BIG LAKE
Big Lake regular, Greg Vidrine, suggested that anglers wanting to catch some fish should head to the east bank to find somewhat clearer water and get away from the muddy water coming down the ship channel. Vidrine, who manages a local favorite tackle store and talks to numerous anglers, reports that catching trout has been a challenge compared to recent trips but the hearty redfish continue to be abundantly available. With deteriorating weather in the forecasts, he suggest taking a trip to the Civic Center this weekend and check out the new fishing tackle, boats and RVs. Hey Greg, I think I'll do that!
Early this week I was able to get through to Hackberry's Captain Kirk Stansel. He was coming out of the marsh on an extended conservation series goose hunt where special areas with high geese populations were given extra days of hunting. They had taken 19 snow geese on a morning hunt with his party and reported heavy populations of geese in the marsh. This extended season is open through March.
On the Big Lake fishing scene, Stansel said the redfish were everywhere on the lake but for a fishing trip basically with a 100% success rate he would suggest the east and southeast part of the lake in the weir areas. As far as baits, The Big Lake guide said Berkley Gulp!, Hackberry Hustlers and a new Mister Twister soft plastic has been catching plenty of reds when worked along the grass shoreline.
On the trout scene, he mentioned that his brother Captain Guy Stansel and a couple of friends caught 30 trout between 4-7 pounds while wading the north end of Big Lake. Guy, who is also a well-known Lake Calcasieu guide, stated that they caught the trout fishing top water and Corkys with biggest trout coming on top water. They were fishing an afternoon trip and stated the water conditions were stained but not muddy. Water temperatures in the Gulf are 56 degrees while Big Lake is 57.
