Fishing Reports by Captain Joe Joslin
About The Author: Captain
Company: joe joslin outdoors
Area Reporting: South Toledo Bend
Bio: Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor writer and writes for several Louisiana newspapers and numerous magazines including Texas Game and Fish, Louisiana Game and Fish, CenLa Sportsman, Louisiana Sportsman and LakeCaster. Joe has been fishing Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn for 25+ years and is a frequent tournament angler. Joe has been a full time pro guide on Toledo Bend/Sam Rayburn since 1998.Joe Joslin Outdoors Fishing Guide Service Wholesome atmosphere * Safety minded * Latest equipment, featuring 21i Class Skeeter with 300 hp Yamaha HPDI * Tackle supplied upon request * References available upon request * Available Year-Round. E-Mail Joe at joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com
337 463 3848
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain
Probing the Deeps (8/03/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Most of our bigger bass are coming from deep structure on The Bend as the dog days of summer are here....we have had several days this week with day time temps over 100. Schooling bass in the morning are also part of the picture.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Most of our bigger bass are coming from deep structure on The Bend as the dog days of summer are here....we have had several days this week with day time temps over 100. Schooling bass in the morning are also part of the picture.
Rivers hot around Lake Charles (7/20/2008)
[Calcasieu River,LA] This report contains info on both The Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers and both water conditions are now excellent for great fishing.
[Calcasieu River,LA] This report contains info on both The Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers and both water conditions are now excellent for great fishing.
Big Lake continues to give up limits (7/16/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Fishing has moved to summer patterns where the best early fishing is on the reefs and Jetties and then move to the ship channel when the sun gets high.
[Big Lake,LA] Fishing has moved to summer patterns where the best early fishing is on the reefs and Jetties and then move to the ship channel when the sun gets high.
Working for bass (7/16/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Summer heat has made fishing some what of an effort but Big Sam is still giving up some bass.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Summer heat has made fishing some what of an effort but Big Sam is still giving up some bass.
SUMMER PATTERNS HERE FOR A WHILE (7/16/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Three fatal accidents/drownings on The Bend since Memorial Day....all under 20 yrs of age. On the fishing scene... Big bass patterns include deep drops and ledges, C. Rigs and big crankbaits.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Three fatal accidents/drownings on The Bend since Memorial Day....all under 20 yrs of age. On the fishing scene... Big bass patterns include deep drops and ledges, C. Rigs and big crankbaits.
River Fishing Heats Up (6/26/2008)
[Calcasieu River,LA] Report contains current report on two awesome river systems in south LA and Southeast TX. The Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers are favorite fishing holes of a lot of avid anglers.
[Calcasieu River,LA] Report contains current report on two awesome river systems in south LA and Southeast TX. The Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers are favorite fishing holes of a lot of avid anglers.
Unbelievable Fishing on Inland Bay (6/26/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Big Lake has never been better with top water, Gulp! and live bait.
[Big Lake,LA] Big Lake has never been better with top water, Gulp! and live bait.
Bassin on Independence Day (6/26/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Rayburn's bass are starting to get on predictable summer patterns and there is no shortage of hydrilla.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Rayburn's bass are starting to get on predictable summer patterns and there is no shortage of hydrilla.
Movin' on The Bend (6/26/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Bass are still adjusting to summer patterns with a lot of fish suspended. Slow-falling soft plastics and deep crankbaits are helping to keep rods bent. Also a bit of info on Striper and crappie
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Bass are still adjusting to summer patterns with a lot of fish suspended. Slow-falling soft plastics and deep crankbaits are helping to keep rods bent. Also a bit of info on Striper and crappie
Big Lake still Putting Out (6/19/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Two local anglers give current fishing info, one is leading saltwater tournament angler and runs a successful Big Lake guide service...
[Big Lake,LA] Two local anglers give current fishing info, one is leading saltwater tournament angler and runs a successful Big Lake guide service...
