Governor Landry vetoes tarpon bill

A bill that would have given gamefish status to Atlantic tarpon has been vetoed by Governor Jeff Landry.  This despite House Bill 688 by Rep. Joseph Orgeron having passed both chambers of the Louisiana legislature by unanimous margins.  

As we alluded to in an earlier post, this bill would've done more than just given gamefish status to one of the most prized recreational species in saltwater.  It would have put management of tarpon under the auspices of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. And it turn, the LWFC could've determined the extent of current "catch and kill" tarpon tournaments.  It also would've required LWFC to take actions to limit any activity in which tarpon was a significant bycatch.

In his veto letter, Landry wrote: "I can discern no corresponding conservation benefits in this designation. There is no real harvest pressure on tarpon, and nothing in the science suggests we need new limits or restrictions to protect them. Louisiana anglers do not need more regulatory hurdles for their recreational activities."

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) and Fly Fishers International  (FFI) expressed extreme disappointment in this action. It's their belief that this was a measure to further protect the menhaden industry from repercussions of tarpon bycatch. Both organizations are appealing to legislators to include HB688 in a veto override session.  Such sessions are usually held several weeks after the close of the annual routine legislative session.

Ladies invited to special fly tying event

Ladies Fly Tying Night
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Metairie, Louisiana
No cost!

As part of the celebration for Womens Fly Fishing Month, FFI Women Connect, the Gulf Coast Council (GCC) of Fly Fishers International (FFI) and No Wake Outfitters are hosting a "Ladies Fly Tying Night" on Tuesday, June 30th.  

Whether you're a beginner, or just looking to tie with some other ladies and share stories, this event is for you! Tools & materials provided. Class size limited, so please register early. To RSVP or more details, contact Lisa Lowman at wconnect@ffigcc.org.

Welcome to SweatFest 2026!

SweatFest.... a celebration of heat, humidity, sunburns hurricanes, and horseflies. As well as swarms of mosquitos. Conversely, it's also fun time for those who love the beach, snowballs, and mowing grass.  

Memorial Day weekend is usually the kickoff for 90 degree days and 70 degree nights, and high humidity.  At least during June there's a good seasonal breeze most of the time.  But come July and August, the wind goes away and the heat index - and the sweating - kicks up a notch. By early September, the nights are long enough for radiative cooling to take effect, even if the days are still a bit balmy.

As for tropical weather forecast, 2026 looks to be a fairly calm one due to a Super El Nino in the Pacific.  The National Weather Service predicts a 55% chance of a below-normal season, with 8-14 named storms, and only 1-3 major hurricanes (categories 3-5).  Of course, it only takes one downturn in the trade winds and with the higher-than-normal Gulf water temperatures, that one possible storm could be the next Katrina, Rita or Laura!  

The summer sun and heat of SweatFest bring dangers to anglers.  Heat stroke and high UV radiation require preparation for fishing trips: bring water and sports drinks, sunscreen, long-brim hats, neck gaiters, long sleeve light-colored UV shirts and pants, and sunglasses (polarized are better).   And for coastal fishermen, there's potential exposure to the vibrio bacteria which has the highest occurence from July through September. There are plenty of web articles on how to cope with these dangers of summer.  Let Google be your friend!

Also be aware that thunderstorms can be a daily occurence in summer. At the first sign of towering  cumulonimbus clouds, start your way back to the launch (especially if you're in a kayak). Lightning can strike from eight miles away, so waiting for lightning to approach is not a smart option!

Fishing-wise, June is usually a decent month, although the bigger fish of Spring are deeper now.  Early morning and late afternoon are still good.  July and August are probably the worst fishing months of the year in Louisiana.  Fish are lethargic as hot water holds little oxygen.  They feed less, and when they do, it's either very early in the morning or at night.  

There are exceptions.  In fact, offshore and nearshore fishing for pelagics is the best of the year in Summer.  Species such as spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, bluefish, bull reds, and sand (white) trout are abundant nearshore and inside passes and interior coastal lakes.  So are gafftop catfish and ladyfish, so it's often a case of avoiding those nuisance species.  And if a tropical storm moves close by - let's hope not, but if it does - the bite can be really good in freshwater lakes and in the brackish marsh just before and after the storm. 

