TS FRONTIER 210, 190, 180 & 2104
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985-876-7821 www.bayoucatholic.com
19
Outdoor Guide
Terrebonne Sportsman’s Rodeo Aug. 2-4
20
The Terrebonne Sportsman’s League will be hosting its 63rd Annual International Fishing Rodeo and auction Aug. 2-4. 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, bowfishing, tag and release, catch and release, and scuba – with over 120 places to be awarded. Tickets are $20, while members fish on their member cards. Merchandise such as rods and reels, and ice chests will be awarded to all winners. A fishing hat and shirt is included with each entry ticket. The main weigh station is at the East Park Recreation Center. Weigh station hours are Saturday, Noon to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for scuba, and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for all others. Following the weigh-in on Sunday there will be a live auction
CAPT. TOMMY PELLEGRIN PHOTO/CUSTOM CHARTERS
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 the second largest fishing rodeo 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 Roy Labat at (985) 688-2065 or Troy Bonvillain at (985) 804-7504.
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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
52nd Original Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo Aug. 30-Sept. 1 The 52nd Annual Original Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo will be held on Aug. 30 through Sept. 1, 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, Aug. 30, 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.
BILL LAKE PHOTO/BAYOU GUIDE SERVICE
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www.bayoucatholic.com
Outdoor Guide
Choosing the right charter fishing
By BILL LAKE Choosing the right captain is the most important part in determining whether or not you and your crew will have a memorable fishing experience. Once you decide on an area to fish the task begins to find the right guide. By doing a little homework you can compile a list of candidates. Some people strictly go by word of mouth and others will search the internet, as most reputable guides will have a website. The more you get to know a particular guide prior to booking him the more confident you will feel when the day comes to commit to a trip. I would suggest choosing a full-time guide. You want a guide that is on the water every day. That is the best way to know where the fish will be located the next day. A guide that has another full-time job 22 or only runs on the weekends does not have that experience. The age of the captain should not matter if the experience is there! Experience is best summed up by the number of days on the water, what you are willing to learn, and the passion to be the best at what you do. Try to pick a guide with the total package, one who knows how to catch every species in his area, one who has a great attitude and is a fun guy to spend the day with. Most guides have reputations both good and bad so check with the locals before making a hasty decision in choosing your captain. Being a guide myself I am fortunate to fish with many customers who have fished with other guides. In my 21 years of running fishing charters I have learned a few things that will keep the customers coming back year after year. Number one on the list is that the customer and his crew are paying the guide so that they can catch fish, not to watch the guide catch their fish for them. Boat positioning is key as a good guide will position the boat where everyone has an equal chance at catching the fish. Most customers expect the guide Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
CAPTAIN
BILL LAKE PHOTO/BAYOU GUIDE SERVICE
to help them whether it’s changing lures, baiting lines or netting fish. Customers expect the guide to handle himself on a professional level. Neat and clean boats are a must as nobody likes to start off
the day in a dirty, smelly, poorly maintained boat. Remember you are spending a lot of money. You want a memorable trip and hopefully look forward to another one in the future.
Guide Checklist
m Is the guide properly insured and licensed by the Coast Guard and registered with the state? m How many years has the captain been fishing in the area you want to fish? m Is fish cleaning extra or included in the price? m What is the limit on the species you want to catch? m What is the length of the trips? Departure and return times? m Is live bait extra or included in the price? m Does the guide provide lodging? m Does the guide cater to physically challenged fishermen? m Can the guide provide references if needed? m What does the guide provide for the fishing trip? m What items should I bring with me? m What is the amount of deposit required? m What is the cancellation and weather out policy? m Are credit cards accepted?
