Fishing Log – April 23, 2014

Fishing Log – April 23, 2014

LarryDucoteDATE: Wednesday, 23 Apr 2014
FISHING BUDDY: Larry Ducote
LOCATION: Leeville/East Timbalier
LAUNCH: Ducote Camp Launch
MOON PHASE: Waning Crescent (Rise 2:30 am Set: 2:12 pm)
TIDE(HIGH/LOW/RANGE): Timbalier (High: 4:48 pm Low: 3:28 am Rg: 0.87’)
RIVER STAGE: 12.4 @ New Orleans – Steady
FORECAST/Winds: Hi: 75° F Lo: 67° F 7 mph ENE
Barometric Pressure 29.96 and Steady @ Golden Meadow
Water TEMP: Start: 70° End: 76°
Coastal Waters Forecast: North winds 5 to 10 knots becoming southeast late in the afternoon. Seas 1 foot. Protected waters a light chop.
WATER DEPTH: 2’ – 12’
LURES/BAIT USED: Black/Char, Limetreuse
SUNRISE: 6:28 am
SUNSET: 7:32 pm
TOTAL CATCH: 30 Specs, 5 Reds
LARGEST FISH: 22 ½” Spec, 35” Red
HOURS FISHED: 06:30 – 12:45
DISTANCE TRAVELED: 40 Miles
Comment: Could not have picked a better day. Seas were calm, incoming tide, no wind, and the trout were there. And what beautiful trout they were. All huge. They quit biting around 10:30, which was okay because our box was almost filled anyway. We didn’t see any shrimp in the area so we were pretty lucky.

06:30 – 07:00 Helicopter Pad: 2 Specs (14”)
07:00 – 08:00 Timbalier Pump: 0
08:00 – 11:30 E. Timbalier: 28 Specs (22 ½”), 5 Reds (35”)
11:30 – 12:00 Timbalier Pump: 0
12:00 – 12:30 Philo Bryce: 0
12:30 – 12:45 Helicopter Pad: 0

Posted in Reports

Jr. Southwest Bassmasters- Denham Springs Club April Tournament, 2014 Tournament Results

Jr. Southwest Bassmasters- Denham Springs Club April Tournament, 2014 Tournament Results

April Tournament Group ShotThe Jr. Southwest Bassmasters-Denham Springs, youth club held their April tournament Saturday on a cool clear spring morning.

These young anglers were ready. They knew they have the Louisiana B.A.S.S. High School and Jr. Bassmaster State Tournament next month, May 9th & 10th. out of Doiron’s Landing with weigh-in & festivities at the Bass Pro Shop in Denham Springs.

Tournament hours were safe daylight to 3:00p.m, with weigh-in at the “Doiron’s Landing”. Twenty-six young fishermen and their parent/guardians participated.

The day turned into a blue bird sky with light clouds to be found. It made for a tough fishing day, but they persisted.

All of the bass weighed in were released alive to fight again.

The results are as follows:

15-18 yr Age Group:
1st. Place, Alex Heintze, Denham Springs, La. 12.19# (5-Bass)
2nd. Place, Dilllon King, Denham Springs, La., 8.78# (5-Bass)
3rd. Place, Chase Rhodus, Denham Springs, La., 3.89# (3-Bass)
Big Bass, Alex Heintze, Denham Springs, La, 3.16#

11-14 yr. Age Group:
1st. Place, Hanson Chaney, Walker, La. 7.57# (5-Bass)
2nd. Place, Daylan Kling, Zachary, La., 5.17# (3-Bass)
3rd. Place, Jordan Davenport, Baton Rouge, La., 3.45# (2-Bass)
Big Bass, Jordan Davenport, Baton Rouge, La. 2.15#

7-10 yr. Age Group
1st. Place, Jackson Landry, Baton Rouge, La. 2.04# (1-Bass)
Big Bass, Jackson Landry, Baton Rouge, La. 2.04#

Adult Division:
1st. Place, Gil Heintze., Denham Springs, La., 12.19# (5-Bass)
2nd. Place, Dwain Chaney, Denham Springs,La. 10.86# (5-Bass)
3rd. Place, Gsry Haney, Baton Rouge, La., 10.39# (5-bass)
Big Bass, Dwain Chaney., Denham Springs, La., 3.01#

Posted in Results

Toledo Bend Fishing Results – April 2014

Toledo Bend Fishing Results – April 2014

The annual fishing tournament took place at Toledo Bend.

The top stringer was a two day 10 fish stringer of 27.13 caught by Rennie Carter and Daniel Landry. 2nd place was 27.12 caught by Sean Smith, Randy Del Rio and Leo Abel.