Bill to make tarpon gamefish moves to Senate

We've talked much about legislative bills to limit commercial menhaden harvest in state waters. But another bill, which is getting much less attention, is House Bill 688 by Representative Joseph Orgeron. It would designate the Atlantic Tarpon as a gamefish.

Why is this important? Currently, tarpon in Louisiana are no different than pinfish or hardhead catfish as far as regulatory status goes. And yet, the state’s offshore waters represent not only one of the major migratory grounds, but also a key spawning area.

As a gamefish, tarpon would come under the regulatory management of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, which could then set harvest limits and/or tag requirements.

Every other state has very strict regulations on the harvest of tarpon. Some states, like Florida, permit catch and release only, with exemption of a $50 annual tag for 1 fish only for record purposes. Most states allow 1 per person per year, again with a minimum size limit, and strictly for the pursuit of personal or state record.

So far, there has been little opposition to the bill, which is supported by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Fly Fishers International, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, and other conservation groups. The real fight will probably be over the regulation once gamefish status is established. Some fishing rodeo organizers want rodeo exemptions, some conservationists want strictly catch-and-release all the time.   

Late Spring events emerge on calendar

Late Winter is prime season for fly fishing festivals, shows, and "conclaves".  But there's always something going on event-wise even as we approach the dead time of Summer.  

May 30 (Sat) - 6th biennial Cenla Fly Fishing Festival, Kees Park Center, Highway 28 East, Pineville, LA. 8:30am – 3:30pm. Free admission.  This event is a reschedule from the January date that was canceled due to wintry weather.  The Cenla Fest features presentations, fly tying demos, casting clinics, exhibitors and more. Jambalaya lunch available. Benefits Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Hosted by Kisatchie Fly Fishers club. Website: www.kisatchiefly.org. 

June 13 (Sat) - Bite at the Museum. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Natchitoches, LA.  10:00am - 4:00pm.  Hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers.  This event kicks off Friday evening with a dinner for the registered tiers. On Saturday, the fly tying kicks off at 10am at  the LA Sports Hall of Fame Museum.  Admission fees are $6 adults ages 18-61, $5 for students over age 7, military and seniors. For more info, check out the ALTO website at www.arklatexomaflytyers.com or Facebook page.

June 25 (Thu) - Fly Fishing Film Tour benefitting Casting for Recovery - Southeast Chapter.  NOLA Brewing & Pizza Company, 3033 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans. 5:30pm doors open for fundraiser, 7:00pm films begin. Silent auction, prize raffles, local vendors and more. This event raises money for Casting for Recovery retreats for breast cancer patients and survivors in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, & Florida panhandle.  For details, go to the CfR-SE Facebook page, or go to www.weblink.donorperfect.com/F3T_NOLA.

If you know of any special event taking place in Louisiana or neighboring state, first check our Calendar page, and if not present, send details to catch@laflyfish.com.

Bass rods continue their comeback

Two years ago, I wrote about an exciting new fly rod from Echo called the 84B, with the 'B' standing for "Bass".  While just about any 9-foot fly rod from a 5-weight to a 9-weight can be used for bass, I've made the case several times over many years - here and in my column on Louisiana Sportsman magazine - why I prefer "Short Sticks" for bucketmouths.

"There are reasons why most fly rods are 9 feet long — and sometimes longer. Longer rods cast farther and allow for better line management on the water. For example, mending line on a moving stream."

"But short rods have their advantages. In addition to lower swing weight, they give more casting control, can be used under tree canopies or docks, in tighter casting spaces, are easier to manage while fishing from a canoe or kayak, and have the ability to place a fly in tight spots."

"And then there’s lifting power. When it comes to getting a big fish out of grass or timber, a shorter rod gives more leverage than a longer rod."

At the Denver Fly Fishing Show in February, I had the chance to check out three other "Short Sticks", two of which are new for 2026.  

Winston Air 2 Max 868

This premium rod is 8'6" long with a hefty price tag of $1,295.  If price is no object, this is as good as it gets!  According to their literature, the A2Max features Winston's Boron/Air2 material for fast action with use of aggressive tapers, ideal for throwing large streamers or fighting big fish.

I'm not a fan of very fast action, nor believe it's necessary for throwing large flies, but the A2Max I tested certainly made it real.  Super accurate, and about as light an 8-weight as I've ever cast.  Certainly a rod I could be very happy with.  But, oh that price tag!

