Anyone in the New Orleans area doing in Kayak Fishing? Specifically around Lake Ponch.
I don’t have an ideal fishing Kayak (Eclipse) but I’d love to get out and do some fishing. It’s something I prefer to not do alone.
Louisiana fishing
There’s a few of us around. Yak-a-Lou is the resident South La. fishing expert (and political commentator)…I’m sure he’ll be chiming in shortly. Are you North Shore or South Shore? I’ve caught a few specks in Lake Pontch fishing at the mouth of Cane Bayou. Lately I’ve been fishing fresh water because it’s closest to home (B.R.)and a quick trip.
I’d love to fish the bridges in Lake Pontch, but the correct combination of work pass/wife pass/weather conditions hasn’t occurred yet.
I bet Yak would be in as well if we could get the planets aligned.
Say what?
I think Kingfish must be on the juice again.
Expert? Not me. Not by a LOOOOOOOOONG shot. Hell Kingfish has outcaught me on every trip we’ve shared.
Political commentator? Nah… more like political discombobulator. An opinionated one at that. BUT, I swore all of that off after Brent asked that we demure from such activity.
Anywho… the question posed here was about fishing in La.
The Orleans area is the richest area in the state for easily accessed fishing spots, both salt and fresh waters.
The Pearl River system has more than you’ll ever learn in a lifetime.
Below you’ll find my “Cajun Destinations” list that I prepared some time ago. There are a thousand places that one could add to it.
Ponchartrain scares me a little. Lots of boat traffic near the bridges and the prefered method of fishing is trolling so there would likely be constant wakes to battle. I like little back-water marshes where I can spend the whole day and never see another boat. I’d be game for trying the trestles in Ponchartrain on the right day and, like you, with others nearby. Are you ever available on a Monday?
Other La. residents on this board who fish include craigdanomad, cyriaque, and Kurt Loup. Maybe they’ll pipe up and tell you how full of beans I really am.
CAJUN DESTINATIONS - the short list: <br />
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There are just too many to list. Almost anywhere that saltwater meets roadway is a potentially great spot. If you can find moving water, cuts, inlets, passes, you can find fish. Tidal flow is usually the key and a falling tide seems most productive. Louisiana has no shortage of such spots. Louisiana boasts possession of what is reportedly the longest shoreline in the nation with a high percentage of it being saltwater. (Note; there's a difference between shoreline and coastline.) Add that long shoreline to a long paddling season and liberal limits and we call it Sportsman's Paradise. <br />
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From east to west a few spots are listed here. <br />
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Slidell & Lake Ponchartrain - East of New Orleans - put in at Tites Marina on Hwy 11 @ Lake Ponchartrain or cross the bridge and put in on the sandy beach just across the lake. Two of the top three speckled trout in the state have been caught near here in the past few years. Fish along the pylons of any of the three bridges. Trolling works well. Live bait is great. Bumping a "Deadly Dudley" along the bottom is a popular tactic. Redfish and flounder are also common here. Boat traffic can be a problem. Proabably better to fish during the week if fishing from a kayak or head for the train trestles from the east side to find fewer boats. The area around the bridges experiences moderate to strong currents during tidal phases and the winds can whip up some notable waves. <br />
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Lakefront houses can be rented on the north shore for reasonable rates. They ain't fancy but they're clean and a good group of 10+ adults can have a blast. Some even have pool tables. The French Quarter is only 30 minutes away (by car). Some of the rental houses can accommodate up to 20 people. <br />
Drive along U.S. Highway 90 and you'll find innumerable spots to put in. <br />
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<a href="http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=16&n=3339064&e=224699&s=200" TARGET="_new">http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=16&n=3339064&e=224699&s=200</a> <br />
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5 BR Lake house: <a href="http://www.luggerjacks.com/" TARGET="_new">http://www.luggerjacks.com/</a> <br />