Big Bass for day 1 was Johnny Stockton at 7.1 #, Daniel Landry at 5.6 # and Tommy Pace at 5.3 #

Big Bass for day 2 was Sean Smith at 7.4 # and Rennie Carter at 6.3 #

Most fish were caught in 8 to 12 feet of water on watermelon seed wacky worms and carolina rigged brush hogs. It was very windy which made fishing tough but most boats managed to catch their 5 keepers a day. Daniel Landry and I caught about 30 bass on Friday and 40 on Saturday.

All fished on the South end of the lake.

Johnny Stockton-IMG_0091
Johnny Stockton

Sean Smith-IMG_0092
Sean Smith

Rennie Carter-IMG_0093
Rennie Carter

Posted in Results

B.A.S.S. La. High School State WarmUp Tournament Results – April 13, 2014

B.A.S.S. La. High School State WarmUp Tournament Results – April 13, 2014

At Adam’s Landing in Belle River, some of the high school kids that are participating in the B.A.S.S. La. High School State Tournament May 9/10, 2014 held a “Warm-up” tournament.
Fifteen Teams Representing St. Amant High School, Dutchtown High School, and Livingston Parish Bassmasters participated. They launched out of Adam’s Landing at ” Safe Daylight”  with a 3:00 p.m. Check-im. All the teams weighed in bass. and 99% of the bass were release alive to fight again.
This is going to be a great tournament when all the High School Fishing Teams from around the state converge on Doiron’s Landing  on May 10th. The two winning high school teams will advance to compete in the National  High School Championship in July on Kentucky Lake. They will be fishing for the $40,000 in scholarship money.
Also in June the two winning La. High School Teams will compete with La. Bass Nation Team in Oklahoma in the Central Division. They will fish for two days along with the Adult Team and their weights will be added to the La. Team Weight as  they compete for a fully rigged bass boat.
We don’t want to forget the La. Jr. Bassmasters  as they too will be competing for the state championships in the 7-10 & 11-14 Age Groups.
The winners today are as follows:
1st. Place: Cade Fortenberry, (Prairieville) and Braden Blanchard,  (St. Amant), 5 Bass 16.02#, St. Amant High School
2nd. Place: Robbie  Villenuave, (St. Amant), 5 Bass, 11.61#, St. Amant High School
Big Bass: Cade Fortenberry, (Prairieville), 5.70# 
!st. Plsce  16.02 lb.  Cade Fortenberry & Braden Blanchard, St Amant High School 2nd. Place , 11.61# Robbie Villenuave, St. Amant High School
Posted in Results

LASS LAKE CHARLES: APRIL 5, 2014 Results

LASS LAKE CHARLES: APRIL 5, 2014 Results

IMG_90301st: $3,250
Team Number: 26
Team Member 1: BART CRADER
Team Member 2: TODD MCKELLAR
Fish Weight 1: 7.24
Fish Weight 2: 8.05
Total Fish Weight: 15.29
2nd: $1,400
Team Number: 4
Team Member 1: GARY WILSON
Team Member 2: GUS WILSON, III
Fish Weight 1: 5.68
Fish Weight 2: 6.95
Total Fish Weight: 12.63

3rd: $600
Team Number: 13
Team Member 1: JASON ELLENDER
Team Member 2: ROBBIE TRAHAN
Fish Weight 1: 4.76
Fish Weight 2: 7.84
Total Fish Weight: 12.6

4th: $280
Team Number: 16
Team Member 1: VINCE THERIOT
Team Member 2: RAY CHRISTY
Fish Weight 1: 5.23
Fish Weight 2: 7.17
Total Fish Weight: 12.4

5th
Team Number: 14
Team Member 1: TED TASSIN
Team Member 2: SCOT BYNOG
Fish Weight 1: 5.57
Fish Weight 2: 6.81
Total Fish Weight: 12.38

6th
Team Number: 33
Team Member 1: TREY PEARSON
Team Member 2: REAGAN BAKER
Fish Weight 1: 5.59
Fish Weight 2: 5.96
Total Fish Weight: 11.55

7th
Team Number: 24
Team Member 1: CHRIS SCHIEBLE
Team Member 2: STEVE WICKS
Fish Weight 1: 5.53
Fish Weight 2: 5.82
Total Fish Weight: 11.35

8th
Team Number: 2
Team Member 1: JOSH HALL
Team Member 2: MITCHELL CHEVALIER
Fish Weight 1: 4.75
Fish Weight 2: 6.47
Total Fish Weight: 11.22

