The
BigFish
Finder
Breton Sound fishing reports this summer are no different than the financial news you always get. Most
often, by the time you hear it, read it, or click on it… It’s
too late. The fish in Breton Sound and the Hopedale,
Delacroix areas have stayed on the move for most of
the season. High river water mixing into Breton and
Chandeleur Sounds as well as coastal areas are mostly
to blame. The fresh and dirty water not only pushed the
speckled trout around, but it delayed in big ways the
annual migration of pogies (menhaden) as well as the
normal movement of shrimp. Now if you fish this area,
you know this. A spot can be on fire for one or two days,
maybe even longer, but as quick as it turned on, it shuts
down. Fish normally move about, but this year that
movement is incredibly unpredictable and often frustrating for those who aren’t on the water as often as
charter captains.
by Capt. CT Williams
BIGFISH TV • FOX 8 News
(504) 244-3474
www.theBIGFISH.net
Maddie Arabie with a
monster bull redfish,
she landed in June.
The problem with fishing Breton Sound right now is you’re
likely to face the Hero or Zero Syndrome. On the right day, in the
right tide, with the river water out of the way, you may WHACK ’EM
and be a Hero. The problem is once you make the run and get out
there, you may find the water is bad and the fish aren’t at your first,
second, or third stop. Time will rapidly become an issue, and you
may find it difficult to run back inside and start your scouting all
over. There is good news; that trend is slowing, and while July usually runs second to June in the peak of inshore fishing, this month
will likely be better than last. There will still be a few challenges
and fish will still use their tails to swim, but if you take a strategic
approach on your next fishing trip, you’ll have a good chance of
loading the boat (with a legal limit of course).
Play the Odds
So far, the rocks along the MRGO have been incredible in producing fish. The rocks “closer in” have done better than the end
of the rocks, but that will likely change this month. A good plan
would be to start on the rocks and get a few fish in the boat before
heading out to Breton Sound. Who knows? - You’re likely to find a
nice school of fish and finish up without needing to burn more fuel.
Tips and techniques for being the
hero.... more than the zero while
fishing Breton Sound area
30
July 2016 www.marshandbayou.com
Small moves before Big Ones
Fish will be in the area of the rocks and Bay Eloi this month,
you can bet on it. If your first spot doesn’t pan out, make a short
move up or down the rocks and give it a try. Before you run out
into the Sound, move towards the end of the rocks and check the
water there. If it is brown with freshwater weeds floating in it, your
chances of doing well in the Sound are reduced. One good
method is to go fish the rigs on the outer edges of Bay Eloi, this
month, you can bet on it.
Hit and Run
July will be filled with hungry fish, if you stop somewhere to
fish, don’t give it more than 10 or 15 minutes. During that time, try