Mandeville, LA USA

Just wanted to rely a great story about a great
company.  I recently hired Sea Tow of Slidell to help
me move an old boat from Mandeville to Slidell.  
Capt. Rod and his mate Daryn were first rate.  They
handled my old 41' Hatteras in the open water and
through some tight spots like they were pulling a
dingy.  And, when we did hit a bit of a snag Rod and
Daryl handled a very touchy situation with the
highest level of professionalism and poise.  They
immediately took control of the situation, resolved
the issue and saved the day.  They even called in a
little help which ultimately led to me getting a buyer
for my boat.  Can't say enough about this crew.  Just
remember them when you need a tow, some fuel or a
jump.  

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 9:54:02 PM

Belle Chasse , LA USA

Lets see, I throw cans and bottles overboard because DWF may board and count.  That is the stupidist things I heard of.  If you are drinking that much while operating a boat then stay home!  If you want to throw it overboard go to central city because that's where you pigs belong.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 8:40:36 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

 Capt Jack had the pleasure of taking out Mr. Gollott and his buddy today.  Capt Jack had them come to the marina at 8am and they took off on another trout hunt. The fishing conditions were spectacular and the catches today proved   with Capt Jack coming back to the dock with 71 beauties. He also told me that they missed about 30 fish. The fish were caught in Four Horse Lake, Bay Lafourche and Point Fiennes.  The bait used was Matrix Shads in Shrimp Creole under a popping cork.  Yes those are working the best right now.  Capt Tommy took Jack's Dad and Mr. Ron out today.  Capt Tommy filled in for Capt Jack when a paying charter came along.  They came back with a three man limit. All caught on Matrix Shads in Shrimp Creole.  Mr. Ron bought some before he went home.  He told me that he was using his own baits and only the Shrimp Creole that Capt Tommy was using worked.  They were using the popping cork technique as well.  We have all colors available in the Matrix Shads.  Capt Jack also wanted me to remind everybody to call Sea Tow and become member.  We are and it is worth every penny.  They come and get you anytime, anywhere.  You can't put a price on the feeling of seeing that big yellow boat either bringing you gas or hooking a rope to your bow and towing you home.  The weather looks fantastic through the weekend so get your fishing buddies together and get on down to Sweetwater.  Even if you have NEVER fished Delacroix WE can almost GUARANTEE it will be your new favorite spot after we put you on the fish!  Don't forget we have lodging and plenty charter dates available.  So give us a call and book a trip today.  See you in Delacroix at Sweetwater where the customer is KING!!

 Awaiting ApprovalAwaiting Approval

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 8:17:08 PM

Slidell, LA United States

In response to Steven L

Steven,

Hate to give any insurance company a plug, but I have to agree on Progressive, they may be starting to change my mind. I used Allsnake, and all they ever did was raise my rates.

Progressive gave me a great rate for my boat (and car), and after one year of no claims, they actually lowered my rates. After years of nothing but higher rates with other companies, I was a little stunned.

Of course, the true test is if a claim is made, but thus far Progressive seems to be fair, even if they have strange commercials.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 6:00:28 PM

New Iberia, LA USA

Jim & I fished in the Wax Lake (S. of Morgan City) from 9:30 to almost noon, today.  Put 5 bass in the Igloo.  Taken on 3/8 oz. H&H and a green all was high.  If the river comes up another 4" it will be in the woods @ Wax Lake.  I do not think this area will be good again until the river drops.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 5:14:17 PM

Slidell, La United States

In response to Bradley L

Bradley, if you want people to stop throwing aluminum cans in the water, tell the Wildlife and fisheries to stop counting cans. Their habit of counting the beer cans in the trash can and then using that as "probable cause" is a major reason to not have any empties on board. regardless if it's right or wrong as long as W&F uses that as their reason for giving tests, people will throw over all empties, whether we like it or not.  To answer your question as a diver who has seen the cans on the bottom, they last a long time.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 4:20:08 PM

New Orleans, LA USA

Does anyone actually know how long it takes for one
aluminum can to be eaten away in the saltiness of
the Gulf of Mexico? Every time someone throws a can
overboard I hear how it will be gone in 2 days, a
week, a month...etc but I was wondering if anyone
had any facts on how long this actually takes? I think
it is one of those out of sight out of mind things,
because if sunken, the cans just land on the bottom
of the ocean and aren't seen again; but, I feel like
trash on the bottom of the ocean will have some kind
of effects that will show up later down the road. It
also bothers me when the trash doesn't sink, and
instead I see it up along the banks of the marsh.
Thanks for any information, this is just for personal
knowledge.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 3:48:23 PM

Grand Isle, LA USA

Responding to Mark Kennedy and Capt. Al Walker

Mark I to want to say that your report was spot on and thanks for spending time to write it. My husband and myself were there as well. What was strange to me was Captain Al Walker was not there. This was my sixth council meeting ever and was hoping to meet Mr. Walker. I think we all were.

My husband and I brought the kids to the boat show because we saw Captain Al's report here on rod and reel. It was a pleasure to shake your hand captain! Just watch when you call us ladies old :):)

We were the ones with the kids running around your booth like Indians and thanks for the candy to speed them up even more!

The reason why I am writing this report is because of the compliments you received from Dr. Ship himself at the meeting!

I dont know if you were aware or know Dr. Bob but he put you on a pedestal for your continuous work to save our fisheries. My father is 90 years old and wants to meet and thank you because he loves fishing the rigs even today!

Captain in my families opinion you are single handily making enough noise that the council recognized your work and for the first time making since to even them! No oil rigs no fish!

While im here i want to say thank you to Doctor Ship also for being brave and standing up for us and the fish. Help us stop the destruction of the gulfs fisheries doctor Bob. I agree with captain Al that you are a over night hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 3:20:09 PM

Hopedale/Delacroix, LA USA

HOPEDALE REPORT....

I had the pleasure of fishing with Bryan Morrow and Craig Balestra, for the second time in a year. They succeeded bringing along their buddy Randy Champagne, and getting him out of Lafitte to catch some trout. This trip wasn’t as easy as the first by a long shot.

We started out close by BSM putting a few fish in the box. Covering a lot of water was the only ticket.

Jumped over to the Delacroix side and got on a slow but steady bite immediately. I wanted to leave the fish several times, but it was just enough to keep us interested. The bite slowed to a crawl, so I moved over a couple hundred yards. Bryan picked off a few redfish and a perch, and that was a rap.

I headed up the river and stopped in a small pond and started a drift. Corks started down, down, and down. I anchored us up and we were able to do a number on the fish. In short order, we had 100 speckled trout on ice along with a few redfish to boot! It wound up another awesome trip for the guys, and Randy even had a time too! These guys could fish and that made all the difference in the world with the conditions.