9th
Team Number: 8
Team Member 1: KRIS ROBERT
Team Member 2: BENNY SANCHEZ
Fish Weight 1: 5.24
Fish Weight 2: 5.86
Total Fish Weight: 11.1

10th
Team Number: 22
Team Member 1: BEN SAUCIER
Team Member 2: ADAM SHIELDS
Fish Weight 1: 5.41
Fish Weight 2: 5.48
Total Fish Weight: 10.89

11th
Team Number: 3
Team Member 1: MAC MCELROY
Team Member 2: DAVID THIBODEAUX
Fish Weight 1: 5.18
Fish Weight 2: 5.41
Total Fish Weight: 10.59

12th
Team Number: 31
Team Member 1: SCOTT RITCHEY
Fish Weight 1: 4.06
Fish Weight 2: 5.47
Total Fish Weight: 9.53

13th
Team Number: 27
Team Member 1: BRIAN FREDRIC
Team Member 2: JERROD BROUSSARD
Fish Weight 1: 3.85
Fish Weight 2: 5.53
Total Fish Weight: 9.38

14th
Team Number: 28
Team Member 1: BRANDON TREADAWAY
Team Member 2: KEVIN BERGERON
Fish Weight 1: 4.1
Fish Weight 2: 4.76
Total Fish Weight: 8.86

15th
Team Number: 11
Team Member 1: MICHAEL MCELVEEN
Team Member 2: ROB FOLSOM
Fish Weight 1: 2.89
Fish Weight 2: 4.66
Total Fish Weight: 7.55

16th
Team Number: 9
Team Member 1: JIMMY MATHERNE
Team Member 2: KEVIN DAVIS
Fish Weight 1: 2.46
Fish Weight 2: 4.07
Total Fish Weight: 6.53

17th (smallest): $230
Team Number: 5
Team Member 1: Team Member 1: CHARLIE HOWELL
Team Member 2: HUNTER HOWELL
Fish Weight 1: 3.37
Fish Weight 2: 2.58
Total Fish Weight: 5.95

18th
Team Number: 30
Team Member 1: MATT HEBERT
Team Member 2: JIMMY DUPREE
Fish Weight 1: 4.52
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 4.52

19th
Team Number: 17
Team Member 1: TRISTAN ORDONE
Team Member 2: BUBBA CORBIN
Fish Weight 1: 4.93
Fish Weight 2: -1
Total Fish Weight: 3.93

20th
Team Number: 23
Team Member 1: SCOTT GUILEYARDO
Team Member 2: CHAD CARLTON
Fish Weight 1: 2.55
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 2.55

21st
Team Number: 1
Team Member 1: JACK NEAL
Team Member 2: VITO NEAL
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 6
Team Member 1: KRISTIAN WADLEIGH
Team Member 2: HAL ROBICHAUX
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 7
Team Member 1: JOHN GARRISON
Team Member 2: STEVE SMITH
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 10
Team Member 1: MATTHEW WHITMAN
Team Member 2: RYAN SCHELLHAAS
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 12
Team Member 1: STEPHEN SIEERA
Team Member 2: SCOTT BENOIT
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 15
Team Member 1: CHRIS KENNEDY
Team Member 2: STEVEN HOOTER
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 18
Team Member 1: BARBARA SCOPELITIS
Team Member 2: STARR BOYKIN
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 19
Team Member 1: SHANE BROUSSARD
Team Member 2: COLBY BROUSSARD
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 21
Team Member 1: BUBBY LAMY
Team Member 2: SIDNEY CANTELLI
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 25
Team Member 1: STEVE WHITE
Team Member 2: JERRY HAWSEY
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 29
Team Member 1: JOSH ROMIG
Team Member 2: JOHN SAUCIER
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

21st
Team Number: 32
Team Member 1: JOSH LINCECUM
Team Member 2: RICHARD CRAWFORD
Fish Weight 1: 0
Fish Weight 2: 0
Total Fish Weight: 0

 

Posted in Results

Louisiana Modifies 2014 Recreational Red Snapper Season in State Waters to Include Weekday

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries News

Louisiana Modifies 2014 Recreational Red Snapper Season in State Waters to Include Weekday

(April 10, 2014) The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced today that it will modify the Louisiana weekend-only red snapper season to include weekdays beginning on Monday, April 14, 2014, at 12:01 a.m. until further notice.

The “Louisiana-only” season

The bag and possession limit for the state season is two fish per person at a 16-inch minimum total length.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission gave LDWF Secretary Robert Barham the authority to modify red snapper recreational seasons and daily harvest limits in 2013.