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Buras to Venice - South of New Orleans - Take your pick… Almost anywhere that you can access the water on the west side of the highway will put you right on top of redfish heaven. There is a fisherman's style (not polished) hotel at the Buras Marina across the west levee at Buras. Downstairs there's a marina/bar and a diner where you can order a hamburger, a hamburger, or, a hamburger. It would allow one to sleep almost at waterside but you should have some way of securing your boats overnight. They have lights over the water that provide good trout fishing at night from the bank or the boat. Trying to kayak across or in the Mississippi River is discouraged. Ocean going vessels usually create a constant stream of traffic. The rule of tonnage definitely applies and some of these ships make wakes seven feet high. There is PLENTY of great fishing on the west side. Further south on Hwy 23 you'll find the best motel in the area - The Light house Lodge. There are a few bed and breakfast type place available too. <br />
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<a href="http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=16&n=3249421&e=254933&s=200" TARGET="_new">http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=16&n=3249421&e=254933&s=200</a> <br />
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Port Fourchon & Grand Isle - South of Thibodaux - Again, pick a direction and put your boat in the water. At Fourchon you have a choice between a good hotel complete with diner, restaurant, and lounge OR purely primitive beach camping. Excellent fishing along the beach by the sunken barges and along the rock jetties (weather permitting). Beware - dangerous traffic and currents by the jetties. Please be careful. <br />
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Just South along Hwy 1 is a hole that is popular with kayak fishermen. There's an unimproved roadside launch with great fishing in a series of small ponds or mini-bays. Each little bridge that you cross as you travel south provides more opportunities. Pick one. It really doesn't matter. The Wisner refuge is easily accessed from Hwy 1 also where the highway crosses Bayou Thunder. There's an improvised public launch there that is used by folks with motorboats so launching a kayak is simple.<br />
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Grand Isle has a number of hotels, motels and campgrounds at bay side or beach side. If you choose beach side you will have to portage across a small levee. There's a selection of bay side motels. There a nice state park at the end of the road where you can fish the beach and sleep next to your yak. The state park probably offers the best security for those "roughing it". Be aware - the island was settled by pirates. They're proud of that fact and some of the youth work hard to continue the pirate tradition. Secure your stuff! <br />
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<a href="http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=15&n=3232790&e=784271&s=200" TARGET="_new">http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=15&n=3232790&e=784271&s=200</a> <br />
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Cocodrie - South of Houma - There's a few motels available. I'm not aware of any campgrounds here. Lots of marsh fishing in any direction. Camping is allowed along the beaches at Isle Dernieres if you're up for a ten mile paddle to and from the island. You'll definitely be roughing it. <br />
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<a href="http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=15&n=3237408&e=727274&s=200" TARGET="_new">http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=15&n=3237408&e=727274&s=200</a> <br />
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Cypremore Point State Park - South of New Iberia - Beach side camping with improved facilities. Great coastal fishing for trout and redfish etc… <br />
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<a href="http://www.trailmonkey.com/images/lahike1.htm" TARGET="_new">http://www.trailmonkey.com/images/lahike1.htm</a>#Cypremore%20Point <br />
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Cameron, Calcasieu Lake and Holly Beach - South of Lake Charles - A few hotels but nothing fancy. Beach camping at Holly Beach. Huge speckled trout in Calcasieu Lake. Lots of alligators in the marshes. There's great bass fishing on the north side of Hwy 82 and saltwater fishing on the south side. It's all in one neat package. Some of the best birding in the country during migratory periods. <br />
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<a href="http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=15&n=3296211&e=468590&s=200&size=m" TARGET="_new">http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=15&n=3296211&e=468590&s=200&size=m</a> <br />
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FRESHWATER TOURING AND FISHING: <br />
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Bayou Courtableau Trail - Excellent scenery, great fishing for bass, white perch, bream etc… NO SHUTTLE - Possible sightings of Bald Eagles et al. <br />