Tune In To... Quality Family Programming for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
~ Channel 10* on Comcast of Houma and CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS of Terrebonne Parish. ~ Channel 10* on CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS in Thibodaux. ~ Channel 10* on VISION COMMUNICATIONS of South and Central Lafourche *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City
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Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk Spotlight/Revival
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Outdoor Guide
Offshore action looks excellent this summer
By CHRIS BERZAS It was a morning in mid-May, and there was action right from the start. Just off and on their way to obtain live pogies for offshore fishing, Houma’s Captain Tommy Pellegrin and his crew ran into a huge redfish school thrashing in the waters ahead. “They were bull reds, and there were about 200 of them all over the surface waters making quite a commotion,” said Pellegrin. “The school covered about 50 to 75 yards of water in front of us.” The anglers started casting toward the fish, and reel drags started screaming. “The ones we caught were big, averaging 20 to 25 pounds,” he said. “We released them all because our plan was to leave state waters, but it was fun catching 24 them.” Later in the morning upon reaching their destination, Pellegrin and his crew had a great day catching many various species of offshore fish, many of which they photographed and released. “My crew consisted of a couple of other captains and friends, along with biologist/writer Jerald Horst, and we were there to obtain as many species as possible,” said Pellegrin. Their catches were quite diverse and included: queen triggerfish, sandtile fish, blackfin snapper, yellow eye snapper, red porgy, knob porgy, almaco jack, amberjack, blackfin tuna, red snapper, beeliner snapper, scamp grouper, gag grouper and mangrove snapper. “We were able to obtain a real good sampling,” he said. Pellegrin’s trip that day also gave him some indication of what’s to come this summer for Louisiana offshore anglers. “I think we’re going to have a banner year for red snapper, although we won’t have many days to fish,” said Pellegrin. “They’re going to be big, and the ones we sampled so far were ranging between 15 to 20 pounds taken out of Cocodrie.” “Anglers will be able to find mangrove and red snappers 10 to 15 miles offshore,” he said. “They’ll be around any of the rigs 30 to 40 feet all the way down to 200 feet. Work the thickest structures by the rigs and watch what comes out.” Pellegrin said that cobia were there in mid-May and should be available most of the summer. “We catch them on High Life Tarpon jigs which work very well on these cobia,” he said. “We use a two
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CAPT. TOMMY PELLEGRIN PHOTO/CUSTOM CHARTERS
ounce jig, and sometimes you have to work to keep the red snapper off of them.” Cobia will often be found near the satellite rigs and shrimp boats in the area. And of course, anglers will have plenty chances to catch a multitude of speckled trout. “I’ll be fishing around Cocodrie and Dularge for speckled trout, and it looks to be a very good year for the numbers,” said Pellegrin. “They’ll be everywhere from the marsh to the islands, and we’ve taken them on High Life purple and pepper Cocodrie Cocahoes,” he said. “Double-rigging these also works really well.” Pellegrin advised anglers to also find them along the beach and troughs. “Under the birds you’ll find small school trout, but you will find larger fish oftentimes underneath them. Farther offshore, anglers will be targeting blackfins and Pellegrin said that they will be thick in numbers this year. “We found them already busting up on flying fish and blue runners,” he said. “And I am expecting a very
good year on yellowfins as well.” Anglers will find yellowfins near the canyons, as the blackfins can be located near the shrimp boats all the way to the canyons. “July is our best month for mangrove snappers,” explained Pellegrin. “During July, anglers will also find good action for almaco jacks, dolphin (fish), yellowfin, marlin and swordfish. On August 1, amberjack season opens up, and of course this species offers big game action with fish expected to average 40 to 50 pounds this summer. “Our average we have seen with amberjacks is 40 pounds,” said Pellegrin. “Our largest ones have ranged to 95 pounds.” For more information and/or guide service, contact Captain Tommy Pellegrin at (985) 851-3304 or you can e-mail him at highlife@ customchartersllc.com. Before heading out, anglers are urged to be extremely familiar with all state and federal saltwater regulations for your species of choice regarding length limits, creel limits and possession limits. Have a great summer offshore!
Leslie Daigle, PT • Eddie Himel, PT, DSc., OCS, Cert. MDT • John Daigle, PT, OCS, COMT Tracy Peltier, PT, CMT • Steven Landry, OT, CHT • Sawyer Triche, PT, DPT
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1321 Grand Caillou
Houma
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25
Outdoor Guide
Krewe of Hercules Rodeo Aug. 9-11
26
The Annual Krewe of Hercules Fishing Rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 9-11. The rodeo headquarters and weigh station will be at the Houma Air Base Arena. This year’s rodeo boasts over $10,725 in cash prizes available to anglers in various fresh water and saltwater categories. Tickets will be $25 and include an official rodeo T-shirt, entertainment and food. There will also be a $500 cash prize drawing along with many other door prizes. Live entertainment will be provided Located Right Friday by “Ron Foret and the Foret Near The Bridge, Tradition.” “Junior Lacross” and “Flatline” will perform Just As You Get on Saturday. A live auction is also scheduled for On The Island! Saturday night. A Jambalaya cook off will start Saturday at 11 a.m. For more information call Jerry Boudreaux at (985) 860-7894.