T & T Exocett 88

What if I said there was a rod just as good as the A2Max but $300 less.  That's the Thomas & Thomas Exocett 8'8" 8-weight.  Yes, it's only 4 inches shorter than 9-feet, so calling it a Short Stick is a slight stretch. It was also obvious with the swing weight being a tad more than the other Short Sticks I tested.

T&T says this rod is built with multi-modulus carbon and S-glass layups, giving it superior strength and ultra-fast recovery.  And yet, it also had a more progressive taper and loaded easier than the A2Max. I was able to make beautiful on-target casts from 30 to 80 feet.  Beyond that, it struggled just a tad with accuracy.  Then again, if you're a bass or pike angler, how many 90 foot casts are you making? 

St. Croix Tannic Bass

For years, I've been telling St. Croix Fly Manager Dan Johnson that they needed an upgrade to their Mojo Bass Series.  The Mojo Bass is a 7'11" rod with a nice starter price tag of $180.  It's a decent rod built on their proprietary SCII carbon, but for serious bass anglers, it's  just not enough.

For 2026, they've introduced the Tannic Bass series ($695) based on higher modulus graphite and graphene. And in testing, it was light years better than the Mojo Bass.  In fact, it may have been one of the best 8-weights I played with. The bad news is, that only the 8-weight qualifies as a "Short Stick" and only by 2 inches. It's not the best option for casting under docks and cypress trees. 

Redington Big Game 83

At one time, the Redington Predator series was all 7'11" rods. One of my favorite bass rods is in fact a 7'11" 6-weight Predator.  Then Redington switched them all to 9-footers and remarketed them as saltwater rods. 

I was at the Redington booth lamenting this to their Sales Manager and he laughed.  "You're not alone... and I've got something to show you".  What he handed me was an 8'3" 8-weight Redington Big Game rod. This is an 8'3" 8-weight in a series that includes both 9'0" and 8'3" rods.  

Took it to the casting pond and man, was I impressed! While labeled as a fast-action rod, it's a smidgeon more progressive than it feels. Very low swing weight and very accurate, perhaps the most impressive quality it the price tag of $399.

Summary

If I had to buy a new Short Stick - and maybe I do - then any of the above new offerings would get my serious consideration.  It's super that these type rods are back and better than ever!

Post-spawn crappie still in shallows

It's been a whacky weather Spring with unusually warm days followed by chilly cold fronts.  The only thing that's been consistent has been the wind. But when it's laid down, there's been some excellent crappie catches being made along docks and weed lines, and along structure in shallow water.

Sacalait are the earliest spawners in Spring, usually taking to beds from early February to early March. Once they spawn, they continue to hang out near shallow water, closer to drop-offs, before heading to deep structure in May.  For flyrodders, April is a prime opportunity. 

Nothing is certain with crappie. You can fish a spot one day and get nothing, the next day the same spot and  it's action on nearly every cast.  Complicating things even more is color selection.  The papermouths are notorious for being very picky about color, and that the color can vary from morning to noon to sunset, and from sunny days to cloudy days.

For this reason, I keep two fly rods setup when I'm out in a boat or kayak.  One is suspended 2-3 feet under a strike indicator, the other has a more heavily weighted fly on a somewhat longer leader. 

With the strike indicator, I cast a slightly open loop. Let the fly sink under the indicator, then do the "twitch an inch" with the strike indicator - same as if I were fishing a popping bug.  Move the strike indicator a couple inches slowly, then pause 2-3 seconds. Many times the strike comes on the pause.

Without the strike indicator, I use a heavier fly. Cast out and countdown several seconds to get the fly deep. Then begin tiny strips retrieve and I MEAN TINY!  You'll feel a pressure on the line. Lift slowly as the fish often hook themselves.

The use of flies depends on whether suspended or deep.  Fluff Butts, Balanced Leechs, and Crappie Candies are good under a strike indicator. Heavier flies would be the Silli Minnow, Jigged Micro Bugger or Mini Clouser. 

As for colors, I often start with olive, olive and chartreuse, black and chartreuse.  But flies with some pink, or sometimes the "Gray Ghost" - all gray colors can be a hot menu item.

As for when, I always like the very early morning or very late evening.  But I also use the solunar table and on occasion, it's made me a believer.  In fact, many times I've fished the middle of a sunny day when the fish should be down and inactive and got hits left and right!