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<a href="http://bayoutrails.org/trails/courtableau.html" TARGET="_new">http://bayoutrails.org/trails/courtableau.html</a> <br />
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Two O'Clock Bayou Trail - Excellent scenery, great fishing for bass, white perch, bream etc… NO SHUTTLE - Possible sightings of Bald Eagles et al. <br />
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<a href="http://bayoutrails.org/trails/twooclock.html" TARGET="_new">http://bayoutrails.org/trails/twooclock.html</a> <br />
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Bogue Chitto River - Fun trips down a sandy scenic river - class 1 & maybe 1.5. $20 shuttle service. Overnight camping at campground or on sandbars. <br />
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<a href="http://members.aol.com/canoeboguechitto/index.html" TARGET="_new">http://members.aol.com/canoeboguechitto/index.html</a> <br />
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Wiskey Chitto River - Fun trips down a sandy scenic river - class 1 & maybe 1.5. Shuttle service. Overnight camping at campground or on sandbars. <br />
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<a href="http://www.whiskeychitto.com/pages/380194/index.htm" TARGET="_new">http://www.whiskeychitto.com/pages/380194/index.htm</a> <br />
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Kisatchie Bayou (rapids?) - Fun trips down a sandy scenic river - class 2? Depending on water level. Shuttle service. Overnight camping at campground or on sandbars. <br />
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<a href="http://www.toledo-bend.com/attractions/index.asp?request=toro4" TARGET="_new">http://www.toledo-bend.com/attractions/index.asp?request=toro4</a> <br />
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Toro Bayou and Sabine River (Rapids?)- Several options including a 50.3 mile trip (4 days) offered here. Possibly the best available shuttle trip offered for those who like to "rough it" in the state. Best Striped Bass fishing available in the state. <br />
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<a href="http://www.toledo-bend.com/attractions/index.asp?request=toro" TARGET="_new">http://www.toledo-bend.com/attractions/index.asp?request=toro</a> <br />
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<br />TKF
I hope Brent will forgive me for advertising another site but the other site is kayak-fishing specific and is near us.
www.texaskayakfisherman.com
It’s the closest to home that I’ve found.
Lots of good folks and they know a lot more about this than I do.
Southshore
– Last Updated: Apr-28-04 1:00 AM EST –
Hey Guys!
I'm on the South Shore (but I have a family relative on the North Shore not 10 minutes from the causeway).
I'd love to hook up with some of you guys and try a little yak fishing. I've especially heard fishing the trestles in Lake Ponch is good. I'm game for just about anything in the New Orleans area. I'm off on weekends and every other Friday.
I'd also love to try out the deep holes just off the sea brook bridge over by the lakefront airport. That fishing is excellent but you do have to contend with the power boats (another reason I was hoping to buddy up). Figured 2 or 3 kayaks are much easier to see than 1.
yak-a-lou ?
what kayak do you cajuns use that is explosives rated?
It’s a date!
We’ll have to figure out which date, but it’s a date.
Lees - silly man… kevlar kayaks of course!
Anyone know where to get a kevlar SOT?
Let me know of that date
Hey, I’d like to hook up too one day.
BTW, I’ll be heading out near Bayou Cane on Saturday if anyone wants to come. I put in at Fountainblue last weekend and trolled between there and Bayou Cane. I didn’t land anything but some monsters jerked my yak around the lake snapped my 12lb test…This actually happened three times - I think they were big cats.
I have a sink but when I get to my fishing spot, my deployable outriggers allow me to sit on the deck or stand up to cast.
…That’s why I like yakfishing - even when I don’t catch anything, I still have fun.
Saturday
Sorry, Craig-no can do this Saturday, but get after them for me! Be sure to post a report.
Yak-a Lou-did you mention a Monday trip?
For the record-Yak IS full of beans-but it’s a quality plate of red beans and rice…
Dingdangdarnit…
– Last Updated: May-07-04 2:29 AM EST –
Monday won't work. Gotta go to the orfice. Sorry King.
However, we're headed to Fourchon tomorrow (Fri) but we have to be home by Sunday night for school/work on Monday.
I'm very lucky... my wife actually WANTS me to TAKE her fishing for Mother's Day! I certainly married well (finally).
Any of ya'll are more than welcome if you can get away.
Anyone else who's interested should feel free to drop me a line (asap). Craig? Talbert? Others?
Oh, and BTW Kingfish... I'm only a common tater part of the time. Sometimes I'm a speck tater. Other times I'm an imma-tater.
no kevlar sot,but
I do have a pfd flak vest .
