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!  

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".

Its rainbeaux trout time!

Every winter, rainbow trout are stocked in numerous public lakes and ponds across Louisiana, either by parish agencies or as part of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries "Get Out and Fish" community fishing program.

The first stockings began before Christmas, by East Baton Rouge Parish Recreation (BREC) in their parish lakes, along with Ascension Parish at Lamar Dixon.  Later in January, LDWF will stock ponds statewide.  A list of locations and dates is on the graphic to the left.  Click on the image to view an enlarged version.

The trout are stocked as put-and-take, with a daily limit of either four (4) or five (5).  In conjunction with their stockings, LDWF holds fishing tournaments at most of their community lakes, while BREC has a tagged fish contest.

Louisiana joins over 30 other states that have wintertime stockings of the popular coldwater species in small lakes and ponds where bank anglers have easy access. It provides a very active fishery at a time when warmwater species are fairly dormant. Whatever trout survive harvesting will likely die sometime in late March or early April when the water temperatures get too warm.

Fly anglers across the state, regardless of skill level, can be found at these ponds once the rainbeaux trout arrive. While corn, marshmallows, powerbait and other "commie tackle" might work best, once the trout become acclimated to the food life of the pond, they soon revert to those bugs. Advantage fly fishers!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Here's wishing everyone a merry and most blessed Christmas.  Hope Santa brings that one fishing gift you really need... a new fly rod, a new fly line, or perhaps a ruler to measure those 24-inch speckled trout you claim to catch!

While Christmas is a season of festivity, let's not forget the reason for the season: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” John 1:14. Please be giving to those in need, and pray for those who are less fortunate, for those in suffering, and for those away from their families this season.

We also wish everyone a prosperous and healthy New Year.  With the new year we hope to see a continuance of excellent marsh fishing as we've had the past couple  of months, and the restart of great freshwater fishing, beginning with crappie and chain pickerel.

Final days of Orvis Baton Rouge

Back in October, Orvis announced it was closing 36 retail locations across the country as part of a strategic shift to focus more on fly fishing and wingshooting. Among the reasons given by Orvis President Simon Perkins were "a need to focus on core products" and a difficult, "unprecented tariff landscape".

Before I get to that last statement, let's talk about the one concern on everyone's minds: the announcement that the Orvis store in Baton Rouge was on the hit list. It's set to permanently close on December 24th.  If you get a chance, go by the store and thank Matt and John for all they've done for the local flyfishing community.

To say many of us are disappointed would be the understatement of the new millennium. The store opened in November, 2008, to much fanfare. It's been the hub of fly fishing activity in south-central Louisiana ever since. Orvis-BR has held numerous special events, from film festivals to guest speakers to "Conservation Days" and much more. Their Fly Fishing 101 and Fly Tying 101 classes have introduced a few hundred anglers to the sport and the art of tying. 

There's a personal connection as well. My older son, Kevin, was one of the store's first fishing managers. During his short stint (8 months), he taught a couple dozen folks how to fly cast. Since him, the list of Managers and Fishing Managers includes a renown group of fly anglers, from Capt. Bailey Short to Ian Huang to Alex Beane and others. 

It's going to be a tough loss for sure. While Bass Pro and Cabelas will still sell some fly fishing gear and fly tying material, there's no comparison when it comes to knowledge, customer service and quality of product.

Now to get to the other part of this post: the aftermath. As you might expect, social media blew up when the announcement was made. And as always, the Facebook fact checkers were missing in action.

First, Orvis cutting back stores is not "another sign" that fly fishing is on the decline. In fact, since 2010, fly fishing participation has grown on average of 2% per year. We now have the most fly anglers in America since surveys began in the 1970s. If the industry is in decline, it's not surprising. As I've said a hundred times - and I'll say a hundred times more: most of the folks running fly fishing companies - and individuals in the industry - aren't qualified to run a lemonade stand!

Second, many folks are buying into this nonsense that tariffs are the culprit for Orvis discontinuing most of their clothing line.  Unless the clothes are made in China, tariffs haven't been that high - they certainly haven't devastated the rest of the apparel industry. Besides, margins in apparel are so high in most cases that the impact is minor.  Perhaps the reason is that the 1950s called Orvis and wanted their clothing back. Really. When was the last time you walked into an Orvis store and said, "Wow, that looks so fashionable - and so affordable!". 