We are currently booking daily for the upcoming Spring/Summer. Get your trip on the books, ASAP! REMEMBER, MOON DATES FOR BIG TROUT AND WEEKENDS, GO QUICK!!!

To book your trip call 504-259-5304 and be sure to check us out online @ www.CaptKerry.net or www.OughtToBeFishing.com

Premier Overnight Accommodations, Multiple Boat Trips (NO Group is Too Big), Corporate Rates, and Evening Trips are Available!!!

******WE ACCEPT VISA, MASTERCARD, AND DISCOVER****

OUGHT TO BE FISHING CHARTERS......it's what you "OUGHTTA" be doing!!!!

 Group Table Shot!!

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 8:30:51 PM

Mesa, AZ USA

Cooperation.Da fish got the word and it was on. Brother Jeff his Cocker Sassy, Chris Jr and I were off at 10am and launched out of Golden Meadow and ran across the lake to fish the pilings (the standard 1st stop). Water was low, low, low. Good news was we found a few more oyster beds. Bad news was the hook bending Sheep Head were out in force. One 23" Red with three spots was all we kept so we moved deeper into the marsh and worked our way to the next spot. Well, a couple more Reds and Chris Jr finally broke his dry spell. Thank You King Neptune.After 5 days of fishing I was begining to wonder if he forgot how to catch a fish. But not to worry he now knows his new Abu Garcia can retrieve as well as it casts. The Sheep Head were beating us up and after a Stingray took my Market Shrimp under a popping cork it was time to move again. This time we went a mile or two north into a cut that lead into a 15 acre pond and fished the fast skinny water. We caught one lone Spec a few Reds and a 15" flounder. Once again the Sheep Head moved in and we moved out but not before Jeff had too go on shore to pull Sassy out of the mud. All in all, a great day.
Tomorrow Chris Jr adn I head back to Arizona, and reality, but not before we get do one more last trip.

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 7:11:50 PM

Lafitte, LA USA

FEBRUARY FISHING...

On Saturday, Team Capt Mike Helmer had the pleasure of guiding Trey Burvant who brought along his brother Bres and friends Chris and Mr Brad. The wind was blowing hard out of the south east making the tide pretty high and making protected ponds the place to fish on this day. The guys started the day throwing shrimp under a cork and put a few reds on ice but that bite was over pretty quick and after fishing shrimp on several more points with only 1 red to show for their efforts, Capt Mike decided it was time to cover some water so he re-rigged with soft plastics without corks. A good tip to keep in mind is to use the egg-shaped clip on popping corks which can be removed without retying the jigheads and save a lot of time. Soon after a couple reds and a couple nice bass were caught and they knew this was the way to go. Another move to a shallow bay near Bay Round resulted in some more reds and bass and to their surprise, speckled trout on the black and chartreuse H&H Baby Bull Minnows. The action wasn't fast on the trout but they managed 16 to go with the 15 reds and 8 bass in the box. The variety was good on this day as the box was pretty full with a lot of good eating. Thanks a lot to Trey and all of the guys on this trip for a fun day on the water spent with a good group of guys. We look forward to seeing them again soon.

Today Capt Mike took Mr Mitchell Hoffman and his sons Jeffrey and Phillip fishing out of Seaway Marina in Lafitte. The colder temps and the brisk northerly winds were what the weather brought for this day and the pattern had changed somewhat as the need for deeper pond systems were in order with the lower tides. Also, it wasnt cold enough to put the fish back in the dead-end canals. The guys fished some deeper and more protected ponds off of Bayou St Dennis and found a good redfish bite. They put 17 good reds on ice as well as 1 puppy drum and 2 big freshwater catfish using the same combo of H&H Baby Bull Minnows and fresh Seaway shrimp under a cork. For the conditions, a darn good day on the water. Thanks again to Mr Mitch, Jeffrey, and Phillip for another great day in the beautiful Louisiana marsh where the fishing can be good even in one of the toughest months, February!

ALL FISH CAUGHT OUT OF A GAUDET CUSTOM ALUMINUM BOAT ON H&H SOFT PLASTICS AND FRESH SHRIMP UNDER A CORK USING POWER PRO LINE ON ANCHOR WITH A POWER POLE!

IF YOU WANT TO FISH WITH LAFITTE’S MOST PROFESSIONAL, HARDEST WORKING FISHING TEAM, GIVE US A CALL AT 504-689-2006 OR SHOOT US AN EMAIL AT captainphil02@cox.net. WE HAVE NICE, CLEAN LODGING AVAILABLE AT A REASONABLE PRICE AND 5 FULL-TIME GUIDES READY TO SERVE. OUR CHARTER PRICES HAVE REMAINED THE SAME FOR 5 YEARS AND ARE AFFORDABLE AS WELL.

WE ARE HAPPY TO ARRANGE A MEAL FOR YOU AT JAN’S CONSISTING OF YOUR CATCH FRESHLY SAUTEED OR FRIED AND GUMBO OR WHATEVER ELSE ON THE MENU TEMPS YOU. TRULY A MEAL AND AN EXPERIENCE YOU WONT SOON FORGET!

 MITCHELL HOFFMAN'S TRIPTREY BURVANT'S TRIP

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 6:46:29 PM

Venice, LA USA

Made an attempt to Wahoo fish this last weekend but it was too rough. We have two open units for rent inside the faciity.  They are 20ft. x  50ft.  enclosed and have their own gate and lock. If you are interested please call me: David Massey 850-255-1747  We are a secure facility so check us out at: www.endofthelinevenice.com  We have a lot of fishing info on the web-site. Good weather and good fishing- come our way. Thanks, End Of The Line

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 12:06:19 PM

Baton Rouge, LA USA

Sunday report. Wanted to make a shorter trip and be home for
super bowl festivities on Sunday, so made the shorter drive
to Slidell to give the Ponchartrain bridges a try. Probably
a little early in the year for bridge fishing, but I wanted
to try something different. Word I heard was that there were
a few fish there, but the were spread out. Greeted with a
potent wind (the weatherman is a liar!). Tried the matrix
shads in avacado, lemonhead, and shrimp crole, gulp shrimp,
a few of my other usual plastics, and even some dead shrimp
(you know I am desparate if I'm resorting to dead shrimp)
none of these produced any fish.  I've never trolled the
bridges before, but I've been carrying a couple rattle traps
in my box for a while, so I thought I would give that a shot
- no love on that either. I tried the trestle, the highway
11 bridge, and out by the high part of the twin span. Called
it a day at 1.  Went home and cooked a feast of fish and
ducks from the freezer for a superbowl gathering...great
game, wish the fishing was as good!  I'll be back at them
somewhere next weekend.