BILL LAKE PHOTO/BAYOU GUIDE SERVICE
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*Offer ends 7/31/2013. Prices and model availability may vary by dealer. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Available at participating dealers. **Offer ends 7/31/2013. Subject to approved credit on Revolving plan, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Available at participating dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer. For consumer use only. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at 17.9% APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within 12 months or if your account is otherwise in default. ***Offer ends 7/31/2013. Subject to approved credit on Revolving plan, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Available at participating dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer. 0.0% APR is for 36 months only. Upon default the interest rate may increase to 22.8% APR ****Offer ends 7/31/2013. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Up to 10% down payment may be required. ^ Manufacturer’s estimate of power (ISO) per 97/68/ED. ^^ Offer ends 7/31/2013. Prices and model availability may vary by dealer. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Available at participating dealers. ^^^Offer ends 7/31/2013. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Fixed Rate for 0.0% for 60 Months. Valid only at participating US dealers. All implements and attachments are John Deere or Frontier Brand. Loader is a John Deere 305 loader and the rotary cutter is RC2060, 5Ft, Frontier brand.
www.bayoucatholic.com
Outdoor Guide
Beachco
By CHRIS BERZAS As the waters warm all along the Louisiana coast, fishing in the surf for speckled trout and redfish increases in intensity. This activity reaches its feverish peak around the July 4th holiday. It’s a great way to beat the heat of the summer – while at the same time adding tasty yellowmouths to the cooler for scrumptious dining whenever and wherever you choose. And there is no doubt that Louisiana’s Grand Isle becomes the speckled trout surf-fishing capital of Louisiana in the summer. These waters consistently deliver great numbers of speckled trout to many anglers due mainly to its location where southeasterly winds bring in an abundance of shrimp and baitfish – chief prey for the numerous speckled trout running the beaches. Public opportunities abound to access the surf in and near Grand Isle including Grand Isle State Park and Elmer’s Island Refuge. As for Grand Isle, resident population in the census approximates 1,300 in the winter, but swells somewhere near 20,000 as anglers and tourists flock to the island mainly to enjoy angling pursuits.
a
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
PHOTOS COURTESY KEN CHAUMONT
ombing for speckled trout
The Grand Isle beaches also offer recreational crabbing ventures in the summer. Families usually fish for speckled trout and white trout on the surf early in the morning, and then turn their activities to crabbing. According to Sheila Bradberry of Grand Isle State Park, anglers have been finding runs of speckled trout since mid-May. “We are open for beach camping (tenting only), and the pier and the beaches are open,” said Bradberry. “The restrooms remain closed for repairs (since Hurricane Isaac). There are other restrooms available for use in the day-use area.” For more information, contact the Grand Isle State Park Website at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ igrdisle.aspx.
Another popular surf-fishing location just west of Grand Isle is Elmer’s Island Refuge just west of Grand Isle. Surf-fishing for speckled trout can be great here where it is common to take limits under favorable conditions. “We had closed Elmer’s Island after Hurricane Isaac and then re-opened portions,” said Julia Lightner with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). “As for now (mid-May), there are sections open at the entrance and a half-mile to the east.” As of mid-May, the only activity allowed on the area was recreational (rod and reel; hook and line) fishing. Recreational crabbing was prohibited at the time. The LDWF continues to monitor the site for tar mats and tar balls on the area. The recreational harvest of crabs, shrimp and oysters was also prohibited. Lightner urged anglers and others to keep up with notices regarding open areas and activities by visiting their website often at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/ refuge/elmers-island. In southwest Louisiana, anglers have found surffishing excursions on the “Beach.” The “Beach” is described as that portion of the coastline running along Louisiana’s Gulf Beach Highway 82 from Holly Beach westward to Sabine Lake. If you ask the guides and anglers who frequent Big Lake and Sabine Lake, there are quality and trophy trout present in these waters. “There’s no doubt that the Beach here along Hwy. 82 holds speckled trout of quality that is very well representative of Big Lake and Sabine Lake,” said Ken Chaumont of Lake Charles. “There are good numbers of six and seven pounders taken in the surf in
a
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29
Outdoor Guide
