river-rat

I completely forgot about Lake Chicot. It's located in Chicot State Park near Ville Platte, LA. At one time I fished there quite a bit, although not so much in the past 6-7 years. I have caught several 5-9 lb. bass but you really have to work for them. Like BayouSlide said it can be kind of stingy at times. It's a beautiful place to fish. It was stocked with Florida Bass for several years up until 2021. Stocking efforts now are focused on native largemouths. The drive from New Orleans would be about 30 minutes longer than going to Lake Fausse Point State Park. As far as I know the park is still well maintained and has cabin rentals, hiking trails, and a primitive campground.

You won’t have any problems with that plan. As I said you have the right idea as far as tackle. Good luck.

Living in Baton Rouge and with my family having a camp near the Atchafalaya Basin my whole life (I'll be 73 soon), I would be hesitant about taking a canoe into the Basin. Understand that to enter the Basin from the east side you first have to cross the Intercoastal Canal and there is always heavy barge traffic. And then once you cross the Canal, you would have to paddle a long distance to get to any decent water to fish. Success in the Basin is dependent on the water level which could be rising in late February and that's never a good situation. Just a suggestion, you might look at Bayou Segnette State Park. It's less than 20 minutes from New Orleans and you can find decent fishing without traveling too far from the landing. Your choice of tackle would work well in the area. If you're dead set on going into the Basin, email me and I can give you more details. Let me know the dates you will be down here. Maybe we could arrange a trip and I could take you in my boat.

I have been using the same two jointed Jitterbugs for more years than I can remember. Both are 5/8ths oz. in solid black, and frog with a yellow belly.

I use the following Zoom Lizards mostly Black/Blue Tail Junebug Watermelon/Red Glitter I also still have a big supply of the old Fliptail Lizard in black and will use this either weightless or Texas rigged.

I have used Oldham's jigs almost exclusively for over 25 years and can assure you they are first quality products. Terry Oldham makes three jigs that each costs under $5.00 and there is nothing cheap about any of them. Eye-Max Jig (best grass jig on the market in my opinion) - $4.75/each Trailer Hitch Jig (flipping and casting jig) - $3.75/each Oldham's Football Jigs - $4.00/each There are 24 different color combinations to choose from. If you're interested, you would have to call the company and speak with Terry to place an order. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in the product. Here is a link - oldhamjigs.com

Living in south Louisiana, I don't have much choice but to fish shallow water year round. About the deepest I ever fish is 8-9 feet and that's only when I'm fishing in one of the few Mississippi River oxbow lakes I frequent.

At 72 my balance is not as good as it once was so I keep my Mustang inflatable on all day. And, I have two rules if someone wants to fish with me in my boat. #1 - You will wear a life jacket when the outboard is running. #2 - There will be absolutely no alcohol of any kind in the boat while fishing. No exceptions.

Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw and Super Speed Craw Zoom Big Salty Chunk and Super Chunk Rage Craw Gene Larew 4' Salt Craw and 6" Hawg Craw

I grew up on CDM Dark Roast with Chicory or French Market Dark Roast with Chicory - I guess it's the New Orleans influence from my Sicilian family that lives there and it's still what I start my day on. Other than that, Community Dark Roast is my second choice.

I would also have to say that I just knew a plastic worm would catch fish. And secondly, the first time I saw a Gene Larew 4" Salt Craw I had no doubt it would produce. Like CATT I use other types of plastics from time to time, but a worm or Salt Craw on a Texas rig is still one of my confidence baits.

I change my starting and trolling motor batteries every 3 years without fail.

My sons are big time into duck and goose hunting and I'll make a couple of hunts with them during the season. Other than that I would rather be fishing.

I don't even attempt to chase new techniques. I'm still doing what I have done for years - flipping jigs, swim jigs, Texas rig, spinnerbaits/buzz-baits, top waters, and shallow crankbaits. This is what I have the most confidence in day in and day out. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure drop shots, ned rigs, etc. are very productive. I just don't feel the need to change what has been producing in the lakes and marshes I most frequently fish. And, I don't couldn't tell you the first thing about JDM or BFS tackle.

What CATT said. I have used the Silver Minnow with a skirt trailer for many years when fishing heavy grass. Be sure to sharpen the hook before trying to use it. The plating process when the spoon is made makes the hook very dull. The only other thing I would try is fishing punching with a grass jig (like Oldham's Eye Max jig) or a tungsten slip sinker of 1 oz. or more if needed. Try punching the edges of the grass mats if you think the middle is too thick.