“After reviewing what our biologists expect Louisiana’s recreational red snapper landings to be this year, and the recent action taken by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to have a very short federal season, I have decided to support our anglers and the associated fishing industry by opening state waters 365 days until further notice,” stated Secretary Barham.  “The Gulf Council’s action is clear evidence that their process is broken and they give no consideration to the needs of individual states.  For two years, I have been trying to persuade the Gulf Council to move forward with regional management, allowing the states flexibility in management by empowering our anglers and fishing industry to decide how they want red snapper managed.  That hasn’t happened.”

The Louisiana Gulfward Boundary

In June 2012, the Commission took action to extend Louisiana state waters from three miles offshore to three marine leagues, or approximately 9 nautical miles.

LDWF officials encourage fishermen to use caution and their own personal judgment when fishing beyond the three-mile boundary that is currently recognized as federal waters, as federal agents will most likely continue to enforce federal law.  Until the U.S. Congress confirms Louisiana’s action, the battle will continue over Louisiana’s state water boundary.

Recreational Offshore Landing Permit

The Department reminds anglers that a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit is required in order to possess certain species, including red snapper.  Anglers may obtain or renew the permit, free of charge at http://rolp.wlf.la.gov.  Anglers may renew their permits up to 30 days prior to expiration.

The permit is required for any angler possessing tuna, billfish, swordfish, amberjack, grouper, snapper, hind, wahoo, cobia and dolphin, except those fishing on a paid-for-hire trip where the captain holds a permit.

Updating Your Contact Information

As the Department continues to move forward with the Louisiana Recreational Creel Survey (LA Creel), a new survey that provides real-time data collection and the best data available to fishery managers, we encourage anglers to verify and update their license information in our database. Simple instructions are available at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/37374.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources.  For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For press inquires, contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (504) 286-8733.

Posted in News

Slot Limit Removal for Selected Lakes to be Implemented on April 20

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries News

Slot Limit Removal for Selected Lakes to be Implemented on April 20

(Apr. 10, 2014) – Regulations for black bass on several water bodies will change on Sunday, April 20. Slot limits will be rescinded for Black Bayou Lake in Bossier Parish, Chicot Lake in Evangeline Parish, Cross Lake in Caddo Parish, Lake Rodemacher in Rapides Parish, Vernon Lake in Vernon Parish and Spanish Lake in New Iberia and St. Martin parishes. Statewide regulations, 10 fish daily creel and no length restrictions, will apply for black bass on these lakes.

A recently completed biological evaluation determined the length regulations have not been effective on the selected water bodies. Insufficient harvest of small bass was cited for Black Bayou Lake, Chicot Lake, Cross Lake and Vernon Lake. Habitat impairments are the issue for Spanish Lake and Lake Rodemacher.

The removal of the slot limit on these water bodies will increase opportunities for angler harvest, but the potential for overharvest is expected to be very low. LDWF biologists will continue to monitor fish population status with frequent sampling.

LDWF is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For press inquiries, contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (225) 721-0489.

Posted in News

LDWF Introduces Youth to Fish Tagging and Fisheries Conservation

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries News

LDWF Introduces Youth to Fish Tagging and Fisheries Conservation
(Apr. 4, 2014) – It’s no secret that Louisiana boasts a large number of recreational anglers who are both avid sportsmen and devoted conservationists, but what many don’t know is that youth across the Gulf Coast are also getting involved in fisheries conservation projects.

One such project is the Louisiana Cooperative Marine Fish Tagging Program, implemented by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in conjunction with the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana. The program focuses on tagging redfish, speckled trout, red snapper and yellowfin tuna, and provides interested volunteer anglers with free, saltwater fish tagging kits. If a fish is later reported as a recapture, a report is sent to the volunteer tagger to inform them on the distance traveled and how much the fish grew. Several of these dedicated “citizen scientists” tag well over 100 fish per year.

Volunteer fish taggers are getting their entire families in on the action, and many kids have been introduced to the experience of tag and release fishing. Our youth are the next generation of anglers, and it is extremely important to introduce them not only to the sport of fishing, but also to the importance of conserving our fisheries for future generations.

This year, LDWF is hosting several Family Fish Fest events to increase youth and family involvement in fishing and fisheries conservation. Each event will include fishing opportunities, with live redfish and speckled trout tagging at all saltwater locations. The public is invited to bring out their entire family for an exciting day of fishing, hands-on activities, educational exhibits and great prize giveaways courtesy of Pure Fishing and CCA Louisiana.