Lake Pontchartrain
I’m late to respond to this post. As far as Lake P. goes, I generally fish out of Bayou Lacombe http://www.loup-garou.net/bayoulacombe91403.html or Cane Bayou http://www.loup-garou.net/canebayou.html, both on the north shore. I’ve also fished the Mandeville harbor area along the seawall. The fishing usually picks up as the salinity levels increase. Interesting about the big strikes at Cane Bayou. Big jacks chase mullet around the lake. Wonder if that was a jack? Since I don’t like fishing out of my sea kayak, I stick to the shallower water in my canoe. My primary spots are in the Galliano to Grand Isle areas http://www.loup-garou.net/gm.html. Check out http://laflyfish.com under forums for the puddling (canoe and kayak fishing) board. Lots of canoe/kayak fisherman read the board. The fly fishing club has an outing on the June 5 weekend. The canoe/kayak fishers will be out in force. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Kurt
more late responses
Yak-a-Lou did a great job of site location. As Kurt mentioned, the north shore is very popular. It’s nothing like the marshes south of New Orleans… sandy bottom, clear water. Fishing can be difficult at times, but it’s a nice change from the mud.
I’ve got to mention that I occasionally launch from UNO on the south side. This is an area that gets little fishing pressure, but is close enough to Seabrook that lots of sand trout, some big specks, and the occasional jacks and reds come in fairly close. When the sand trout run is on, it’s nonstop action at times.
Another location is in the Montegut area, just south of Houma. This is some of the best skinny water redfish holes in the state, but gets little pressure compared to Port Sulphur, Buras, Golden Meadow, or Grand Isle. I’ve had 40+ redfish days there on fly rod using a gold spoon fly.
I concur with my fellow Cajuns that coastal Louisiana is paddlecraft fishing heaven!
I heard…
That some folks have been catching easy limits near Bayou Lacomb at Lake Ponchartrain lately.
Anyone confirm?
Dredging going on at Fourchon right now making the water look like chocolate milk. It’s localized and doesn’t seem to affect the Leeville area or the waters along Hwy 1 south of Fourchon.
BTW!!! Anyone who is in favor of making coastal waters available to the public needs to be at the Capitol in BR at 9:30 on 5/19 (Wed). We’ve lost access to SOOOOO much of our marsh. Sure would be nice to get it back. The Commitee for Natural Resources will be debating House Bill 1521 which would allow public access to waters that are influenced by tides.
You can e-mail your support for HB1521 to our Legislators at this link…
http://www.citizensforequalaccess.com/target.asp?id=ceala:2798749
Have a great day!
I think that was before
all these storms hit. Nobody in our puddling crew has been to Lacombe since last week.
Thanks Yak-a-Lou for alerting everyone about the public access bill. The landowners are arguing that they would still have to pay taxes on property deemed “public”. If that fly in the ointment can’t be resolved, then I don’t think the bill will pass. However, I spoke to CCA director Jeff Angers and there could be a meeting to reach a compromise solution.
That’s good news…
As far as I knew the CCA was staying out of the fray and I was disappointed in their lack of a stance. I know they collect a lot of money from the more affluent members but they also represent a LOT of common folk who collectively donate a goodly portion of their proceeds.
Glad to hear there’s a potential compromise. I kinda felt like the proposed bill went too far and would violate property owners rights. In contrast the current law seems to violate rules of common sense and has a negative affect on people who don’t own property.
How about we simply return to the days of old in marshlands below the saltwater line of demarcation and require landowners to post property that they want us to stay out of. I recognize their rights and just want a simple way of knowing where I’m allowed to be. A simple post that’s painted red on top and placed at any point of ingress could serve as a marker for posted property and it’s a whole lot harder to remove or destroy than a simple sign. A similar method of marking private property was in place for wooded lands prior to the new trespassing law. It worked well. Adapt it for use in the marsh and the problem is mostly solved. Only thing you’d need to add is legislation that protects landowners from lawsuits filed by anyone who didn’t have expressed permission to use the area.
Sorry… didn’t mean to carry on.