COVERITLIVE.COM

12:15

Kevin Spain, T-P - Welcome to the fishing chat. We're going live with Outdoors editor Bob Marshall around 12:30 or so, go ahead and start sending in your questions.

12:31

Kevin Spain, T-P - OK everyone, we're going live with Bob Marshall and we're taking your questions.

12:31

[Comment From Hefty]
So Bob, tell all these out of towners why it is that our fishing is so good all the time

12:34

Bob Marshall, T-P - Hello Hefty:

It's all about our wetlands. Southeast Louisiana has the largest, most dynamic coastal estauries in the nation, and among the greatest on the planet. When the nutrient rich water of the Mississippi River mixes with the salty Gulf of Mexico the result is a super-charged gumbo for fish production. Our marshes are the critical part of this equation because they provide the nursey habitat for the entire food chain. That's why we need to protect what we have left, and try to rebuild some of what we've lost.

Thanks for chatting

Bob

12:34

[Comment From Al]
Where do you suggest we go this weekend for great fishing?

12:36

Bob Marshall, T-P - Al:

How about your living room? The forecast calls for more weather like we're heaving today, which will probably result in small-craft warnings offshore and very rough and turbid conditions inside.

My suggestion is you gotta go is to stay in interior lakes and bays, where the wind fetch is short, and water conditions might be better. Specifically, you can probably find some trout between delacoix and Pointe a la Hache, around Oak River, Pointe Fienne, Little Lake John and Lake Pato Caballo. Reds should be easy to find in the Biloxi Marsh. On the west side, you'll be able to catch up with trout on the birdfoot delta, but you need to know what you're doing trying to run the river in this stuff.

12:37

[Comment From The New Guy]
What is the best way for a guy with little fishing experience and less fishing equipment to get started fishing in New Orleans? I have always wanted to go fishing just never knew how to get started.

12:41

Bob Marshall, T-P - Good question New Guy. The answer depends on your budget. If you have the means, hire a guide. You'll have a great day, almost certainly catch plenty of fish, and go home with bags of filets, plenty of pictures, and no work. But you'll need to spend between $350 and $550 for an inside trip. If you concvince a few friends to go along, you'll reduce the cost. You'll also be able to learn a lot about fishing technique, gear etc. If your budget is more humble (like most of us), you have two options: You can look for a bank fishing spot, or check the TP Classifieds for a used kayak. Unfortunately, bank fishing is very limited in this area. The best bets are drive to Shell beach and fish off the end of the road in the MR-GO; drive to Reggio and fish from the bank at the marina; or drive to Leeville, and fish the Louisiana Highway 1 canal between Leeville and Grand Isle. Another option is to try fishing city park for bass. If you have a kayak, pirogue or canoe, the world really opens up. You can drop a self-propelled boat off the road in dozens of places and be within a few stroeks of reds and specks. I'll be reporting on these spots in coming editions of the TP.

12:42

[Comment From Tommie boy]
Bob, I have some friends who are looking to come down this summer -- mid-June. Give me your picks for them as far as places to fish and/or who you think would be good to go out with them.

12:45

Bob Marshall, T-P - Tommie:

You're in luck. Mid-June is a great time for everything salty - inshore close to the city for specks, reds, flounder, etc., and offshore for tuna, wahoo, amberjack, and more.

I don't like recommending specific guides, because that basically adds to a TP endorsement. Besdies, there are many, many good ones. If you're interested in marsh fishing, check with the local marina operators (the list is published on NOLA.com archives), and ask their recommendations for that area. If you're going offshore, call the marinas in Venice. Don't be afraid to ask for customers referrals.

Good luck.

Page 1 Next >