D
on't think just because you don't
own a lease out in Hopedale, Delacroix, etc.
that this limits you. Louisiana is filled with public land all over the place that is readily accessible to the same waters where you'll see
boats catching tons of fish during the winter.
Target areas such as Big Branch and Bayou
Sauvage in Slidell, Pointe Aux Chien in
Houma, and especially Venice.
When it comes to the Slidell area, I like to
try my luck later in the season when it is
colder. The area is filled with deeper waters off
the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) that get
loaded with redfish and speckled trout just
waiting for a jig to pass their faces. This will
definitely make for an awesome blast and
cast. However, know that the public land in
this area can be a bit crowded at times, especially on the weekends, but don't let that ruin
your hunt. You just have to be smart. Try not to
get too close to those "sky busters" who love
to shoot at everything that passes no matter
how far away they are. Be smart with your decoys and calling as well. Sometimes, less is
more in both aspects. Make sure you are covered up as brushed in as you can get too. As
for the fishing, bring yourself some 3/8th oz
jigheads and your favorite color Matrix Shads
and head for the deep water. The colder it is,
the more the fish will group up on deep water
ledges and deep holes.
As for Venice, it's a different world if you
are used to hunting and fishing in the marsh.
First for the birds, I like to find real shallow
potholes filled with the right grass in them.
Considering how far Venice is, I'll usually make
a few days out there and go scout around for
the birds. You can usually find me down there
early in the season before it gets to be too
cold. Venice is a place where you can really do
a number on some beautiful grey ducks, and
even some pintails if you’re lucky. November
days are usually filled with birds in the right
potholes in the canes, and those same canefilled canals can be loaded with fish on the
way out. It’s hard to go wrong with a popping
cork and a spinner bait in this area. Casting
them right up against the canes in some of
those canals and ponds, especially those with
good current, can yield days full of speckled
Continued