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 11:39:39 AM

Baton Rouge, LA USA

Saturday report.  Fished Saturday out
of Pt a la hache. Fished the areas that
most are accessing from Delacroix - Oak
river, skippy's, point fienne, bay jack
nevette, etc - need to learn how to run
to these areas from Delacroix and save
a little driving time, but I know where
I am going when I enter from the south
and have been reluctant to change.
Found fairly clean water, could see a
jig  about 8 inches below the surface.  
Water tasted fresh everywhere I
stopped. Tide/current seemed to be
going out all morning against the wind,
but the water levels seemed high.  Very
slow fishing all morning, 0-1 fish at
each spot. Moved out into Battleground
bay in the afternoon, slightly improved
fishing.  Tried many baits - matrix
shad in shrimp creole, midnight mullet,
and lemonhead, gulp shrimp in molt
color, gulp pogy in white, DOA
glow/charteuse, mixed up with different
size heads tightlining or under a cork.
best baits for me today were the shrimp
creole matrix tightlined with 5/16 jig head and
the white pogy gulp about 30 inches
below the cork. Called it a day about 3
o'clock. Ended the day with about a
dozen trout and 1 huge redfish. Pretty
slow, just never found the right spot.
Good luck out there, I know the fish
are there, just have to move and move
until you find them.

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 11:09:48 AM

Kenner, LA USA

Went Fishing in the Bonnie C. Spillway
launched at the second Launch on the Laplace side. Be very careful launching if you dont have 4x4,trailer will go of the end of ramp. Saw one guy get stuck and my friend broke his axle. Caught 3 8" bass still had a good time.

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 10:39:09 AM

Hopedale, LA USA

Good morning, RodnReel!

I wanted to reveal to everyone an excellent opportunity that is virtually unheard of. Normally I have given out free fishing trips to causes for charity. Last year I did Fishing For Love in Lacombe, Camellia City Charity Race in Slidell, the American Cancer Society and the Wounded War Heroes Fishing Rodeo out of Empire. Captain Jody Donewar was there as well as others.

While I am still donating to charity for 2012, I am also giving away a fishing trip into Breton Sound for the summer of 2012. Registration is free. You can find the link to sign up at my website, Swamp Stallion Fishing Adventures. Or just visit my website and click on the "Contests and Prizes" link. Drawing will be on May 15th.

There is this contest as well as other specials that I run throughout the year. The FIRST place I always release this information is on my Facebook Page. Just search for "Swamp Stallion Fishing Adventures" on Facebook! Some specials are limited, so get on Facebook and gain the edge!

Swamp Stallion Fishing Adventures

Fishing out of Hopedale, Louisiana!

!

Call at 985-788-4963 or email contact@swampstallionfishingadventures.com

No hidden costs. Everything for your Adventure is included. Just bring a lunch and a camera to take pictures!

We accept Visa, Discover and MasterCard as well as PayPal, checks and cash.

  We can also facilitate multiple boat trips and accommodations

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 10:09:48 AM

Hopedale, LA United States

In response to Steven L

Hey Steven, before I started chartering I used Progressive on my Pathfinder. I was paying about $80 a month for full coverage. I have been using Charter Lake since I started chartering. It's good to be fully insured, gives me AND my customers great peace of mind.

Captain Devin Denman
www.SwampStallionFishingAdventures.com
contact@swampstallionfishingadventures.com
www.Facebook.com/SwampStallion
985.788.4963

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 9:54:48 AM

Algiers, LA USA

Morning,

A few years back there was some regular conversation that was discussed about "Boat Insurance", anyone have a hint to which company this was, from what i remember they had the best rates around.  After 10 years w/ GEICO they decide to raise my rates by $75 on a policy w/NO claims.  Unreal!!

Thanks in advance.

Steven

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 8:15:07 AM

Lafayette, LA USA

"NOAA, NMFS & GMFMC At Work"
Thanks Mark Kennedy for attending the meeting and posting your comments on the subjects.  

Offshore fishermen are expecting the upcoming "shaft" again on the Red Snapper fishery.  You hit every item on the head in the apathy by us recreational fishermen, upcoming fights on "sector serparation" and the most ridiculous management process of the red snapper fishery.

I have come to conclude that the leadership's agenda is to remove the recreational fishermen from the water, period.

To hell with our rights, to hell with the economy, to hell with America as we knew it.

What other conclusions can you draw from such irresponsible actions??

Hurry up November, as maybe we can really start the "change"!!! Hopefully change back to the freedom we once had as citizens of this country and state.

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 8:12:13 AM

Baton Rouge, LA USA

I can testify.  They are scatter but John will find
them.  Drifted a shoreline right in front of Holy
Mack... on Saturday catching two trout but getting
many more bites.  Decided not to drop the power-
pole since it seems like when we do that the bite
stops.  Holy Mack...  was behind us by about a
hundred yards and when he got to that spot we saw
his boat reeling them in.  How jealous was I?   Good
day saturday though.  Fished Skippy Lake, Bakers
Bay, and Four Horse ending up with all the drum you
could ever want on market bait, and a mixed bag:

10 drum(probably released 15 more)
10 trout
3 reds

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 7:53:21 AM

Gretna, LA USA

100 Trout Limit Sunday, 50 Trout Limit Saturday Fishing From Sweetwater Marina, Delacroix.

As good as that may sound, neither day was a gimme for the H.M. Crew, a combination of fishing the deep cuts and drifting bays, we slowly, steadily built a box of Trout.  The easterly winds brought some beautiful water inside.  The water was exactly as we were expecting, the level was high, the salinity was good, the temperature was up, and the tide was flowing well.

We didn't have a one stop shop but we were fortunate in that most waters were productive Saturday.  Fishing Saturday with my cousin "The Redman," we found the Trout scattered in the bays.  We caught 5 to 8 Trout almost every stop but for the most part that was it.  That same scene played out over and over until we reached 50.  Areas:  Pt. Fienne good, Skippy Bay - 0, Bakers Bay the water was gorgeous and the only stop where we caught 10 or more, Oak River okay, and Four Horse okay.  Tsunami across the bays, Lemonhead and Creole Matrix Shads under a cork, Matrix Shads on the bottom on a 3/8 oz jighead.