Beachcombing for speckled trout (Cont.) this area, and plenty three and four pounders.” Regarding any surf fishing in Louisiana, Chaumont said that anglers should “read the surf” to be successful in scoring on numbers of speckled trout. “The key to successful surf-fishing in the summer is to understand water quality,” said Chaumont. “If a south wind at 15 to 20 knots hits the shelf of the beach, it can clear fast where even the next day you can be fishing in just slightly stained waters.” Chaumont urged anglers to cruise beach highways and look for bird activity – as well as baitfish scurrying and moving along the beaches. Of course a high moving tide is most favorable to find racing
schools of baitfish and ravenous, chasing trout. “The surf is mainly an early morning bite for trout in my experience,” said Chaumont. “And you want to fish the beach with topwaters early such as Heddon’s Spooks, Mirrolure’s She Dog, and the Rapala Skitterwalk. Egret Baits’ Kick A Mullet also works well when these trout are chasing mullet in the deeper troughs. “And also, cast east-to-west and west-to-east, and not north-tosouth in the surf.” The angler explained this angling direction due to the dynamics of the beach. “If an angler will precisely observe the beach terrain at very low tide, you will see: beach – then
trough – then sand bar,” explained Chaumont. “There will be cuts or low areas (sloughs) on the sand bar, and it is here where the baitfish will run in a moving tide, and of course – the trout will follow them into the trough between the beach and the sand bar. The way to fish these cuts is walking through the trough to the sand bar and cast east to west. You want your topwaters above them (the sloughs) early, and plastics such as Bayou Chubs and Wedgetail Mullets dropping in these cuts later in the morning. Certainly the first trough can offer great fishing in the very early morning. Look for baitfish running in this trough and on the beach’s edge. Of course, if anglers so choose they have ample opportunity at fishing with live bait by taking a cast net along and throwing for live mullet and croakers as well. Please consult the 2013 Louisiana Fishing Regulations Pamphlet for creel and length limits of the species you are after before heading for your chosen surf-fishing locations this summer.
30
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“Fishin’ is our Mission” Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
KC Council 8779 rodeo is Oct. 12-13 in Theriot The Knights of Columbus Council 8779 will host its 28th Annual Fishing Rodeo on Oct. 12-13. The headquarters for this year’s rodeo will be at the Bayou Dularge Marina in Theriot. 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. It’s also an opportunity to teach children to appreciate their environment and learn good
sportsmanship. With the purchase of a rodeo ticket you are eligible to win one of many door prizes, including a first place cash prize. You don’t have to be present to win the door prizes. Cash and merchandise awards will be presented to rodeo competition winners at the Knights of Columbus fair held Oct. 18-20, in Theriot. Scale hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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. For more information, contact Louis Liner at (985) 709-4194.
BILL LAKE PHOTO/BAYOU GUIDE SERVICE
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Outdoor Guide
Louisiana Top Ten Speckled Trout to May 2013 Ranking Weight
Angler
Location
Date
No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7 No. 8 No. 9 No. 10
Leon Mattes Kenneth Kreeger Jason Trouillier Timothy Mahoney II Kevin Galley Randolph Green Barry Terrell John Kaparis Dudley Vandenborre Ed Sexton
Lake Hermitage Lake Pontchartrain Rigolets (Lk. Borgne) Calcasieu Lake Calcasieu Lake Sandy Point Calcasieu Lake Unknown Lake Pontchartrain Venice – GOM
May 1950 January1999 September 1999 May 2002 May 1997 August 1970 May 2004 May 1979 April 2002 April 2000
12.38 11.99 11.24 11.16 10.81 10.75 10.70 10.63 10.50 10.50
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BEACH FRONT CAMPS FOR RENT
camp renee’ camp robert PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON ELLENDER
Jason Ellender of Sulphur, LA, caught this monster speckled trout at 10.65 pounds on March 23 while wade-fishing in Sabine Lake. Upon certification of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association, it should be the new No. 8 in the Louisiana Fish Records. It measured at 30 3/8 inches in length, and Ellender caught his trophy on a pink Super Spook. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • June 2013
Located near Bridge Side Cabins and Marina. The most breathtaking view of the beach, Gulf of Mexico, famous Caminada Rock Jetties, and Caminada Pass. In walking distance to the old fishing bridge.
1618 Hwy. 1 Grand Isle, LA 70358
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Outdoor Guide Tide Chart June 2013 Cocodrie Terrebonne Bay, LA
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Outdoor Guide Tide Chart July 2013 Cocodrie Terrebonne Bay, LA
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Catholic • Licensed Houma,to:LA • June ©Bayou American Tides.com, Louis Aguirre2013
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Outdoor Guide Tide Chart August 2013 Cocodrie Terrebonne Bay, LA
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Outdoor Guide Tide Chart September 2013 Cocodrie Terrebonne Bay, LA
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