Anywho, Kevin says Orvis is making a huge mistake getting out of the clothing line instead of renovating and expanding the line. "Clothes have a life cycle... fly rods with lifetime warranties don't.".  We shall see.  

In the meantime, No Wake Outfitters in Metairie and Pack & Paddle in Lafayette will remain the alternatives for fly anglers eager for a customer-focused experience.  

2026 Calendar reminder

It's that time of the year again.  Christmas, Hanukkah - and our annual request for calendar submissions. We collect submissions for several online calendars, newspapers and even a magazine or two. Deadline is December 21st for some publications, but for this website any time is good. 

If you know of a fly fishing event taking place next year, please check the LAFlyFish.com Calendar page and see if it's posted and the information is correct. If the event is missing, or info is incorrect, please email me at catch@laflyfish.com.

2026 is turning out to be an odd year as several events across the South had to be cancelled or postponed for a variety of reasons. That includes the very popular Atlanta Fly Fishing Show. So the list is small, but not insignificant!

Here are some regional events through July:

Jan. 24 - Cenla Fly Fishing Festival, Kees Park Civic Center, Pineville, LA. Free admission. This biennial event is hosted by the Kisatchie Fly Fishers in even years. Features fly tying, casting instruction, seminars, raffles, and more. www.kisatchiefly.org .

Feb. 6-7 - ALTO Little Mo Home Waters Celebration, Municipal Building, 204 E. Main Street, Murfreesboro, AR. No cost. Hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers, this is a weekend of tying, casting, seminars, vendors, raffles. For details, go to www.arklatexomaflytyers.com .

Mar. 7 - Red Stick Day, 4141 North Flannery, Baton Rouge, LA.  Free admission. The Red Stick Fly Fishers host the longest-running fly fishing event in Louisiana, featuring fly tying, casting, seminars, great food, and on-the-water activities including fishing on premises. www.rsff.org .

Mar. 26-28 - Sowbug Roundup, Mountain Home, AR. Hosted by the North Arkansas Fly Fishers, this is largest fly tying event in the nation, with as many as 140 tiers from across the country and even other countries at one time. There's also free introductory classes, and free beginner fly casting lessons. www.naff.org.

May 1-2 - Gulf Coast Classic, Gulf Shores State Park Learning Campus, AL. Admission $15 per day, discounts for family, some workshops are an extra fee. Hosted by the FFI Gulf Coast Council, this event features some of the nation's top fly tiers and casting and fishing experts, a film festival, a "mixed bag" fishing contest, raffles, and much more. For details, go to www.ffigulfcoastclassic.org.

Also, some clubs will be holding "Fly Fishing 101" for beginners. Again, check the calendar for dates and locations.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This day means many things to many different people. For most, it's a day of feasting with friends and family. Here in Louisiana, the dinner table will be adorned with turkey, roast, venison, duck or other hearty meat slowly cooked, along with Cajun favorites like sweet potatoes and corn machcoux. There's a good chance that the bird of choice is stuffed  with crawfish or shrimp.  I'm getting hungry just typing this, lol!

Here in the Cormier household, while we do enjoy our feasting and football, we still recognize Thanksgiving as a day to give thanks for all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. We're thankful for all the woods, waters and wildlife we have here in the Sportsmans Paradise. And for the numerous friends we've made through our love of outdoors.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

It's the most wonderful time of the year

No, it's not Christmas yet.  Seems like it, given that the Hallmark Channels have been showing Christmas movies for a month, and the stores - especially Hobby Lobby - have had decorations up for even longer.  But for marsh anglers, it's like Christmas.  Reds and specks on the fly rod, and from a kayak, is the gift that keeps on giving.  

Right now is prime time for speckled trout - the interior lakes and bayous are thick with the silver wonders.  I love to fish poppers early and late, and on overcast days.  These also tend to attract larger trout. Pete's Perch Float Popper, Bob's Banger,  Rainey’s Bubblehead Popper, Skipping Bugs, and Foil Pencil Popper (e.g, Walt Holman style) are all very good options.

