Bait and Tackle

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By Area & Water Type...

We've outlined what you'll need for gear and bait below based on the type of water and area. We don't really use lures, so if you're a fishin' buddy who does, share your tips and we'll post them.

River Fishing

Line: The river can be smooth sand, mud bottom or cluttered with organic debris, man-made junk or rocks. I prefer to use a strong line that is resistant to nicks, such as Power Pro or Spider Wire. Monofilament line will nick and fray, and if a fish runs it around rocks or debris, it may pop. My favorite is 30 lb test Power Pro Braid. It's very thin yet strong and with a properly set drag, you can easily handle 50 - 60 lb fish.

Tackle: Best hooks are 3/0 - 5/0. As weights go that depends on the current. If you are fishing deep, sometimes 6 oz of weight won't even stay put, but most of the time in deep river water, we use 3 or 4 oz weights. Close to shore, 2 to 3 oz is a good size.

If fishing the sand flats for Flounder, I use a cork, with about an 18-22 inch drop under it on a 3/4 oz split shot. A steel leader is usually a good idea because sharks and Alligator Gars are notorious for biting through line and taking all the tackle.

Rod & Reel: - The rig of choice is a good solid spinning reel on a medium action rod. The rod should have a good feel to the tip but not light weight.

Bait
Bait is plain old market shrimp. You will catch more Flounder with live shrimp and Striped Bass love eel (dead or alive).

Dress: Terrain and conditions vary greatly by area and season, see "What to bring" for more info on clothing.

Lake Fishing

Line: 10-17 lb Power Pro or Monofilament line. Six to Eight lb test if using lures.

Tackle: 1 or 2 oz weights if bottom fishing. If using a cork, a 1/3 or 1/2 oz split shot does the trick. Best hooks here are 3/0 and 4/0 BUT you will need to adjust size and type of hook to the size and type of fish lips biting since this can vary GREATLY.

Bait: Live Shrimp, market shrimp, minnows, lures. For truly freshwater lakes; worms, grass shrimp, minnows, crickets, lures. Note - You can catch anything and most of the fish have adapted to eat "whatever". I have caught saltwater Croakers and Trout on worms and crickets and caught freshwater Bass and Perch on good ole market shrimp. You'll generally get a similar response with lures.

Dress: The basics - see "What to bring fishin" for more tips on clothing.

Fishing the Bayous
line, tackle, bait, dress

Offshore Fishing
line, tackle, bait, dress

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