Generous Rayburn (6/19/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] A brief look at how tournament anglers are getting checks with summer patterns on Big Sam
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] A brief look at how tournament anglers are getting checks with summer patterns on Big Sam
Sweatin' on The Bend (6/19/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] How to catch bass on their summer patterns, from top water to deep points and ridges...also license info and security regs are relaxed. Also a brief report on crappie and striper.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] How to catch bass on their summer patterns, from top water to deep points and ridges...also license info and security regs are relaxed. Also a brief report on crappie and striper.
Big Lake keeps producing (5/28/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Some fish catching suggestions to locate and catch some of Big Lakes specs and reds from some of the lake's best anglers.
[Big Lake,LA] Some fish catching suggestions to locate and catch some of Big Lakes specs and reds from some of the lake's best anglers.
Summer patterns begin on Big Sam (5/28/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Some helpful hints about the migration patterns of Rayburn's bass population.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Some helpful hints about the migration patterns of Rayburn's bass population.
MEMORIAL WEEK ON THE BEND (5/28/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Features several patterns for catching post spawn/early summer bass.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Features several patterns for catching post spawn/early summer bass.
May Day on Big Lake (5/16/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] May brings fishing up a notch as top water specs and lots of birds has this lake on fire.
[Big Lake,LA] May brings fishing up a notch as top water specs and lots of birds has this lake on fire.
The Bend and a Breeze (5/15/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] The Bend (Toledo Bend) is in full post spawn with unusual strong, late spring fronts passing every few days. Fishing has been a challenge but the fish are biting if you can get a bait in the water. this report includes bass, bream and crappie. Also a caution to anglers about Skin Cancer
[Toldeo Bend,TX] The Bend (Toledo Bend) is in full post spawn with unusual strong, late spring fronts passing every few days. Fishing has been a challenge but the fish are biting if you can get a bait in the water. this report includes bass, bream and crappie. Also a caution to anglers about Skin Cancer
BIG LAKE GIVES UP ANOTHER RECORD (5/07/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] REPORT CONTAINS CURRENT INFO FROM SOME OF THE LAKE'S BEST ANGLERS/CHARTER CAPTAINS. ALSO, A HAPPY CUSTOMER LANDS A BIG TROUT ON A FLY ROD.
[Big Lake,LA] REPORT CONTAINS CURRENT INFO FROM SOME OF THE LAKE'S BEST ANGLERS/CHARTER CAPTAINS. ALSO, A HAPPY CUSTOMER LANDS A BIG TROUT ON A FLY ROD.
MAY DAY ON TOLEDO (5/07/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] aN IN-DEPTH REPORT ON BASS, CRAPPIE AND STRIPER ACTION FROM A GUIDE WITH 30 YEARS EXP ON THE BEND.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] aN IN-DEPTH REPORT ON BASS, CRAPPIE AND STRIPER ACTION FROM A GUIDE WITH 30 YEARS EXP ON THE BEND.
Post spawn bass on frogs (5/07/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Winds have been tough this spring but the frog bite, Tx rig on off shore grass line have been getting us some good bass.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Winds have been tough this spring but the frog bite, Tx rig on off shore grass line have been getting us some good bass.
WINDS BACKED OFF, FISH TURNED ON (4/26/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Highly respected Capt. Kirk Stansel of Hackberry Rod and Gun 1-888-762-3391 gives some great tips to local anglers.
[Big Lake,LA] Highly respected Capt. Kirk Stansel of Hackberry Rod and Gun 1-888-762-3391 gives some great tips to local anglers.
BIG MACS ON RAYBURN (4/26/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] This report features highlights on the huge Mcdonald's Big Bass tournament which drew 3,800 anglers.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] This report features highlights on the huge Mcdonald's Big Bass tournament which drew 3,800 anglers.
THE BEAUTY OF THE BEND (4/26/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] This is an awesome, fun place to fish, Late April is a great time to get a bite and if you fish smart, you can catch a big fish or two along the way.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] This is an awesome, fun place to fish, Late April is a great time to get a bite and if you fish smart, you can catch a big fish or two along the way.
Catching fish in Winds and churned water. (4/18/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Like most inland saltwater fisheries the past few weeks along the southern coast, the winds have been relentless and have kept a lot of boats off the lake. However, the fish continue to bite if you can find a window of time when winds subside for a while.