Sunday was a wild crew fishing with my father, "The Redman", and Scott Walker "Nightfisher" but the north winds gave us trouble early.  A stiff north wind coupled with a strong falling tide had the water rolling in the deep cuts and the lee shorelines of the bays were only somewhat productive.  We picked up a few Trout here and there in hopes that the wind would settle a bit later in the day.  When it did settle and we were able to fish where we wanted to fish instead of where we had to fish, the wild crew started to pick up Trout quickly.  Although we ended up with 100, we landed at Sweetwater Loddge within minutes of the Superbowl kickoff.  That gives a clear picture of the time spent on the water to build that box but almost no place anyone aboard would rather have been.  We laughed hysterically all day long, no one was safe from abuse onboard with that crew for any moment longer than 30 seconds.

We also enjoyed watching Gary Fishaholic's daughter catch some big Trout while the rest of us struggled early.  And P-Wee, as you can see there are plenty of Trout everywhere but scattered enough that I can assure you we had no chance of wiping them out, plenty of Trout left for everyone and for Ms. Fishette this week.

Monday, February 6, 2012 @ 4:40:38 AM

Sweetwater, LA USA

CURIOUS:

I think someone was pulling your leg.. We've fished there for years without a problem...

I doubt that LPL's security has jurisdiction over the water! Unless you got on shore, you should have just laughed and fished on...

Stevie looks like a mini taliban fisherman with that scarf on! Gnatz must have been playing hell for him to cover that beautiful face! Man YOU always get the goods though don't you... Fish must tremble when they hear you approach...

Oneofthepack! I woulda given up a fishing trip to see blue man group... they put on a heck of a show that's for sure.

Cindy, Captain Jack knows that when ya start missing em like that to put on a smaller hook (or a treble hook which I hate) and use the popcorn beetles or finesse baits.. that'll get em on the line! But then who am I to be giving suggestions to 'Da Man"??

Fishette's almost ready for to get her feet (and all else) wet again so hopefully we'll be down your way sometime later this week...

Tell John G to save a few for us will ya?

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 9:56:08 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

Yesterday Capt Jack was in the bait shop when Mr. Tony showed up saying his buddy cancelled.  Capt Jack didn’t have a charter so he jumped in the boat with him and off they went hunting trout.  They left at 8am heading to Bay Jack Nevette where they put 5 in the box but missed about 10. That seemed to set the tone for the day as they bounced around to Skippy Lake,  the Spider and finished in Four Horse Lake putting a few in the box but missing double! The final tally 30 trout, 1 red and 2 flounders.  All fish were caught with Matrix Shads in Shrimp Creole under a popping cork.  Today we had 14 boats go out of Sweetwater and everybody caught fish except for 2 boats.  Holy Mackerel caught his limit of trout both days as well as Capt Tommy with limits of trout and reds.  A variety of baits were used today from live cockahoes to the Matrix Shads in all colors.  Everybody that tries the Matrix Baits loves them.  We have them in all available colors in the bait shop.   Except for the Lemon Drop color which will be here on Tuesday.  We got a brand new shipment of cockahoes today so we will have plenty of them for you live bait fishermen.  The weather is supposed to be in the 60’s all week so the water temp should be perfect for trout fishing.  So if you get a chance to sneak away come on down to Delacroix and let Capt Jack put you on the fish!!

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 8:59:36 PM

Slidell, LA USA

               TEAM JO-JO

Oneofthepack missed a perfect day for fishing today, Loveofthepack our social director had us schedule to go see the Blue Men today st 2:00 pm, with Big Charlie, Big MaryAnn, Big Randy, and Big Gigi.  

The show was not one to miss a fishing trip for, but it was one of the better ones we’ve seen this year, at least Loveofthepack and Oneofthepack stayed awake all the way through the show, which is a plus.

Afterwards it was on to Juicy Lucy’s for hamburgers, was not one of our favorite hamburgers, they serve them all medium well to well, Oneofthepack likes them still mooowing.

When we got home read the reports on rodnreel.com, not much happing, guess all the fisherperson stayed home to watch the Super Bowl, we tapped it, shortly we will go back and look at the second half.

Oneofthepack still looking for some help on how to post a video, like Century Man did, one day we will make it happen, until then hope to see all you fisherperson out and about, until then:

Good Fishing

Team Jo-Jo & Oneofthepack

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 7:43:47 PM

Lacombe, LA USA

Crushed the reds again yesterday in Biloxi Marsh in the new Team Gator Trax boat on Matrix Shad spinner baits, wind blew 15 mph plus but water was crystal and most reds were caught in 8-20" gin clear water ,,,

I dont know how to edit so here are some pics and a video or two if they go thru

Century Man Out





Here fishy fishy,

 another beautiful red matrix shadThis is the spot, matrix shad spinn23" even 6.5 lb FAT RED in BMReds in the gator trax sight fishin

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 7:26:17 PM

Venice, LA USA

Port long, Starboard short and center bait in the wash. I have been repeating this process over and over for the past two weeks looking for the “right one”, and boy did I find it. Had Jimmie C, Eric and big Ken down from South Florida for a week. The guys made it in on the 21rst after a short flight, the only problem was, their boat which was supposed to be there, was two days behind due to truck malfunctions. Oh well, into my boat we go for the next three days or so until theirs arrives. Prior to this trip Jimmy told me I want two things; a 100lb Wahoo and a yellow fin over 100lbs. He fishes primarily in the Bahamas and hasn’t been able to reach that mark. My initial reply was the tuna shouldn’t be a problem but the Wahoo might be a stretch. Little did I know what was in the cards? The short version is we fished all week and did not get the tuna, there were a few caught here and there but it just wasn’t meant to be. The Wahoo stole the show. 1/24 we placed two gaffs in a Wahoo that would later measure 73 in long and 33 in girth. We had a 100lb certified scale at the marina that was a floor scale. She stopped at 98lbs with the tail touching the ground. Measurements gave her 104-111lbs. We called it 102lbs and stopped there. We pulled the flying gaff out of a 600-650 lb mako that day as well. That’s another story in itself. 1/27 another Wahoo hit the deck which later went 71.5 in long and 32 in girth. This fish bottomed out the scale and we called her 101lbs. Throw in a lot more Wahoo, a bonus Warsaw and a bunch of other goodies and you have about 350lbs of fillet and a full week. I didn’t get the yellow fin but hit it out of the park on the Wahoo. Both fish were caught on Bombers, Bubblegum and blue chrome with owner 200lb split rings and Owner 4/0 trebles. The tuna fishing should improve shortly; Capt. Eddie found big open fish yesterday that were hitting live pogies. It’s only a matter of time before they turn on. The Wahoo fishing this year has been outstanding on size and numbers. We have some really big fish in the area right now. We still have plenty of dates available, so give me a call to book your “winter” trip here in Venice. The big fish season should continue thru the end of March. I will be back on the water Tuesday looking for yellow fin and Wahoo. Report to follow. See ya on the dock or on the water.

