Joe Joslin

SALTWATER

BIG LAKE

"As for Big Lake, the wind machine got unplugged on Sunday and the fish turned it on big time for our guides", reported Big Lake's Capt. Eric Rue. He also reflected that easy early morning limits the past few days makes the numerous days of high winds just a memory. Rue reported that mid-lake reefs are holding exceptional numbers of trout and schooling fish under birds can still be found. Calm winds allow crowds to disperse and the fish feed much better with less pressure. "Redfish are getting a little tougher", he said but still are available in the east side marshes (Lambert and Grand Bayou areas).

For good catches of quality trout, check along the west bank as the water cleans up and winds turn NW. Rue also recommended the ship channel areas which should on the upswing in the coming weeks as the water temperatures rise and push bait and predators into the deeper waters comfort zone. He gives another hint suggesting fishing reefs near the channel on slow moving tides.

According to Rue, healthy sized trout and reds are still biting plastics better than bait. Local favorites include Berkley Gulp! Shrimp (3 and 4 inches), Norton Bull Minnows, Stanley Wedgetails, Sand Eel Jrs. and Hackberry Hustlers. Rue likes chartreuse hologram color fished on quarter and three-eighths oz. lead heads. Of course, live shrimp will take its share of victims fished under a cork over reefs.

"Wow, what another great weekend!", said Elaine Huck of Calcasieu Point. The weather was great with no wind and a lot of fish were weighed last weekend as the Young Men's Business Club hosted the 6th Annual Spec-tac-ular for Southwest LA Special Olympics. Huck stated the fish were a little bigger this weekend with a 6.06 trout caught by Bruce Wilson taking first place. The largest red was 6.75 pounds caught by Rusty Domain and Randy Burleson brought in the biggest flounder weighing 4.45.

Huck said that fishing has been good all week with lots of kids fishing and enjoying summer vacation. Some anglers are back at the fish cleaning station by 10:00 with quality fish, too. She weighed a couple 6 pound specks, several 5 pounders and a 5.65 flounder. The anglers he talked to recently said had success in West Cove, Old Jetties, The Weirs as well as Black Lake is still producing nice reds. We really appreciate Captain Rue and Elaine Huck for this week's fishing info.

Fish Species: specs and reds
Bait Used: Gulp!,, Norton Sand eels
Tackle Used: bait cast, 12 pound Berkley Big Game
Method Used: top water early on shallow flats then working reefs
Water Depth:
Water Temperature: 83
Wind Direction: s
Wind Speed: 12

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Joe Joslin

About The Author: Captain Joe Joslin

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

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