[Big Lake,LA] Like most inland saltwater fisheries the past few weeks along the southern coast, the winds have been relentless and have kept a lot of boats off the lake. However, the fish continue to bite if you can find a window of time when winds subside for a while.
Rayburn keeps 'em coming (4/18/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Shows patterns several tournament anglers used to get check at a recent Skeeter Bass Champs Team event which featured over 200 teams
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Shows patterns several tournament anglers used to get check at a recent Skeeter Bass Champs Team event which featured over 200 teams
Fishing with hat on backwards (4/18/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Winds have been so high for so long that I have been starting recent trips with hat on backwards. Recently I actually had a dip net become airborn from a wind gust of over 30 knots. Why was I fishing in such conditions? Lately, these conditions have been daily...so you fish. Yes, we have been catching fish but are adapting with changing presentations.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Winds have been so high for so long that I have been starting recent trips with hat on backwards. Recently I actually had a dip net become airborn from a wind gust of over 30 knots. Why was I fishing in such conditions? Lately, these conditions have been daily...so you fish. Yes, we have been catching fish but are adapting with changing presentations.
Calcasieu River hanging tough (4/07/2008)
[Calcasieu River,LA] Local anglers are excited about what has been happening on Calcasieu River. Hurricane Rita in fall 2005 was hard on the river but a successful stocking program has the river up and running. Catch and release is strongly encouraged.
[Calcasieu River,LA] Local anglers are excited about what has been happening on Calcasieu River. Hurricane Rita in fall 2005 was hard on the river but a successful stocking program has the river up and running. Catch and release is strongly encouraged.
RAYBURN ON A RISE/RAINS COME DOWN THE PLAIN (4/07/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] lATE SPRING PATTERNS AND RISING WEATERS HAVE BIG SAMS BASS SCATTERED. HOWEVER, GOOD CATCHES ARE STILL COMING INTO THE BOAT
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] lATE SPRING PATTERNS AND RISING WEATERS HAVE BIG SAMS BASS SCATTERED. HOWEVER, GOOD CATCHES ARE STILL COMING INTO THE BOAT
Fishing in a Parade (4/07/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Fishing pressure has been high...fishermen are finding gas money some where....we won't pursue that subject any further. A good presentation of lures is vital if anglers are to get a consistent bite in such heavily fished water.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Fishing pressure has been high...fishermen are finding gas money some where....we won't pursue that subject any further. A good presentation of lures is vital if anglers are to get a consistent bite in such heavily fished water.
Big Lake continues to be consistent (4/07/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Water temps warm, birds beginning to work, high winds have been common but fish are biting.
[Big Lake,LA] Water temps warm, birds beginning to work, high winds have been common but fish are biting.
Big Lake heats up (3/21/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Water temps rise into 60s and big trout start top hit up top. Also reds are plentiful at The Weirs.
[Big Lake,LA] Water temps rise into 60s and big trout start top hit up top. Also reds are plentiful at The Weirs.
Hugging My Butt Seat (3/21/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Somehow we managed to survive the week and caught bass even with 30 mph winds three days in a row. Numerous times I had to wrap my leg around the front butt seat to keep wind from pushing me in the lake. Yo gotta love it!
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Somehow we managed to survive the week and caught bass even with 30 mph winds three days in a row. Numerous times I had to wrap my leg around the front butt seat to keep wind from pushing me in the lake. Yo gotta love it!
Rivers high but producing (3/18/2008)
[Calcasieu River,LA] A current report on both Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers
[Calcasieu River,LA] A current report on both Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers
Spring brings plenty of traffic on Big Sam. (3/18/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] A current report from one of the most visited destinations of tournament anglers in the country.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] A current report from one of the most visited destinations of tournament anglers in the country.
NO SHORTAGE OF WINDY POINTS (3/18/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Even tho the winds have been 'off the charts' we still manage to get in some fishing and caught a surprising no. of fish
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Even tho the winds have been 'off the charts' we still manage to get in some fishing and caught a surprising no. of fish
Another Toledo lunker (3/07/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Photo of Lake Charles, LA angler Jay Bice,with his 10.6 pound trophy.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Photo of Lake Charles, LA angler Jay Bice,with his 10.6 pound trophy.