Captain William Wall
Pelagic Charters
F/v ALL IN
Venice, La
1.225.454.5365
www.captwill1@cox.net

 Big BoyGood deal.Dragging toads.101lb WahooBully in the bunch!Colored up wahooMakoBig Head, little fingersMagnum Wahoo

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 2:57:41 PM

Slidell, LA USA

Question for anyone and everyone who knows. I
am new to fishing the ICW/MRGO area and
fished yesterday by the hot water canal down the
edge of the rocks toward the coast guard station.
After being there for about 30 minutes a security
guard pulled out on the dock and turned his siren
on for a second and then got out the car a yelled
at us that we couldnt fish there. There are no
postings that we saw. Is this true or not. We left
and found some great trout along the rocks in
the main ICW.

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 1:54:04 PM

Slidell, LA USA

Question for anyone and everyone who knows. I
am new to fishing the ICW/MRGO area and
fished yesterday by the hot water canal down the
edge of the rocks toward the coast guard station.
After being there for about 30 minutes a security
guard pulled out on the dock and turned his siren
on for a second and then got out the car a yelled
at us that we couldn

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 1:51:21 PM

Baton Rouge, LA USA

Any body out there run a pathfinder boat? Wanting to know any pros/cons related to this boat.

Thanks

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 11:45:12 AM

Chalmette, LA USA

Father and Daughter trip Dawn and I
Launched out of Sweet water about 7
Saturday morning. Bought all the
color's Matrix to try them out. Headed
down the pencil to Feinney to make our
first drift. As we pulled up to start
our drift saw Holy Mackerel chatted a
little bit and got on same channel on
our VHS. I was looking for a little
help if we didn't find our bite. First
drift I missed two then got one in the
boat turned around and Dawn had one
coming great. I had Dawn on the purple
matrix and I was throwing the clear
w/red flakes. We were both getting hits
and missed opportunity so we stayed
with those all day. First drift turned
out to the best drift of the day
boating 8 nice trout w/Dawn catching
the biggest a 20" trout. Called John on
the radio to let him know he ended up
trying the same drift but didn't catch
much or anything. We tried it again and
only put one more in the boat. John
said they were moving down the pencil
and that's my normal route as we ended
up doing the same. Next drift in Skippy
we caught one more Trout and one Bass I
threw back that was it. Moved to oak
river tried the drift in there but not
very good at that style yet still
working on it. I probably need to see
if I can coax one of the expert's like
Oneofthepack to go with me and get a
little schooling. Next stop was Bakers
first drift Dawn caught a nice red 22"
and I caught another Bass thrown back.
Dawn did a great job getting the red to
the boat and I netted it for her. Next
stop was Big Oyster nothing there moved
again to Oak river and the twin I
hooked a big Red 29" no tags but still
released to big. Back to Fienney to try
our drift again picked up a couple more
but that was it. My back started acting
up so I tried one more area before
calling it quit's in Lake Batoula
without results. Weather was great the
tide was falling hard all day not that
many fish but still a great day on the
water with my daughter. Fisherperson of
the day has to go to my daughter she
caught the biggest trout and the only
keeper red. All fish caught on the
Matrix lures under a cork we tried on
the bottom without success.

Final Tally

12 nice trout 13 to 20" Dawn caught the
biggest one.

2 Reds one kept Dawn one released me.

2 Bass released me.

Thanks out to John for trying to help
with reports of areas he tried.

Another great trip out of Sweet Water
thanks for the help launching and
picking up. I had a great time fishing
with my daughter Dawn.

Good luck to all on your next trip!

 Her RedDawn with a couple of her trout

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 10:08:42 AM

Slidell, LA United States

In response to MIKE

      TEAM JO-JO

“YOU GOT TO GO TO KNOW” is our motto, if you share in this philosophy, please call (504-914-4896) so we can talk up a trip for March, only have a few weekend days open, call soon.

Good Fishing

Team Jo-Jo & Oneofthepack

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 9:27:06 PM

Slidell, LA USA

                                TEAM JO-JO

Oneofthepack Got an early start this morning, loaded up the FODR transporter for a quick run to Team Jo-Jo‘s official meeting place, (Waffle House in Chalmette) to meet up with crew today for our fun day down to our Disney World known as Delacroix Island.

Team Jo-Jo’s crew consisted of Big Robert, (MCC Group commission specialist from B.R. town) Big Bernie, (Big Robert’s better half) and Oneofthepack , we finally got to make a trip we plan weeks ago, after my bowl of grits and some coffee we all jumped into the FORD for quick ride down to the boat slip, loaded up the Bay Flat Sr, cruised over to Lionel’s for some go juice, ice, dead shrimp, (Big Bernie needed some moral support) and to check in with Willie and Lionel to see where they where biting at, word is ALL OVER.

SIGNS:

• Fog
• No sighted wildlife
• Saw some Kildee’s flying around
• Everybody on time
• Trouble free ride down to boat slip
• Forgot the ice at the dock, (Big Pablo & crew came to our rescue)
• Reels and lines all tangled up
• Tide/current fighting the wind

CONDITIONS:

• Perfect
• Wind from the East, calm, then up to 10-12 mph steady, guts when the clouds came over
• Partly cloudy
• Cool to mild temps
• Tide falling all day strong, don’t know what happen to the incoming tide never showed up
• Water clarity on a scale of 1-7 was a 4 plus, looked pretty good

TECHNIQUE:

• “Delacroix Stroll” with the wind (east) and Tide (falling) fighting one another had to come up with a game plan change, (Delacroix Stroll”) as we could not do the “OAK RIVER TROLL”. The wind and tide where an equal force, the Bay Flat Sr just stayed in one place, no anchor needed. We would start up and move the Bay Flat Sr along the bayou, drift across the channel to the other side / drop off, turn around and repeat this technique all day long.
• As the day went along tide slowed, wind picked up, we had a slight movement forward, and we turned the motor to make the bow go to the left so we all could fish. Our cast was up current on a 45 deg from the boat, let the lure sink; work the lure along the bottom, trying to keep pace with Bay Flat Sr movement.
• We must have each made over a 100 cast each. Crew & Oneofthepack just kept chunking the lures up current, and bouncing them along the bottom back to the boat.

LURE OF THE DAY:

• 3” H&H purple beetle, matched up with H&H ¼ oz round white head with gold hook, works for us, don’t leave home without them.

