Bobfish Tales

Sometimes the wind can be just too much. Even with drift socks, chains, or what other devices you are using to slow your roll, they may not work. That being said, a few years ago while fishing my favorite lake, Poverty Point, I learned to let the wind work for me. By chance, I was fixing to call it a day because the wind was just too much. But as luck would have it, I had a pole that I had not pulled in. Just as I lifted the trolling motor, bam, a fish tried to jerk the pole out of the boat. In the midst of gathering up my gear, that forgotten rod that was trailing behind the boat had hooked up on a nice crappie. Just as any good fisherman would do, I tossed the jig back behind the boat and another fish hit. Needless to say, I was suddenly on a pattern. I had fought the wind trying to spider rig, then by casting, none of which was producing fish. But this technigue was producing. I decided to toss two jigs behind the boat, and letting the wind do the pulling for me. I had discovered ...

Trout fishing is fantastic here in South Louisiana, especially during the fall and spring, but the winds can be crazy! Fronts cause winds either blowing strong from the South before, or strong from the North after. But you can take advantage of this, especially on the lakes. So, what technique works best in these conditions? Long lining; Depending on wind speed, I typically troll two, one eighth ounce jig heads with a tout or swim bait. At times, you may need a lighter jig, in lighter winds or heavier jig, in stronger winds. It all depends on dragging speed. This can also be done under a popping cork. The good thing about this is that you can still cast your lure of choice while dragging the baits behind the boat. The second choice, and at times the best choice, is to troll suspending lures, such as the Paul Brown Suspending twitch bait, Mirror Dine M17 or Mirror Lure Catch, Jr. But, there are a number of suspending baits that work well. I start with different colors, typically a ch...

With this warm weather here in south Louisiana, the top water fishing has been fantastic. For most folks using medium to heavy tackle would seem to be the best bet. But for me I op-out for the lightest tackle I can get away with. After all what is more exciting than hooking mule trout on 8-10 pound line with a medium to light weight 7ft spinning rod and a 1000 series spinning reel.. Crazy right? Most folks would think that, but that's exactly what I have caught over 40 fish with in the 3-6lb range these last two months. Plus this type of finesse fishing is great if you are using plastics or suspending baits. I prefer braided line also. but the key to using a light braid, is to have at least a 15-20 mono leader.. Those big trout have very sharp teeth and will slice through that braid better than any knife. As far as lures, that's a matter of preference. But a good topwater for the novice would be the mirrolure she-pup with high pitch rattles.. color seems to be secondary. Depend...