Big lake giving up a few big trout up top (3/07/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Top water patterns are starting to kick in for big trout. Best bie recently has been in afternoon after water has warmed a bit.
[Big Lake,LA] Top water patterns are starting to kick in for big trout. Best bie recently has been in afternoon after water has warmed a bit.
Fishing in a Parade (3/07/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Report on Rayburn as it is in the middle of spring patterns and derailng with heavy boat traffic.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Report on Rayburn as it is in the middle of spring patterns and derailng with heavy boat traffic.
Rites Of Spring (3/06/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Spring fishing this week was outstanding between fronts. Bass are eager to hit and are moving to shallow water in large numbers.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Spring fishing this week was outstanding between fronts. Bass are eager to hit and are moving to shallow water in large numbers.
BIG LAKE WITH LOTS OF FRESH WATER (2/24/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] This reports is a current look at Big Lake following heavy rains/runoff. Fishing has not been super but anglers are still catching a lot of fish...especially reds.
[Big Lake,LA] This reports is a current look at Big Lake following heavy rains/runoff. Fishing has not been super but anglers are still catching a lot of fish...especially reds.
Rayburn keeps giving up lots of bass (2/24/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Pre spawn and fast rising water levels have Rayburn's bass liking thin water. It is also making them available to lots of fishing pressure. Catch and release is very important.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Pre spawn and fast rising water levels have Rayburn's bass liking thin water. It is also making them available to lots of fishing pressure. Catch and release is very important.
FISHING TOLEDO BEND WITH RISING WATER (2/24/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Toledo has received some of the heaviest rains in months and has the fish on the move. Check out this pro guides reports to get hints on how to catch pre spawn bass.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Toledo has received some of the heaviest rains in months and has the fish on the move. Check out this pro guides reports to get hints on how to catch pre spawn bass.
Fresh water slows fishing briefly (2/13/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] This reports shares a few spots anglers can go to catch fish with the influx of lots of fresh water. Also talks about Gulp! and it's impact on fishing the past few months.
[Big Lake,LA] This reports shares a few spots anglers can go to catch fish with the influx of lots of fresh water. Also talks about Gulp! and it's impact on fishing the past few months.
Catching bass in a parade...Rayburn's boating pressure (2/13/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Tournament season is in full swing. This report shares the baits and methods recent anglers used to win tournaments.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Tournament season is in full swing. This report shares the baits and methods recent anglers used to win tournaments.
I'm fishing on Valentine's day, but i still Love u (2/13/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Pre-spawn patterns on South Toledo with suggestions how to catch fish during frequent weather changes.
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Pre-spawn patterns on South Toledo with suggestions how to catch fish during frequent weather changes.
Get Out of the Boat! (2/06/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] A local saltwater expert and Capt. gives local anglers hints as how to catch a boat load of reds or some quality trout.
[Big Lake,LA] A local saltwater expert and Capt. gives local anglers hints as how to catch a boat load of reds or some quality trout.
South Toledo/Hydrilla a'plenty (2/06/2008)
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Pre-spawn patterns mixed with winter patterns. We caught fish from 25 to 38' as well as off the hydrilla in 6 to 12'
[Toldeo Bend,TX] Pre-spawn patterns mixed with winter patterns. We caught fish from 25 to 38' as well as off the hydrilla in 6 to 12'
Rayburn's bass think it is spring (2/06/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] A guides report using two very different techniques to catch bass. One fast and one very slow. We were catching bass with reaction strikes as well as getting them to feed with dead-sticking.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] A guides report using two very different techniques to catch bass. One fast and one very slow. We were catching bass with reaction strikes as well as getting them to feed with dead-sticking.
Bite still on at Big Lake (1/31/2008)
[Big Lake,LA] Reports from several local anglers and pros about how to catch fish in Louisiana's best know salt water bay.
[Big Lake,LA] Reports from several local anglers and pros about how to catch fish in Louisiana's best know salt water bay.
Windy Winter Patterns (1/30/2008)
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Rayburn is 5 feet low and bass are in ditches and drains.
[Lake Sam Rayburn,TX] Rayburn is 5 feet low and bass are in ditches and drains.