Cork Down
Chief’s Musings, Tall Tales & Fishing Report

Hello again Friends. We’re sitting right smack-dab in the middle of the Louisiana “winter.” It’s hard to believe we only have a month-and-a-half or so left. It hasn’t been too terribly cold. A little chilly at times, but not too cold for any extended periods. With the exception of one 4-hour long freeze, it’s been rather warm for the season. What has that done to the fishing?

Well, not much really. They are still in their winter patterns. The only thing the slightly warmer weather has done is make it a little more comfortable for us humans. To be blunt, most days, outside of inclement weather, we are hammering the Reds, with a few Black Drum and Sheepshead mixed in. If you are wanting to catch Reds, now is an incredible time to chase them. Trout, not so much. We get into them on occasion, but these winds have dirtied up the water and their skittish nature have them hiding elsewhere.

This little tidbit of information is a perfect segue to the point of our visit. Many, many, many times I am asked “So, Chief when is the best time to fish for Reds?” There is an old adage that we still use; “Whenever you have the opportunity.” Now, I know this sounds as though I am just attempting to drum up business. But, this saying is explicitly true. We catch Reds year-round. Seriously!

And there is no well-kept secret to catching them, other than one small thing; be familiar with their patterns! During the warmer months, they are outside the marsh. Conversely, during the cooler months, they are inside. The trick is to bounce around and see where in the marsh. Try different methods: loud versus soft pops of your cork; close to the shoreline, or further out; perhaps bounce a
baited jig across the bottom in deeper areas.

Never stay in one spot too long; move, move, move. When you do get a bite, take note of it.  Was it close to the shoreline? In deeper water? Under a cork? Along the bottom? etc…

If I’m searching for the pattern, I try to move after five or six casts, utilizing different techniques and “fan-casting” to quickly search that spot. Once you find the pattern, stay with it in that area. If it plays out quickly, alternate your methods again. Remember, it’s a game… love it!

For this visit’s fish report:
INSHORE: I’ve pretty much given the inshore report during my rambling; know the rough migration and try different techniques until you establish the pattern for that day.

OFFSHORE: Yellowfin Tuna in the 40-80 lb class are being landed regularly (the 100lb-plus will be here any day now) as well as a good number of Blackfin. Wahoo are here and they are hungry!

Duck season is nearing it’s end, with Sunday the 29th being the last day. But, Louisiana isn’t called
the “Sportsman’s Paradise” for nothing. The wild hogs are moving! I’ve already seen a number while transiting to my preferred fishing grounds, and people are already bringing them in.

You know something? I truly enjoy our visits. But, I am about out of room, so I’ll have to wait until our next visit for more stories. It’s time for a farewell. Thanks for another wonderful visit.

Always remember; “your next fishing trip will be the best of your
life…until the next one.”
 From the bayou….tight lines and safe boating to all! 
~Chief