Keith Lusher What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Bogue Chitto River? For most people, it’s sitting in an inner tube, gazing at its white sandy shoreline while meandering downstream. But for Barry Galloway of Franklinton, tubing is the last thing on his mind. Barry has been fishing the river his whole life and says that February is a great month to catch spotted bass on the Bogue Chitto.
To the average south Louisiana fisherman, the physical differences between largemouth bass and Kentucky spots largely go unnoticed. While these fish look similar, it’s their behavior that sets them apart. Unlike largemouth bass, spotted bass thrive in areas with a strong current. The Bogue Chitto river flows at an average of 4 mph creating the perfect conditions for these fish. But current is only one factor in the equation. Much like a largemouth bass, Kentucky’s are ambush predators holding close to structure. The only difference is that spotted bass use the structure to break the current. For this reason, Barry says it’s the most important thing to remember when fishing the river. “It’s all about the current breaks! Anything that you can find that stops the water from flowing - logs, sand bars, fallen trees - that’s where they’re going to be,” Galloway says. While most anglers in the south cringe at the thought of fishing in strong current, Barry says it’s the strong current that dictates where the fish will be. “These fish aren’t going to be steadily swimming against the current, that burns too much energy. So what they’re looking for is a place where they don’t have to exert too much effort, that is until bait comes into their strike zone. They have to react fast because of other fish and the current. There no questioning a bite, it’s very aggressive,” he says.
To the average south Louisiana fisherman, the physical differences between largemouth bass and Kentucky spots largely go unnoticed. While these fish look similar, it’s their behavior that sets them apart. Unlike largemouth bass, spotted bass thrive in areas with a strong current. The Bogue Chitto river flows at an average of 4 mph creating the perfect conditions for these fish. But current is only one factor in the equation. Much like a largemouth bass, Kentucky’s are ambush predators holding close to structure. The only difference is that spotted bass use the structure to break the current. For this reason, Barry says it’s the most important thing to remember when fishing the river. “It’s all about the current breaks! Anything that you can find that stops the water from flowing - logs, sand bars, fallen trees - that’s where they’re going to be,” Galloway says. While most anglers in the south cringe at the thought of fishing in strong current, Barry says it’s the strong current that dictates where the fish will be. “These fish aren’t going to be steadily swimming against the current, that burns too much energy. So what they’re looking for is a place where they don’t have to exert too much effort, that is until bait comes into their strike zone. They have to react fast because of other fish and the current. There no questioning a bite, it’s very aggressive,” he says.
A stretch of the Bogue Chitto south of Hwy 16 in Franklinton
While Galloway has been fishing the river for quite sometime. It wasn’t until he started spearfishing catfish when he really learned how these bass behave beneath the surface. This presented the perfect opportunity for Barry to observe how spotted bass behave underwater. “I really learned a lot from from those dives. To see where those fish are holding up from an underwater perspective helps me understand the importance of structure to these fish,” he says.
Galloway sets the hook on a Kentucky bass where the current meets the still water of a side creek
Galloway recommends casting behind every current break possible when fishing the main river and says a simple white spinnerbait is his favorite when floating downriver. “You can cover a lot of water just floating with the current and a spinnerbait allows me to fish fast and get that bait back to the boat quickly so I can cast out and hit another piece of structure,” he says
Galloway caught this 2.5 lb. Kentucky in protected water caused by a sand bar
Fishing the main river isn’t the only option for bass anglers. The Bogue Chitto has numerous ditches and run-outs that provide protected water out of the current. Barry says this is where he likes to finesse fish. “I’ll pull my boat into one of those cuts off the river and slow things down a bit. I’ll work the bottom slowly with a 1/4 - 1/2 oz. Shakey Head and that’s a great way to find fish that are in those cuts,” he says.
Galloway ’s setup is an Ardent reel paired with a medium heavy Tangi rod. “Be careful with braided line because if you're being pushed by the current and get hung up it’s hard to break the line. It’s for this reason that I use monofilament line."
While using moving water to find fish is the best option for targeting bass on the river, Barry reminds everyone that it’s current and structure that makes the river so dangerous and to be extra careful while fishing. “You can’t fall asleep out there! You’ve got to constantly be on the trolling motor and aware of what’s around you at all times,” he adds.
Galloway ’s setup is an Ardent reel paired with a medium heavy Tangi rod. “Be careful with braided line because if you're being pushed by the current and get hung up it’s hard to break the line. It’s for this reason that I use monofilament line."
While using moving water to find fish is the best option for targeting bass on the river, Barry reminds everyone that it’s current and structure that makes the river so dangerous and to be extra careful while fishing. “You can’t fall asleep out there! You’ve got to constantly be on the trolling motor and aware of what’s around you at all times,” he adds.