Later in the day, I’ll switch to the old “VOSI - Dropper combo". Either a Clouser Minnow, LaFleur's Charlie or EP Spawning Shrimp under a Vertically Oriented Strike Indicator.  The VOSI is constructed from half a perch float, and acts like a fly rodder's popping cork. 

To achieve best results, I use about 30 inches of fluorocarbon tippet, with the VOSI placed just past the connecting knot with the rest of the leader.  Make a strip, pause a couple seconds, another strip, another pause, etc..  

If we’re coming off a cold front, trout action can be slow, so I’ll scout for reds. A day or two after a front, the wind often lays down and the tide is low. Perfect conditions for spotting the Spottail Elvis! This time of year, reds are more apt to hit poppers longer in the day, and especially if it's overcast. 

If they're not in the mood for topwater, a wide variety of other patterns will work.  Some reader favorites include: Copper Spoon Fly, Root Beer Charlie, Grey’s Spawning Crab, Scrambler, Borski Slider, and the Chernobyl Crab. But if you see sprays of shrimp, that Spawning Shrimp is a sure thing!

One thing you need to beware of... there are bulls on the loose!  During summer, these bigger poisson rouge were mostly on the edges of lower bays and lakes. But with cooler weather, they sometimes move into the deepest parts of the marsh. Last year, we encountered two fish over 35 inches on the north side of Galliano. In a boat, it's a heck of a fight. But in a kayak, it's a long sleigh ride!

Commission votes to reduce menhaden buffer zone

Yesterday was a very disappointing day at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge, as members of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries (LWF) Commission voted 4 to 3 in support of a Notice of Intent to reduce the commercial menhaden buffer zone from 1/2-mile to 1/4 mile in most areas along the coast.

This meeting took place only a year after the current regulations of a 1/2 mile buffer were established as a "compromise" between conservationists and industry representatives. At the time, it appeared almost certain a one-mile buffer would be set, but Governor Landry insisted that there be some compromise.

Now the industry has broken it's agreement.

In testimony yesterday, industry leaders argued with some data that they claim would not result in additional bycatch of red drum and black drum if the buffer were reduced. Most of that came from a year-long bycatch study by LGL Group. 

LGL President Scott Raborn was asked to speak first and answer several questions. During the questioning by LWFC Chairman Kevin Segura, it was vague whether moving the buffer would result in greater bycatch.  However, Dr. Raborn was not allowed to finish his testimony which, in those areas where the 1/2 mile buffer was deeper than 22 feet, there WOULD be an increase in bycatch.

The industry reps continued their arguments claiming:

• the buffer was impacting their ability to catch pogies
• that menhaden is overrated as a forage species, 
• that pelagic fish will gravitate towards other prey such as shrimp and crabs if menhaden are reduced in their area
• that the menhaden harvest in Louisiana reduces the total biomass of menhaden in the Gulf of Mexico by only 3 percent.

Conservation advocates - including State Representative Joe Orgeron, Chris Macaluso of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Glen Cormier of the FFI Gulf Coast Council -tore apart each of these arguments in short order. Also joining in dissecting the misinformation - as well as providing supporting scientific facts were representatives of CCA Louisiana, American Saltwater Guides Association, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Center for Sportfishing Policy, and several others. 

Overall, the opponents in attendance and number of speakers in opposition was 3-to-1 to the commercial industry. And this is even more impressive when considering that an overwhelming number of guides were unable to attend since October and November are their busiest times of the year. In addition, over 800 emails and letters were sent to the Commission opposing this NOI.

Despite the overwhelming opposition and "real" scientific arguments by conservation representatives, the Commission voted as many expected - right along commercial / sport lines. With the 3-3 tie, Chairman Segura cast the deciding vote in favor of the NOI.  

Here's what happens next...

The Notice of Intent will be published, and once so, there's a public comment period that opens on December 19th and concludes on January 23rd. It then goes to the Legislative Oversight Committee for review, and if no action is taken, it would become official on March 20, 2026.

While the comments period is certainly an opportunity to express our displeasure with the NOI, it's our opinion that further comments will do little the votes on the Commission. As stated, these votes were cast along partisan lines and there's little expectation that will change.