AREAS / SPOTS / NUMBERS ON THE MAP FISHED:

• Spot # 17 (35)t, # 2A (6)t, #6, Little Crevasse (1)T, Oak River & North / South pipeline, back to # 17 38t, # 2A, stopped fishing at 3:00pm
• Bites slowed down, could see the crew was losing interest, so we made a run to a few other spots, but Oneofthepack knew where he wanted to be at, and we ran back to 17 to finish out the day.

OUR REWARD:

• No fog
• No nats
• (80) Silverwonders, (27) throw backs
• (1) Redthing
• (1) Drumthing
• (8) Oyster shells
• (6) Bottoms
• (1/2) Bushel of grass
• Got to fish w/ a couple of competitive fisherperson, though we were going to have divorce court on the  Bay Flat Sr
• Best fishing trip of my life, until the next one.

FISHERPERSON OF THE DAY:

Big Bernie caught the 1st Silverwonders of the day (she took the quarter bet) Big Bernie had 6 Silverwonders in the Boat before Oneofthepack got his first, and had (10) before Big Robert caught his first. Big Bernie also caught the biggest Silverwonders, the last Silverwonders of the day.

Big Robert was busy taking fish off Big Bernie’s pole, fixing and retying her lines when they popped, opening the box to put the fish in, at least that was the excuse he was using for his lack of catching.

We made a stop at # 6, something was said, I did not hear it all, but Big Robert made a comment to Big Bernie, let see how you feel when I out fish you, Oneofthepack says hope I don’t see that, Big Bernie says, don’t worry that will never happen.

This is when the fun started, as we returned back to spot # 17, Big Robert got the feel of the , “DEALCROIX STROLL”  and he started to chip away at Big Bernie’s lead, they were going at it one for one at the end of the day.

Big Robert even stop taking  fish off for her, she looked at Oneofthepack, says I, when I take them off I may throw them back, ( I’ve used this technique in the past, when someone catches a real nice Silverwonders I unhook it, and say that a real pretty fish, their eyes  and smile of delight greet my comments, then I throw it overboard, they never ask me to take them off anymore)don’t touch my fish was the word from the lady up front, the tone of her voice was enough for Oneofthepack to comply.

Based on all the facts and visuals of the day, I made it known I casted my vote for Big Bernie for fisherperson of the day, Big Robert held back his vote for a second, and then conceded that Big Bernie was FISHERPERSON of the day, so be it.

SUGGESTIONS:

Me think the bites / crazy 15 minutes will be early tomorrow morning, and it will be over by 8:30 till 9:00 am, get an early start, rig up the H&H purple beetle rig, and do the “DEALCROIX STROLL”.

Don’t listen to the weather man, ‘YOU GOT TO GO TO KNOW” today was just a perfect day, the only rain we had was during our truck ride home, PERFECT DAY WAS IT.

Loveofthepack has us scheduled with Familyofthepack to go to the real Disney World next week, so it looks like Oneofthepack will be off the water for a week or two, would appreciate it if you Fisherperson leave a few Silverwonders for us to catch when we get back.

Hope to see all you fisherperson out and about, until then:

Good Fishing

Team Jo-Jo & Oneofthepack

 Lady Walks The Walk

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 9:18:13 PM

New Orleans, LA USA

DAY TWO FOR BILL, HAROLD AND WAYNE

Well, we were socked in with fog again this morning at the Delta Marina in Empire, LA. This time of the year it is just something we have to deal with.

We finally got out and started fishing the rising tide at 11:00 am and the bite was on. The guys caught approx. 50 Redfish keeping some fine ones for the table.

All Redfish caught on live hoes under a popping cork.

Bill, Harold and Wayne THANKS AGAIN!

LOOK FORWARD TO PUTTING YOU ON THE SPECKS THIS SUMMER!

CaptainJodyDonewar.com

 GREAT DAY ON THE WATER!

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 8:21:42 PM

abita springs, LA USA

hey oneofthepack how was disneyworld today weather did no look so good  would like to meet up with you  and try to learn some new spots

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 5:00:22 PM

Lafitte, LA USA

Another good decent morning of trout fishing with Capt.Bart.The bite was slower than yesterday but we ended up with lots of thses guys(see photo's).Best part is we ran less than 10 miles round trip.Oh, H&H opening night/chart. tail cocahoes 2ft. undr a cork again was the bait of choice.

If you want to fish with Lafitte’s most professional, hardest working fishing team, give us a call at 504-689-2006 or shoot us an email at captainphil02@cox.net. We have nice, clean lodging available at a reasonable price and 5 full-time guides ready to serve. Our charter prices have remained the same for 5 years and are affordable as well.

We are happy to arrange a meal for you at Jan’s consisting of your catch freshly sauteed or fried and gumbo or whatever else on the menu temps you. Truly a meal and an experience you wont forget

God Bless

Capt.James

 Capt.BartCapt.James

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 3:23:44 PM

Venice, LA USA

Sorry about the spelling guys. Saw Marks
report and had to chime in using my phone.
Again thank you for the very important report
sir!

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 1:10:12 PM

Venice, LA USA

This is the best and worst news I have ever heard from the council. Bad
news is the admitted but continuous use of false data that is regulating our
fisheries. I along with numerous others have proven for years now that oil
platforms are essential fish habitat through video mainly.

Definition of EFH quite simply is

"A termin the federal law governing fisheries management that refers to the
physical environment necessary to support a sustainable fishery"

Even though we have shown fish and mammals alike
breeding,eating,spawning and growth to maturity these guys continue the
agenda of helping our Essential Fish Habitats{oil rigs} become a long lost
memory.

The guys that are making these laws forbid you and I to touch,remove or
harass these "federally" protected species but are charging the oil
companies multi millions to use dynomite and blow them out of the water
killing everything that lives on and around them.

EFH should simply be defined as

Oil rigs= life
No oil rigs = no life

Im happy to say that Black Elk Energy is setting the precedence for the
entire oil industry and us fro that matter entering litigation with the federal
gov over this matter. My hero's!

The good news in Mr. Kennedy's report is that Dr. Bob Ship has become
another hero overnight simply by Marks report here. Dr. Bob take this bull
by the horns and run with it brother! If this is true you really are the man
that the marine life and the fishermen need on their side. Go Dr. Bob go!!!!!

On a better note grab the old lady and the kids and get down to to the boat
show. Plenty of great people and exhibitors. We all are blessed to live in
such a great state with such a rich culture.

See you here!