Be sure to mark your calendars for:

May 17, Forsythe Point Recreation Area, Monroe, La. (in conjunction with the Ronald McDonald House Bass Tournament)

May 24, Campo’s Marina, Shell Beach, La.

June 7, Myrtle Grove Marina , Port Sulphur, La.

June 28, Quintana Landing, Cypremort Point, La. (in conjunction with CCA-LA’s Specks and Spots Tournament)

July 12, Elmer’s Island, Grand Isle, La.

September 27, Waddill Outdoor Education Center, Baton Rouge, La. (in conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day Festival)

Additional details will be provided closer to event dates. Entry fees may be required at some events.

For more information on the Louisiana Cooperative Marine Fish Tagging Program or to become a volunteer fish tagger, visit www.TagLouisiana.com or www.facebook.com/Tag.Louisiana. For more information on Family Fish Fests, contact Danica Williams at (504) 628-7282 or dwilliams@wlf.la.gov.

LDWF is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For press inquiries, contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (225) 721-0489.

Posted in News

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Welcomes New Member Edward W. Swindell

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries News

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Welcomes New Member Edward W. Swindell

April 3, 2014 – The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission welcomed newly appointed member Edward “Ed” W. Swindell at their monthly commission meeting today in Baton Rouge. Governor Bobby Jindal appointed Swindell in March.

Commissioner Swindell was raised in Cameron Parish and currently resides in Hammond. He worked for 38 years in the menhaden fishing and processing business and is now retired from 11 years of service with Daybrook Fisheries, Inc. in Empire, La. He will serve on the Commission as a representative of the coastal parishes and the commercial fishing and fur industries.

He currently serves on a fisheries advisory panel for the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and is a member of CCA of Louisiana, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Louisiana Society of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

“Active management plans and programs benefit resource protection and utilization by a wide diversity of user groups that depend on the availability of wildlife and fish for their livelihood and personal enjoyment,” said Swindell. “I aim to assist the Commission in the ongoing development and adjustment of management programs to ensure that Louisiana continues to be a leader in the seafood industry.”

Commissioner Swindell received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from LSU and holds a Professional Engineer license with present status of retired. He met Rebecca Landry of Gonzales while both were members of the LSU Marching Band. The Swindells have three sons and five grand children.

For more information, contact Bo Boehringer at 225-765-5115 or bboehringer@wlf.la.gov.

Posted in News

Ducks Unlimited Newsletter – April 3, 2014

Ducks Unlimited Newsletter – April 3, 2014

Off-season Improvements

Five articles to make you a better waterfowler

There’s been ample time to reflect on the 2013-2014 waterfowl season. Now, the focus should be on improving everything about your hunting. The DU Newsletter Editorial Team has compiled five must-read articles to make you a better waterfowl hunter for the 2014-2015 season. Refine your waterfowling skills, from finishing ducks at close range to whipping up impressive wild game dishes for your hunting partners.
Shotgunning »
Duck calling »
Decoy strategy »
Dog training »
Cooking »


DU Magazine: Retriever Rehab

Expert tips on how to restore an older dog to top retrieving form

It’s not uncommon for older dogs to experience an assortment of physical, psychological, and behavioral changes that suddenly limit their abilities in the field. This can be baffling and frustrating for retriever owners, who often misjudge the causes of such changes and struggle to find ways to get their retrievers back on the right track. What can you do when your seasoned duck dog suddenly changes for the worse?

Read more »


April Gear Guide

Retriever Gear: Focus on training

Retriever trainers know that fine-tuning a waterfowling dog is year-round process. The DU Newsletter Editorial Team helps you to begin this year’s training sessions with the most recent retriever training gear and tools.

Find your gear »


DU 77th National Convention

Join us in St. Louis, Missouri, from May 28–June 1!

Gather with your DU family in St. Louis, Missouri, as we celebrate the 77th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited at the 2014 National Convention. Get ready for the popular DU convention app, coming soon!

Learn more »


DU News: Recent Headlines

DU wins innovation award for cutting-edge prairies conservation program

The American Carbon Registry has recognized Ducks Unlimited with an Innovation award for a cutting-edge conservation project in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR).

Read more »

More Headlines


Federal Duck Stamp 80th Anniversary

Buying power at its lowest point in stamp’s history

Read more »


Photo Essay: The Redhead

Encapsulating versatility and beauty

Photo: MichaelFurtman.com

View slideshow »


Living Lakes Initiative

Conserving Minnesota and Iowa’s wetlands and shallow lakes

Read more »

Posted in News