Therefore, all effort must be made to persuade members of the House and Senate Natural Resources Committees. These members make up the Legislative Oversight Committee that can veto the NOI. 

To use a football analogy, it's halftime and we're down on the scoreboard. But we have a chance to pull out a victory if we work hard enough!  Stay tuned for more details to come.

Review: OEFS Bonefish vs Nirvana Apex saltwater lines

OEFS Bonefish line 2-tone color

One question I often get is: do I really need to buy a $120 premium fly line for saltwater?  The answer is "no", even though as a general rule, you get what you pay for. Which is especially true for saltwater fly lines.

Given that the 8-weight is the standard de facto rod for marsh fishing, it's no surprise that I have four 8-weight rods in my arsenal. Each is equipped with a separate reel and line, instead of just one or two reel/lines shared. And that's because - as I've pointed out countless times - it's the rod / line combination that matters. Certain rods perform to an intended purpose better with some lines than others. 

Overall, there's no question that the best line in my 8-weight arsenal is a SciAnglers Amplitude Textured Bonefish. On just about any of my rods, it can make incredibly accurate casts both at 20 feet and at over 100 feet. Which is probably why it costs $120.

But the second best line is probably a tie between a Wulff Triangle Taper line ($69 / $99) and a Cabelas Prestige Plus Saltwater line ($49). The latter is no longer made now that Bass Pro has discontinued all of Cabelas really good fly fishing stuff and replaced it with it's own inferior White River brand. 

The Triangle Taper line is still widely sold. For ages, I used the classic TT line for saltwater and cut the first 2 feet of line tip off to better cast poppers and streamers - a trick that David Diaz shared with me. Although rated for cooler water, I never had a problem with limpness but then again most of my marsh fishing was (and is) October through June.  They now make a Bermuda TT line with a shorter head (32 feet) and stiffer core intended for tropical use.

What you probably have noticed is that I don't use short head/belly lines. Just don't like them. This also gives me some flexibility when shopping for lower cost alternatives to premium lines. The dilemna is in finding a quality saltwater line at a value or budget price.

For reference, this is our current line price rating system:
Premium: $99 up, Mid-priced: $69-$95, Value: $45-$69, Budget: under $45.

At the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show in February, we came across two vendors that were selling their own labeled saltwater fly lines: Moonlit Fly Fishing and Olde English Fly Shop. Both were generous enough to let us cast them on the pools, and initial impression was good enough for us to purchase from each. 

I finally got around to full testing on each line. Since lines perform differently on different rods, I tested each on my Sage XI2 (fast-plus action) and Sage DS2 (medium-plus action).

Moonlit Apex Flight ($75 but discounted to $49)
This line is also sold under "Nirvana" branding. The line color is blue. It features a rather long 58-foot head, 95-foot overall length, and promoted as withstanding tropical use. Interestingly, the description says, "built to meet the rigorous demands of FFI CI and MCI tests". 

This line performed very well on both rods at all distances: 20, 40, 60, and "longest". It did best at 60 feet on both rods, and on the longest test, routinely hit between 100-105 feet on the XI2, and 90-95 feet on the DS2. I understand the promotion for FFI testing as I was able to carry a LOT of line false casting with its 58-foot head. The stiffer XI2 handled this better than the more moderate DS2.

Olde English Fly Shop Bonefish Taper ($36)
Don't let the name fool ya... this fly shop is owned by an English couple who live in Summerland Key, Florida. They told me the line is used extensively by a couple of local guides. The taper is very close to that of the Rio Avid Bonefish, a 37-foot head with 7-ft front taper. It comes in two tone color, light blue for the head, and sand for the running line. 

This line felt good loading on the DS2 in the 20 foot range, really good on the 40 and 60 ranges. For longest, it occasionally hit the 90-foot marker, but not once further. On the XI2, while it loaded well on the shorter distances, it was able to hit 90-95 feet every cast. No surprise here, the faster XI2 always gives a good line more distance.

Conclusion
The Moonlit Apex line was everything as Brandon Moon stated, it's definitely a great line for longer casts as I often need when fishing from a boat, whether in Louisiana, Texas, or southwest Florida. 

