Spinnerbait and Crankbait
Local fishing expert Greg Hackney, of "Louisiana Sportsman Magazine," reports success fishing for shad and bass during the early spring (mid-March) using white/chartreuse and shad-colored spinnerbait. Hackney recommends using these for shad in the early morning and to fish shallowly with them. During the afternoon. he suggests switching to a Strike King Series 4 crankbait in sexy shad. Try alternating between a spinnerbait and the Strike King Series 4 crankbait to get the best results for bass.
Catfish Baits
Louisiana is home to several species of catfish, including the channel cat and blue catfish. Jeff Samsel at "Rod and Reel Magazine" reports success catching catfish with shad cut up into chunks or strips. Catfish strike by scent, and the bait selection of fresh shad chunked up helps release the smell into the water. Samsel also reports great success using chicken livers. Chicken livers release a heavy and meaty scent into the water, attracting many catfish. If you choose chicken livers, check the hook, as the livers fall off hooks easily.
Redfish Baits
Use finger-length live mullet for highly successful fishing for redfish along the Gulf Coast and brackish waters of the Louisiana coast, John E. Phillips says in "Louisiana Sportsman Magazine." Phillips says the use of live shrimp is also a popular and effective means of yielding redfish or trout along the coastal waters. Phillips recommends using a piece of cork at the end of the line with live bait so you can see the strike and fish effectively.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
