The Fishing Report: Who dat?

This past weekend I was vacationing down in southern Louisiana on a music safari and I just have to comment on a few things fishing and not related.  First off, “Y’all” need to know, that the folks down “thata way” are just as nice as anywhere I have ever been. In all of the 700 or so miles we traveled, we didn’t come across one person that wasn’t helpful or had anything less than kind to say. Second the food is rich, plentiful and decadent to a fault and if you’re planning a trip down there, I would highly suggest dieting before you go because any thought of self-control at the dining table will be out of the question.
And thirdly there is a ton of fishing down there.  There is water everywhere. Almost everyone has a boat in there yard. It was no wonder that the images of the aftermath of Katrina had folks plucking people off their roof tops with boats in the middle of the flooded street. The majority of fresh water fishing is done in bayous which as best I can determine is a slow moving river that moves “by you” although there are so many bodies of water that are barley moving that could pass as swamp and are called bayous that they could be interchangeable. If you spend any time in the swamps you will see alligators and a whole host of other creatures not know around “these here parts”.  I have a feeling that there are a lot more adjectives that describe bodies of water down because there is so much that it is kind of like all the words used to describe ice by the Eskimos. Fishing for largemouth bass and a perch called a Bream are the most common pursuits but crawfishing is huge both commercially and sport. On the Gulf, the inshore fishing is primarily for Redfish, Sea trout and Drum.  Further offshore, during the summer months pelagic species like Tuna and marlin can be found. I have thrown in some of the colorful idioms but one I just have to share with you is a common saying that if you really like some ones cooking you say…”that’s so tasty I could just slap yo momma”.  I am still trying to figure that one out. I would highly recommend a visit to that part of the country. While there are many areas that have not recovered, it appears as though the fishing has rebounded from both the hurricane Katrina and oil spill.
Back home, wind continues to be the story of the ocean salmon season. Half Moon bay boats have enjoyed a great beginning to the season with limit fishing off the San Mateo coast. Last week almost all boats reported in with limits but there are signs that the fish are moving north. Bodega boats found a few fish off Bird Rock last Wednesday but alas, the wind came up again and shut down all pursuits. Later this week we could really enjoy the first real bit of calm, good weather on the coast so hopefully the boats can find the fish.
All local lakes and ponds continue to provide great success for bass fishermen. Lake Sonoma is fishing well early and late in the day. With the warm weather this week, you can expect the yahoos out during the middle of the day. For ponds, try a split shot worm worked slowing in the cat tails. Look at the water entry point of your line for any ripple movement and sure signs of activity on the end of your line.
 
For more information and /or reports, please contact Hunt Conrad at Prospect Mortgage, 431-9715.