Jeff Bruhl The good news is summer patterns really set in during July. Topwaters, frogs, and deeper diving baits are key lures to try in the heat of the summer. The bad news is the heat makes a fishing trip or tournament day a real struggle. Anglers should hydrate early and often during the heat of summer. Overall, fishing has been good but weights for tournaments are arguably lower than last year’s numbers. However, when tides move the water, fish get active.
Northshore
The Pearl fell during June and some good catches were coming from area rivers. However, the Pearl sits around 8 feet (Pearl River, LA gauge) and is muddy due to recent heavy rains. Before that I had some decent trips on the system. Jigs and crawfish baits are best options. The crawfish turn hard this month so have a backup plan like a good spinnerbait and crankbait option. There are tons of small bass in the marsh but go early to avoid being fried like a Thanksgiving turkey by the summer sun. Other areas along the coast are doing well if the water is not muddy from rains. Poppers, frogs, and light Texas rigs are good producers followed by flukes and buzzbaits.
Delacroix/Desallemands/Marsh
Marsh areas are good options but reports have been mixed. One day a punching rod is all that is needed but the next trip might produce more redfish than bass. Across the marsh areas of south Louisiana, punching heavy cover has been a top tactic in many reports. If that is not your thing, frog and spinnerbaits are another option for marsh bass. Areas close to Delacroix are holding a few bass. Most reports are placing them around Grand and Spanish Lake areas.
Venice
Bass at the mouth of the Mississippi usually hit the radar around September. The river is below six feet on the gauge out of New Orleans. This means it should be a great summer for bass but even better for fall bass fishing in the canes. Venice is like other areas, bass are not everywhere but follow a typical pattern based on environment. When the river falls, ponds and bay drain which pushes the bass into the bayous and canals. Last year was a good year so this year should be even better. From Delta Duck back to the Wagon Wheel, bass have rebounded in the area. Frogs and spinnerbaits are fun but punching and flipping the canes is where the real fun begins. Another thing I love about the area is I can bring my old baits and use them up. The fish pretty much attack anything that falls through the canes. Watermelons and pumpkin colors are good but a basic worm in red shad works, too.
Northshore
The Pearl fell during June and some good catches were coming from area rivers. However, the Pearl sits around 8 feet (Pearl River, LA gauge) and is muddy due to recent heavy rains. Before that I had some decent trips on the system. Jigs and crawfish baits are best options. The crawfish turn hard this month so have a backup plan like a good spinnerbait and crankbait option. There are tons of small bass in the marsh but go early to avoid being fried like a Thanksgiving turkey by the summer sun. Other areas along the coast are doing well if the water is not muddy from rains. Poppers, frogs, and light Texas rigs are good producers followed by flukes and buzzbaits.
Delacroix/Desallemands/Marsh
Marsh areas are good options but reports have been mixed. One day a punching rod is all that is needed but the next trip might produce more redfish than bass. Across the marsh areas of south Louisiana, punching heavy cover has been a top tactic in many reports. If that is not your thing, frog and spinnerbaits are another option for marsh bass. Areas close to Delacroix are holding a few bass. Most reports are placing them around Grand and Spanish Lake areas.
Venice
Bass at the mouth of the Mississippi usually hit the radar around September. The river is below six feet on the gauge out of New Orleans. This means it should be a great summer for bass but even better for fall bass fishing in the canes. Venice is like other areas, bass are not everywhere but follow a typical pattern based on environment. When the river falls, ponds and bay drain which pushes the bass into the bayous and canals. Last year was a good year so this year should be even better. From Delta Duck back to the Wagon Wheel, bass have rebounded in the area. Frogs and spinnerbaits are fun but punching and flipping the canes is where the real fun begins. Another thing I love about the area is I can bring my old baits and use them up. The fish pretty much attack anything that falls through the canes. Watermelons and pumpkin colors are good but a basic worm in red shad works, too.
