Google Eye Time

Spring time brings the spawn of many fish. One and perhaps the most colorful and fun to catch is the Warmouth aka Goggle Eye. Goggle eye can be found most places that Bluegill and red-ear sunfish are located. Local areas that are great spots to catch bunches of these tasty fish are Lake Bouef/Des Allemandes, Lake Fields/Long, Bayou Black from Orange Grove to Turtle bayou and perhaps the best spot for those extra large goggle eye would be the Atchafalaya basin. The basin gave up record size warmth back in the 70s-80s; all better than one pound and one fish that weighed over 2 pounds. Although those sizes are not common anymore, you still can catch fish weighing up to 1 pound. A one pound goggle eye is a seriously big fish for its' kind considering the average fish weighs half of that or less. Besides sacalait, gogs are one of my favorite fish to catch in freshwater. They will hit a bait bigger than normal because of their large mouths, so no need to downsize like you would for bluegill. Bait types can vary. Live bait of choice would be worms, grass shrimp and the absolute best, baby crawfish. However, bait is seldom needed, especially when you find them bedding. A number of artificial baits are used such as jigs, worms, and small spinners, but goggle eye will hit big baits also. Many bass fishers catch lots of goggle eye on their normal bass baits. Color wise they seem to prefer a crawfish color such as brown/orange, brown/chartruse, red, and one that most wouldn't think of, pink. But to be honest when they are feeding most any color will work. You can fish them the same way as crappie with an ultralight spinning or spin cast rod and reel or with a jigging pole. I prefer the jigging pole because you can get back into places you may not reach casting and it is easier to get unhung, especially when fishing wooded areas. If the bite slows up, going to live bait will certainly improve the catch. Remember as always, keep what you need and release the rest, especially during the spawn. Good luck fishing. Hope to see ya on the water.

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