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!  

Six legislative bills you need to know - and take action!

Years ago, a candidate for state representative aired a commercial that was the talk of the town. A woman awakens from her sleep, startled, grabs a flashlight and in the dark, stealthly approaches a closed door. The narrator said something to the effect, "They're back. The scariest thing imaginable.". The woman opens the door and screams. On the other side of the door is a group of well-dressed folks moving from desk to desk. The narrator concludes, "The Louisiana Legislature!".

The announcer had it somewhat right. Anytime the Louisiana legislature is in session, horrifying things can happen. However, sometimes legislators do the right thing and offer solutions to problems.  That's why it's important you know what their bills are, and take action - for or against - to protect our interests.

Nearly two dozen fisheries bills have been filed for the 2026 Louisiana Legislative session.  Of course, the one bill getting the most attention among anglers and conservationists is SB186 by Senator Michael "Big Mike" Fesi. It would establish a quota of 315 million pounds on commercial menhaden harvest.  

The 315M pound limit is actually far below the quota limit that was suggested by the Fly Fishers International (FFI) Gulf Coast Council (GCC) and American Saltwater Guides Association (ASGA).  We fully expect this bill to be amended upward, but it will be heavily lobbied against by the industry regardless of the final number.

Here are the six most critical bills we feel need to followed closely and what action needs to be taken.

SB186   by Senator Michael Fesi. 
Limits the total commercial menhaden reduction fishing catch within Louisiana territorial waters to 315 million pounds.  SUPPORT.

HB855  by Representative Joseph Orgeron.  
Establishes depth requirements for the commercial use of purse seines to a  minimum of 22 feet.  At this depth and beyond, the bycatch of redfish by menhaden nets begins to decline.  SUPPORT.

SB249  by Senator Caleb Kleinpeter.   
Constitutional amendment to add two members to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, to increase LWFC from 7 members to 9 members.  We strongly SUPPORT this bill.  Having only 7 members where 3 represent commercial interests grossly unrepresents hunters, anglers and other outdoor interests.  It's also one of the smallest commission sizes of any state.  SUPPORT.

HB688  by Rep. Joseph Orgeron. 
Adds Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater gamefish. Would allow the LA Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to set regulations for this valuable sportfish.  SUPPORT.

HCR5   by Rep. Joseph Orgeron.  
Amends Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules regarding red drum harvest to create an exception to the maximum size prohibition. It authorizes the department to issue special permits for bull red harvest for certain limited tournaments.  While we understand the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo and a few others would like to continue the "weigh in" of big reds, we suggest what kayak tournaments do - a measuring board, a photo, and an app.  OPPOSE.

SB111   by Senator Caleb Kleinpeter.           
Proposes a minimum size limit of 14 inches and daily take limit of 5 for black bass and a minimum size limit of 8 inches and daily take limit of 25 for crappie within the Atchafalaya Basin and surrounding tributaries and distributaries.  These regulations are similiar to what Texas has and has proven to reduce dips in reproduction cycles for bass and crappie.  For that reason, we have long supported the same regulations for Piney Hills region of Louisiana which are near identical to the Piney Hills waters of east Texas.

However, after watching a presentation by Brac Salyers, LDWF Fisheries Biologist Manager for the Atchafalaya Basin, it's clear that the issues with Basin gamefish are much more related to difficult environmental conditions than due to overfishing.  Bottom line: stricter regulations would have little effect. 

Process and Action 

House Bill (HB) must first be introduced into the House Natural Resources Committee.  Approval by the HNCR assures a full vote on the House floor.  Likewise, Senate Bills (SB) must be first introduced into the Senate Natural Resources Committee.  That's why it's critical to contact the appropriate Committee members first and let them know your position.

Members of the House Natural Resources Committee  (HB bills)
https://house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/NaturalResources

Members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee  (SB bills)
https://senate.la.gov/Sen_Committees/NaturalResources  

Red Stick Day this Saturday

31st annual Red Stick Day
Saturday, March 7th, 2026
8:30am to 3:00pm
LDWF Waddill Outdoor Education Center
4141 North Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA
FREE admission!

RSD is one of the longest-running fly fishing festivals in the South. There’s seminars by local and regional experts, fly tying demos by several of the top fly tiers on the northern Gulf Coast, casting instruction from FFI certified instructors, great food prepared by an award-winning jambalaya cook, loads of raffle items, and more. And best of all, admission is free!

The ponds on the premises at the Waddill Education Center are full of bass and bluegill. In addition, No Wake Outfitters in Metairie will be on hand with various rods for folks to demo cast.  

Details about the event, including speaker and tier bios, schedule of activities, and more can be found by clicking on the “Red Stick Day” at the Red Stick Fly Fishers website at www.rsff.org.

The spawn is on!

Around here in the Cenla area, the water temperatures have been close to the spawning range for bass.  And with a full moon coming up, everyone is getting their boat or kayak ready and anxious to hit the water.  Problem has been very windy conditions for the past week.  In fact, yesterday the wind was so strong, the Weather Channel gave it a name!

And then, just like that... calm!  And the result for me was the best bass fishing of the year so far. Took the canoe out and found the girls on the banks and eating olive Boogle Bugs. These bugs imitate small frogs which, here on the home lake, are seemingly everywhere right now. 

 

The only thing more exciting than watching a popper get consumed by a bass is watching that bass jump a few times after it gets hooked.  Yeah, maybe watching a redfish eat your fly is exciting too. But like white men, redfish can't jump, so there's that.

 

After landing several baskeens in the 13 to 15 inch range, I finally hooked into the big girl I was looking for. She came out the water entirely... not once, twice, but three times. The third time she spit the fly. Disappointing for my efforts to put a big bass into the Kisatchie Fly Fishers "Big Catch" and Red Stick Fly Fishers "Big Stick" contests. But there can never be too much disappointment when it comes to such a spectacular display! 

 

Incidently, all bass were released. These fish are in the process of creating a new supply for anglers to enjoy. Release them now and keep them later after the spawn (if you wish).

Learn fly fishing basics at these upcoming clinics

Fly fishing is a great hobby, but the learning phase can be somewhat lengthy if you don't have instruction to help guide you through the tackle, terminology, and most important, the casting basics. That's where fly fishing clinics can get beginners on the fast track.

With the closing of the Orvis store in Baton Rouge, which provided several clinics through the year, the options for those seeking a comprehensive course are fewer.  But at least two hands-on workshops are available coming in February - and both are free! 

Acadiana Fly Fishing 101 - Feb. 21

The Acadiana Fly Rodders of Lafayette will host  a "Fly Fishing 101" on Saturday, February 21st at the East Regional Lafayette Parish Library in Youngsville.  Time is 10:00am to 1:00pm. 
There is no cost, but pre-registration is required.

The agenda includes fly fishing overview, hands-on casting instruction led by FFI-Certified Instructors, hands-on knots and leaders, discussion of equipment and accessories needed for fresh and marsh fishing. For complete details or to register, go to www.acadianaflyrodders.org and click on "Fly Fish 101".
  
Cenla Fly Fishing 101 - Feb. 28

The Kisatchie Fly Fishers will host their annual "Fly Fishing 101" on Saturday, February 28th at Booker-Fowler Hatchery on Joan Stokes Rd in Forest Hill. Time is 8:30am to 12:30pm. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required.

The agenda includes fly fishing overview and terminology, hands-on casting led by FFI-Certified Instructors, hands-on knots and leaders, discussion of equipment and accessories needed for fresh and inshore saltwater fishing, and different types of flies for various fish.  For complete details or to register, go to www.kisatchiefly.org and click on "FF101".