Enjoy it while you can. The weather lately has been pleasant, with cool temperatures dropping into the 40s. The wind is currently switching back to the south to usher in a warming trend. The late cool fronts are just about finis, with a warmer summer pattern just around the corner. A good old Louisiana summer, complete with high heat and humidity, will have you longing for a breath of cool air.
Most local waterfowl hunters deserve a break after suffering through a lean season. Traditional blinds that have been producing for years had a tough go of it last season. The birds just never showed up in most marshes and rice fields. The majority of times an influx of new birds pushed in, they didn’t hang around for long. A hunt with beaucoup birds was often followed by empty skies and a scratch hunt.
Rickey Ackley and his hunting family have been hunting near Johnson Bayou for years, and generally enjoyed high rates of success. The last season was a bust for them and a lot of other die-hards, too. Rickey said they learned to adjust, and were high-fiving on a good morning when they scored five ducks.
The bright spot shining some light on a dim season was good numbers of specklebellies in select areas. You only need to decoy in a few of these magnificent birds to make it worth rolling out of bed for.
If you had consistent shooting last year, consider yourself one of the lucky few. There are a myriad of reasons for our lack of birds, starting with the dwindling acreage of rice fields to draw the birds down here. Also, states north of us are effectively short-stopping big numbers of ducks and geese with flooded areas and beaucoup food available in the fields. With water and food available, the birds will not head south until, if and when it freezes over.
Hunting pressure is another killer of consistent numbers of ducks and geese. The birds require rest areas where they can recoup, but those areas are few and far between these days.
If you’re into bass fishing, this is prime time. The big sow bass are in the process of spawning, and it’s an opportune time to catch a giant.
Lacassine Reserve opened recently, providing a beautiful freshwater marsh where anglers could do their thing. This awesome marsh has produced its fair share of double-digit trophy bass.
Lacassine is available to the public, and most fishermen are grateful to have access to this vast fishery. However, there are always a few bad apples that can spoil the catch for everyone.
With increased fishing pressure, there are those who cannot abide by the rules. Litter has become an increasing problem. It jeopardizes the opportunity for other anglers to enjoy this pristine marsh.
Please, don’t litter and abuse the privilege of fishing this scenic marsh. Plastic ice bags and aluminum cans don’t belong in this marsh. Find a spot for them and dump them in the trash where they belong when you get home.
One of many die-hard Lacassine faithful is a concerned fisherman who picks up other people’s trash and usually returns with an ice chest full of refuse. He deserves a medal, and anyone littering this beautiful marsh deserves a knot on the head.
Have a safe and productive fishing season!
CUTLINE
Ducks in photo transfer
Rewards of a rare successful hunt.
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