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 12:23:31 PM

metairie, la United States

In response to Oneofthepack

pack, it's already for sale. if you know someone who wants to run/own good local business pass on my e-mail/phone #. in the mean time let me know when you're ready for week days we'll go. have granddaughters sat/sun as usual. all other days open. silverwonders be forewarned we're loading up & headed to disneyland. p/s i'll clean the fish. big al (the breauxman not the cousin)

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 9:51:45 AM

Mesa, AZ USA

My son and in flew in on Tuesday and my SIL drove into the city from Cut Off to pick us up. The next morning was by brothers birthday and he had to work but my son and I did some fishing off the road and in a few ponds wth me walking away with a lone 24" Red on a Top Dog. Wednesday it was birthday King Cake and a new Abu Garcia stainless reel to my brother Jeff all spooled up with his favourite 17# test from my friends at Bass Pro. Thursday my son and I went to Leeville and using my brothers boat hit the marsh pretty hard, enjoyed the day on the water and stayed until after noon when the weather forced us in. Yesterday the three of us went out to Catfish lake and with windy conditions I was the lone angler rewarded for our troubles with one Red, one Sheepshead (released) and two Specks of which one was released. So off to th ecity to the Boat Show was in order and the three of us spent a couple of hours there. Much to my suprise whom should I run into but Captain Al Walker. Made my day. I am not sure what is on the big agenda today but whatever it is I'm ready.

 Top Dog bite

Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 7:27:31 AM

Baton Rouge, LA 70817

Finally got my dad down to Delacroix.  Started rough
this morning with boat problems.  Big credit to
Ascension Marine in Ascension Parish for getting me
back up and running fast enough to be on the water
by 1.  Fished the Point Fienne area water was clear
but wind was really high.  We hit a spot towards the
back of point fienne with reds and drum and and
few trout.  Fished till 5:30 using dead beat and lemo
drop matrix shads.

Final count

4 reds
8 drum
4 trout 14-18 inches

Be back on the water tomorrow good luck everyone.

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 10:28:17 PM

Lafitte, La United States

In response to Capt JS

Yea, Jerry been a little while since we fished in
calm winds. The Texas Roach Bass Assasin is
a good bait but I will stick with my old faithful
H&H cocahoe and beetles. They have never let
me down

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 8:38:05 PM

Barataria, LA USA

To Capt James not me. We have been posting about all the fish the Roach has been catching and we have had these winds for as long as I can remember. When the going gets tough the roahd gets going. He gives lesson to me and others every day in Lafitte on Fran road the roach is now on all the fishing reports in the TP outdoor report. PS Just look at the Pelicans that wait for him everyday.

 limit bass and troutat the roach cleaning station

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 7:54:33 PM

Lafitte, LA USA

Who says you can't catch trout in Lafitte in 20 plus winds.Capt.Bart and myself decided to hit the water to catch some trout for a family fish fry.Left Seaway around 8am making the run to the trout spot.The water was clean and falling and a few trout were biting.The key was to keep drifting today as they were really scattered and biting funny.Can't tell you how many we shook off in the waves.We picked away at them and put our 50 trout limit on ice plus a big blue cat and released a 30 inch red.The trout were decent with most over 14 inches and only a handful of throwbacks.

All trout at H&H opening night/chart. cocahoes fished 2ft. under a cork.Most of the fish wanted the bait sitting letting the waves work it.

If you want to fish with Lafitte’s most professional, hardest working fishing team, give us a call at 504-689-2006 or shoot us an email at captainphil02@cox.net. We have nice, clean lodging available at a reasonable price and 5 full-time guides ready to serve. Our charter prices have remained the same for 5 years and are affordable as well.

We are happy to arrange a meal for you at Jan’s consisting of your catch freshly sauteed or fried and gumbo or whatever else on the menu temps you. Truly a meal and an experience you wont forget

God Bless

Capt.James

 Capt.James with a pairCapt.BartCapt.JamesCapt.Bart's RedCapt.El GatoBox Shot

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 6:17:47 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

Yesterday Capt Jack took my brother Richie, our good friend Allen and ME out for some trout fishing.  We left the dock at 10am heading out to the Point Fiennes area.  The water was beautiful everywhere.  We were throwing Matrix Shads in Shrimp Creole under a popping cork.  We wound up with 53 really nice trout all 14 to 19 inches with a couple of 22 inch trout that Capt Jack caught.  I wanted to go catch some Reds so Capt Jack obliged and we wound up with 15 perfect sized reds for the grill.  We caught all reds on dead shrimp under a popping cork in Shrimp Lagoon.  I do have to admit that I did not put one redfish in the box.  I thought the spot sucked but everybody else who was catching reds said that there would be as mutiny if Capt Jack pulled up anchor and moved!  That was the first time I have been fishing in years with my brother and I really had a good time.  Today Capt Jack took out Charlie and his buddies for some of the same.  The wind was challenging but they came back to the dock with 50 of the same sized trout as we had yesterday.  They caught them in the Point Fiennes area just like yesterday.  With the same baits and techniques as we used yesterday.  Remember folks that they have a hard time predicting the weather down here so call us and we will let you know what’s up.  Capt Jack will be here to point you in the right direction and we have everything you need.  We also have the old bait shop under construction.  We are turning it into a grocery/deli and will offer a variety of sandwiches, hot lunches, poboys, drinks including beer and liquor.  We will also carry grocery items to meet everyone’s needs.  The visitors and the locals will be able to acquire sliced deli meats, milk, bread, eggs as well as some cleaning supplies and personals.  We are about 4 weeks out from completion.  The deli will be opened and ready by this spring.  We will also have snowballs this summer!  So come on down to Sweetwater in Delacroix where the customer is KING!!

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 5:41:45 PM

Slidell, LA United States

In response to Jeff & Brenda

TEAM JO-JO

Fisherpersons Oneofthepack has fished with Big Jeff and Big Brenda in their Skitter, real nice rig, and fast.

Good Fishing

Team Jo-Jo & Oneofthepack

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 5:41:22 PM

Slidell, LA United States

In response to big al

Start selling

Oneofthepack

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 5:36:53 PM

Slidell, LA United States

In response to eastofmrgo

           TEAM JO-JO

Oneofthepack already has you and other Team Jo-Jo fisherperson on the list, but after posting about retiring, received a number of emails, (6) from fellow fisherperson retirees looking to hook up.

Team Jo-Jo will keep the list going as they come in for future use during the week when we need a crew to make a trip to our Disney World known as Delacroix Island.

As for the Silverwonders protesting, protest they may, but once the H&H purple beetle hits the water they cannot help themselves,  they throw all caution to the wind, and it will be back to attack mode quickly.

Crew for tomorrow is Big Robert, (co-worker) and his wife, feel we will have to do the “OAK RIVER TROLL” all day tomorrow. Oneofthepack sure hope he can teach the crew the technique so they too can catch some Silverwonders.