But I'm nearly all kayak angler these days, and for that, the OEFS line would be my favorite. It loaded so well in the shorter ranges that I catch 99% of my redfish, drum, sheepshead, trout - and on the DS2 which like the TFO TiCR is my favorite kayak rods. I also like the lighter blue color that is easier to see (I'm a big believer in light-colored lines).

So I'd say both are equally good depending on what type of fishing you do and what distance range you need. And while neither challenges my Triangle Taper or Amplitude Textured for superior status, they do represent a quality alternative to those higher priced lines.

LWF Commission to consider rollback of menhaden regs

Remember back when the commercial menhaden industry agreed to a "compromise" on harvest regulations in Louisiana? Well, if you forgot about it, you have a very short memory!

It was only a year ago, when threatened with implementation of a coastwide one-mile buffer zone, that the industry agreed to a compromise - one that heavily favored the pogey plunderers. The harvest buffer zone was extended from 1/4 mile to a measly 1/2 mile. 

Since then, an independent study has shown that the menhaden fishery results in the demise of 24,000 red drum each year, mostly spawning size fish. Not to mention millions of other game species. And yet, the dead bycatch total falls just within the LDWF acceptable standard. 

At last Thursday's Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting, the industry pleaded for a rollback to prior regulations. They didn’t just ask for a repeal, they put on a full-blown advertisement in south Louisiana newspapers stating their case, claiming that the fishery generates $419 million in economic output and supports over 2,000 jobs. Nevermind that saltwater recreational fishing in Louisiana is a $2.5 billion industry (as of 2021).

As a result, the Committee Chairman has asked LDWF to bring a Notice of Intent to the November 6th commission meeting.

Let's review why anglers and conservation groups were asking for more stringent regulations prior to the "compromise".

• Menhaden are the most important food source for redfish, speckled trout, jack crevalle, spanish mackerel and many other predatory species.
• Overharvesting of menhaden has been linked to poor condition of fish and decreased biomass of species, as well as displacement of sea birds and mammals.
• Studies show that harvest bycatch results in direct kills of over 24,000 redfish (mostly spawners), thousands of black drum, millions of white trout, and many other species each year.
• For these reasons, most coastal states have long banned commercial harvest within their waters, while the few states that allow it have established strict regulations – both zones and harvest allotments.

The American Saltwater Guides Association has posted a response on their website. We strongly encourage all of our followers to read it.  CLICK HERE.

In the meantime, CCA Louisiana, the FFI Gulf Coast Council, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Louisiana Charter Boat Association and other groups are calling upon members and followers to contact Commission members and legislators and let them know this is unacceptable. What we need is more stringent harvest regulations – not less!

Review: Maxxon Gorge fly rod

Recently our local club was in need of getting new rods for our casting clinics and public events.  We had started with six 2-piece rods at one point, and were down to just 3 rods.  Equally important, the rods we had weren't ideal for storage, transportation, and they had a high swing weight (heavy in the tip).

It just so happens that Maxxon Outfitters was having a sale on their beginner-rated "Gorge" series rods.  I had met the guys at Maxxon at ICAST on three occasions, and tested their products.  Their Aerlius (moderate-fast) rods and Double-X (fast) rods are quite impressive for the money, so I figured their Gorge might be a best buy for our club.  The sale price was very attractive, so we purchased six 8-foot, 6-inch 5-weights, all four piece.

A week later, I received the rods and proceeded to test cast each one.  One broke near the tip, and immediately I put in a warranty claim and within a half-hour received a response.  A new tip was on the way.

Cortland 444 WF5F taper

I put one of the Gorge rods through my usual battery of tests:  20, 40, 60 foot accuracy, distance, and 90 degree change-of-direction cast.  As usual, I also used three different fly lines because - as we should all know by now -  a fly rod's performance often changes with different types of fly lines. The three 5-weight lines used were:  Cortland 444 WF5F,  Mastery GPX WF5F, and a new line from Maxxon, their Premium Freshwater WF5F.

