holder) put a line out on the other side of the boat. Finally, at least one line should be running straight out
the back of the boat. Let out enough line so the bait is
bumping the bottom, then reel in just enough so that
the bait only hits the bottom every once in awhile. If it
hits too much, reel in; if it hits too little, ease out some
line.
Your speed should be under three miles per hour,
just enough to keep the baits bouncing. This process
allows you to cover a great deal of water at a depth
where cold water trout will stack up. The real power in
these techniques is how you rig your terminal tackle.
Presentation is critical this time of year.
So let’s go over a few key rigs:
Sliding corks v. Carolina rigs
I find that when fishing over shell reefs, you want
as little weight as it takes to get to the bottom. Most
often, I will use a sliding cork and set it just about
eight inches off the bottom. Casting it up tide and letting it drift over the shells will always find the fish that
are hanging deep. The more shells on the bottom the
more likely a Carolina rig will hang up, and the more
likely I am to use the sliding cork.
Plastic Baits
Jigheads -In our area, most fish are found in less than
six feet of water. For that reason alone, I rarely use
anything heavier than 1/4 ounce for specks. High wind
might be the only exception for a little more weight.
Color - For whatever reason, every general area seems
to have a color of choice. Venice anglers don’t leave
the dock without black and chartreuse or purple and
chartreuse. Lake Pontchartrain experts seem to feel an
avocado or green is the most productive. For the Shell
Beach to Delacroix area, we find that light colors work
best. White is a great color, blue moon or opening
night is good. Probably because our winter waters are
so often very clear, the light colors work best.
Shape - For me, I always go with a curl tail first in the
winter. The shape allows you to work the bait more
slowly and still have good action. Paddle tails are fine,
just look for the most limber plastic and large tails.
Scent - Here is where plastic baits get separated.
Without any doubt or debate, the Berkley Gulp is by
far and away the best scented bait on the market
today. I have fished with it for years and will swear on
its ability to catch more fish. NO - NONE, ZERO other bait even comes close.
Hard Baits
For the most effective hard plastic fishing, I favor
suspending baits or slow sinking baits. There are
dozens out there and all will work effectively.
Popping Corks
During this time, I find that extending the length of
the line on your popping cork works well. For one
thing, at this time of year, you want to be on the bottom or close. I also find that even when fishing in
water more shallow than the two and half to three feet
length of the leader, I catch more fish. The water is
often more clear, and moving the cork just a little farther away doesn’t spook the fish when you pop it. I
know the logical thinking is the more shallow the
water, the shorter the lead, but my experience has
been just the opposite. All of this information is powerful and productive, but it will still require you to pay
attention to conditions, wind, water movement, and
clarity as well as signs like bait or tailing fish and feeding fish.
Lastly, remember, subtle changes in how you are
fishing are almost always more productive than big
ones. Take your time to figure out what the fish are
doing, then try several different ways to present your
bait to that situation. If you
still have trouble, give Team
BIGFISH a call (504) BIGFISH, and we’ll get you on
some great fishing and talk
about what you can do to
catch fish on your own.