Big Pablo called this evening trying to see if we had a crew, as Big T-Doc ‘s trailer is on the blink, told him the Bay Flat Sr was full, he to try and take his boat out w/his crew to see if they can get on a Silverwonders bite.

We will be out and about bright & early, in search of the elusive Silverwonders, hope to see all you fisherperson out and about, until then:

Good Fishing

Team Jo-Jo & Oneofthepack

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 5:35:25 PM

Gretna, LA USA

I was thinking the same thing Joe as I have been at work all week, sure been quiet down in Delacroix.  I can tell you what I do know, the wind has been easterly for the last few days which will bring good, clean, salty water inside.  The USGS real time water data confirms this, the water gauge is up, the salinity is coming up, and the water temperature made it up to 67 degrees yesterday.  

In addition to that good news there is around a 1.5 tide range predicted for the weekend.  A good falling tide in the morning and a good incoming tide in the afternoon.  This time of the year one cannot ask for much better conditions.  I would like to fish Saturday but due to work it may be Sunday or even Monday until I am off for a few days.  I will post a bad report if necessary but with the way things are shaping up I don't foresee fishermen struggling in Delacroix this weekend.

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 11:11:14 AM

Slidell, LA USA

22' ZXBay for Sale $20,000.00

200 HDPI with less than 500 hrs

extra brand new lower unit!

extra cowling

8 foot power pole

Brand new Sears platinum battery with 2+ yrs warranty

36v Great White trolling motor opti-max batterys

10" Garmin chartplotter/GPS

New Trim tab control module with LED indicators

New tires on trailer

Boat very well maintained with records.

Please call me with any questions.....

504-874-4595
Jeff

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 11:00:33 AM

no, LA USA

no reports from the great fishermen from sweetwater  
lets hear the bad with the good!!!!!!!

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 10:21:23 AM

Mobile, AL USA

I spent some time at the Gulf Council meeting this week and addressed the council during the comment period. I was more depressed when I left than before I got there. Under the current system, we as private boat recreational anglers are basically screwed when it comes to coastal reef fishing. There are no private boat recreational fishermen on the council and only 2 besides me showed up to speak at the public comment period so we can partially blame ourselves for our current predicament.  Charter boat captains and commercial fishermen are represented on the council and dozens of these guys showed up to speak.

Dr. Bob Shipp gave a good presentation on the state of red snapper in the Gulf, summarizing the fishery from the 1800s until now. His peer reviewed report (reef-man.com/ShippBortoneMSfinal.doc) shows there are more red snapper in the northern gulf than at any time in history - that we are in a red snapper building program and not a rebuilding program. Unfortunately, the council only uses their govt approved models and data to set our regs. Artificial reefs and rigs are not considered by the NMFS as essential reef habitat and the fish on them are not counted as part of the Gulf’s biomass in the models. But, the fish caught from these structures are counted against us in the data. Dr. Shipp is trying to get artificial reefs and rigs deemed essential habitat, but is encountering some resistance on the council. We’ve spent many years and big $ building reef habitat and the NMFS continues to unjustly deny access to our overly abundant resource.

We get 40 days this year due to the increased size and availability of red snapper. They say that they are bound by the MSA to do this and have no flexibility. This is not entirely correct - the MSA does not define “the model” nor issue “the data”. The NMFS concocts both of these and they significantly understate the existing stock of red snapper and overstate the recreational take - primary factors in our joke of a 40 day season. The council is under the impression that they are doing a decent job of red snapper management and they have proclaimed that things are going so well that we can look forward to a 60 or maybe even a 70 day season by 2032 (their rebuilding deadline).

Regarding AJ, the council has several options with two getting the attention: keeping the 30” FL and closing it June and July like last year or increasing the AJ size limit to 34” FL and leaving the season open all year. All of the charter boat captains spoke in favor of keeping the 30” FL and June – July closure stating that raising the size to 34” would increase dead discards. I and the CCA rep spoke in favor of the 34” size and year round season. My point was that June and July was the worst time to have AJ closed as this is when the kids are out of school, the weather is good and we all want to fish. Increasing the size to 34” will not increase dead discards more than having a completely closed AJ season during June and July. The council postponed action on this until April – if you want AJ open year round with a 34” size let them know it soon!!!! www.gulfcouncil.org has contact info for some members.

Regarding triggerfish and beeliner, look forward to closures and stricter limits on these this year as well. Redirection of effort due to the short red snapper season, habitat competition with the overpopulated red snapper, and predation of their eggs and young are significant factors in the claimed decline of these two species so NMFS solution is to reduce fishing for these.

It is the stated goal of Roy Crabtree and others on the council to have at least one premium species open in every month of the year. My opinion is that if we are forced to live with these ridiculously strict seasons and limits, keep as much open at the same time as possible so it will be worth making a trip offshore. At the moment it looks like there will be periods this year (one of which is July 10th – Aug 1st) where we can’t keep red snapper, AJ, trigger, or gag grouper.

The NMFS is under the Dept of Commerce which oversees commercial interests. Based on the comments I heard the commercial fishermen are happy with their situation. They can go catch commercial quantities of red snapper in one day 10 – 20 mile trips where they once had to make multi-day 60 – 80 mile trips. The charter boats all seem OK with the idea that the NMFS will keep at least one “premium” species open every month of the year – they just ask for a few more crumbs of the red snapper season that NMFS doles out.  They are in favor of being pulled from the recreational fishing sector and put into their own management group (sector separation) – this is a major debate and is most likely not good for us.

If there is to be any hope for private boat recreational fishermen there must be significant institutional changes in the way our fish are managed. NMFS managing the Gulf as one pond is no good. As a rule all of the NMFS data comes from small pockets of high fishing pressure centered on Destin, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, etc. Once you get 30-40 miles away from these areas there is now and has always been significantly less fishing pressure and better fish stocks. There has been and will continue to be intermittent stressed fisheries within these pockets, but they are only a small percentage of the Gulf’s continental shelf. It is not good management to extrapolate what is needed for the entire Gulf from what appears to be needed within these small areas. The council is overwhelmed with management responsibility. Leave management of commercial and offshore pelagics in the hands of NMFS, but coastal and reef fishing needs to be regulated by regional councils staffed with regional managers. Say FL = 1, AL, MS, LA = 2 and TX = 3. We need congressional and fishing industry help to get this or something else done, and soon!

Sorry for the long read, but things are not good. Nearly all of the guys around here that had boats like mine have sold them and said to hell with it as far as offshore fishing is concerned, but it is still my passion and I hope some reasonable resolution can be had.

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 10:12:39 AM