Maxxon Premium WF5F taper

Price.  All important to the buyer working within a set budget.  Our current pricing division for fly rods goes as follows:

    Budget - up to $200
    Value - $200 - $400
    Midrange - $400 - $700
    Premium - $800 - $1200

At $149, the Gorge is clearly a Budget class rod. Competitors include the Allen Heritage, Redington Classic Trout, Orvis Encounter, Fenwick Aetos, Douglas ERA, Echo Carbon XL, Echo Lift.  As mentioned, it comes with a lifetime warranty to replace broken pieces.  The cost for a replacement section for the Gorge is only $35.

Appearance.  The rod comes with a cordura-covered PVC tube case. The rod is light in the hand, comparable to the Orvis Encounter and Redington Classic Trout in this category, with almost no swing weight.  The grip is fairly decent cork, not too small like some budget rods, and the all-aluminum reel seat has a locking ring that is above-average.  The blank is a bluish-green, a welcomed departure from the typical gray/black blanks of most budget rods.

Casting performance.  With all three lines, casting was excellent.  The action is moderate-fast, and so it handled the heavier GPX better than expected.  Still the best lines were the Cortland 444 and their own Premium line.  In fact, the Premium line hit over 80 feet consistently on the distance cast.  The 444 cast almost as far, but felt slightly better over shorter distances.  Either would be an excellent line for this rod.

Accuracy was excellent, about as good as any Budget rod I've ever tested.  As with all Budget category rods, the 90-degree test - while not bad - left something to be desired.  This is where Mid-Priced and Premium rods shine, so I wasn't expecting a miracle.

Conclusion.  This is an excellent budget rod.  Our club made a great choice, and hopefully our students will appreciate it. 

* Reminder:  to view any of the images above in full size, click on the image.

Registration continues for Round-Up! and The Gathering

4th annual Fly Fishing Round-Up!
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Millican Reserve, College Station, TX
10:00 am - 2:00pm
held in conjunction with Pumpkinpalooza
Cost: $20
www.goodfly.org

Hosted by the Aggieland Fly Fishers of College Station in conjunction with Good Fly, the Round-Up features fly tying demos, casting lessons, specialty casting presentations, vendors, kayak and paddleboard fishing on Lake Prescott and much more. And includes all activities for Pumpkinpalooza.

Evening Activities / VIP After Party
Conservancy at Millikin Preserve
2:00pm to 7:30pm
Tickets separate from Round-Up

This event includes a Casting Cup, Anglers + Ale Hour, followed by the VIP Party fundraiser with dinner and live auction to benefit Good Fly!

The Gathering
Sunday, October 19th
8:00am to 4:00pm
Millican Reserve, College Station, TX

Now in it's fourth year, The Gathering of Casting Instructors has been a popular event for instructors, guides, FFI Certified Instructor candidates and volunteers to spend a day sharpening their skills, or learning the specifics of becoming an FFI or Good Fly CI. 

There are two tracks: Continuing Education and Certification Track (FFI or Good Fly). The CE track is for seasoned instructors to focus on advanced casting and teaching skills.  The Certification track focuses on individual casting skills and standardized methods for demonstrating and teaching basic casts.

Registration for The Gathering is separate from the Round-Up and VIP Party, and spots are limited. Fee includes coffee, breakfast, and lunch.

For more info, go to www.goodfly.org .

Looking Through Water - a new fly fishing film

There are numerous films featuring outdoor sports, but fly fishing rules the roost!  Many of us know about "A River Runs Through It", the movie that catapulted Brad Pitt to stardom - and which ignited modern day interest in fly fishing. But there have been four films since then featuring a fly fishing theme, most notably the comedy-drama "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" and "Mending the Line" which explored fly fishing as therapy for veterans.

Add one more to the list. Looking Through Water has just been released to theatres and features Micheal Douglas, Cameron Douglas (Mike's son), and David Morse. The story is adapted from a novel by Bob Rich, and explores the themes of forgiveness, healing, betrayal, and finding purpose. The plot involves a fly fishing tournament in Belize where Morse's character reconnects with his son, portrayed by Cameron Douglas.  The movie has a PG rating, so it should be appropriate for young viewers as well as adults.  

Where is it playing? Sadly, not in Louisiana. I checked all of the theatres and didn't find one. Don't be discouraged... Salmon Fishing also had no cinemas here that played it on release, but eventually it had very limited showings in Metairie, Alexandria, and Shreveport. And there's always Netflix and other streaming services once the theatrical run is over.