Fly fishing world mourns the loss of Dave Whitlock

On Thanksgiving night, the fly fishing world lost one of it's greats. Dave Whitlock passed away at age 88 from a massive stroke. 

Dave was an innovator, fly tier, artist, photographer, writer and conservationist. His contributions included: Dave Whitlock's Guide to Aquatic Trout Foods, the L.L. Bean Flyfishing Handbook, the L.L. Bean Bass Fly Fishing Handbook, and illustrations for Imitating and Fishing Natural Fish Foods for Lefty's Little Library.

Dave also co-authored or contributed to The FlyTyers Almanac, Art Flicks' Master Flytying Guide, McClane's Fishing Encylcopedia, Selective Trout by Swisher and Richards, President Carter's Outdoor Journal, and many more.  His collection of artwork is some of the very best in the fly fishing collective. His depiction of sunfish and bass feeding on insects or flies is stunningly accurate - and colorful.

With regards to his many varied contributions, the awards included: FFF Buz Buzeck Fly Tying Award (1972), Max Ander's Wild Trout Award (1976), FFF Conservationist of the Year Award (1978), FFF James E. Henshall Award (1987), FFF Don Harger Memorial Award (1982), FFF Ambassador Award (1987), FFI Stanley Lloyd Conservation Award (2013). In 1996, Dave was inducted into the Arkansas Game & Fish Hall of Fame and in 1997, was given the NAFFTTA Lifetime Contribution Award.

Dave and his wife Emily toured the country over the last 20+ years, giving seminars, demonstrating Dave's patterns, and sharing their love for conservation. When it came to conservation, his most significant contribution was the Whitlock-Vibert Box System. The WVBS allowed trout and other salmonid eggs to incubate in natural streams, allowing fish to survive the perilous early stages of life and yet adapt to the waters as wild fish.

Dave Whitlock had a special place in the hearts of many warmwater fly anglers. That's because in the latter 20th century world of fly fishing, while there were many trout and saltwater "greats" - those whose innovation and experiences were impactful to the average angler - there were very few with bass credentials. And while Dave was certainly a trout guy half the time, the times he was a bass fisherman he was one of the very best.

Over the years, Dave met many Louisiana fly anglers at regional events, including appearances at the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club (November 2001), Contraband Fly Casters club (February 2003), North Louisiana Fly Fishers (July 2013), and Texas Fly Fishers (February 2018).  Of course, Dave was often seen at the annual events in Mountain Home, Arkansas - Sowbug Roundup (March) and FFI Southern Council Expo (October) - which many of our native fly anglers frequent.

At the NLFF Masters Series in 2013, he conducted one of the most unique presentations I've seen - an on-the-water seminar for bass fishing (photo above).  While I'd seen such presentations for trout on moving streams, that was a first as far as bass.

For those of us who met Dave Whitlock, heard his lectures, took his classes, enjoyed his artwork, or just listened to his many fascinating stories, the pleasure was all ours!  He will be greatly missed.

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!

2023 Calendar taking shape

It's that time of the year again.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah - and our Spring Calendar submissions. If you have, or 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. Exact details are not required at this time. If the event is missing, or info is incorrect, please email me at catch@laflyfish.com.

Here are some regional events already scheduled:

Jan. 21 - New Orleans Fly Fishing Expo. St. Christopher the Martyr School Gymnasium, 3900 Derbigny St, Metairie, LA. This is biennial event (every odd year) put on by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club. Demo tying, casting, exhibitors, seminars, writers roundtable, raffle, silent auction, and more. www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Feb. 3-4 - Atlanta Fly Fishing Show, Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA.  The Fly Fishing Show is the largest commercial event celebrating our sport with dozens of national and regional experts, recognized fly tiers, numerous seminars, workshops, vendors, conservation groups, and more. www.theflyfishingshow.com.

Feb. 11 - Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival, 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX. Hosted by the Texas Fly Fishers, this is one of the largest exhibitions of fly tying in the country, with both regional and national renown tiers. There's also seminars, casting and more. www.texasflyfishers.org.
 
Feb. 17-18 - TroutFest Texas, Lazy L&L Campgrounds, New Braunfels, TX. Hosted by the Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited chapter, it's one of the largest events in the South, featuring fly tying, exhibitors, casting clinics, seminars and a fundraising banquet.

Feb. 25-26 - Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival, Mesquite Convention Center, Mesquite, TX. Exhibitors, seminars, casting clinics, fly tying, and featuring Texas micro-brewed beer as well. There are also workshops on a variety of skills. www.txflyfishingfestival.org

Mar. 4 - Red Stick Day, 4141 North Flannery, Baton Rouge, LA.  The Red Stick Fly Fishers host the longest-running "conclave" in Louisiana, featuring fly tying, casting, seminars, great food, and on-the-water activities including fishing on premises. www.rsff.org.

Mar. 22-25 - 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 5-6 - Gulf Coast Classic, Gulf Shores State Park Learning Campus, AL. The FFI Gulf Coast Council is holding their first "conclave" style event in many years, with fly tying by recognized tiers from across the country, seminars, workshops, casting, a film festival, a "mixed bag" fishing contest, raffles, auctions, and much more. Also, the FFI Board of Governors will hold their Spring meeting at this event. www.ffigcc.org.

May 5-6 - Bass On The Fly, Lake Fork Marina, Alba, TX.  Catch-photo-release tournament with categories for boat, kayak, and bank fishing. Charitable event also features product vendors, casting contests, and more.  www.bassonthefly.org 

June 9-10 - Lake Athens Fly Fishing Festival, Lake Athens, TX.  Fly tying, casting instruction, and fishing events. CPR bass tournament benefits Project Healing Waters - North Texas Patriots.
www.johnnyonthefly.com

Sept. 15-16 - FFI Fly Tying Group Rendezvous, Branson, MO. The Fly Fishers International (FFI) Fly Tying Group is initiating an annual event featuring top fly tiers from across the country, and beyond. This promises to be a great event for anyone interested in fly tying at all skill levels.

Sept. 23 - National Hunting and Fishing Day. Barring a hurricane, expect LDWF to once again hold festivals at the usual four venues: Waddill in Baton Rouge, Woodworth, Minden and Monroe. 

Nov. 3-4 - North Toledo Bend Rendezvous, North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA.  The largest casual gathering of fly tiers from across several states, with food, lodging, and more on premises.

Toledo Bend Rendezvous this weekend

A reminder that this weekend, October 28-30, marks the return of Rendezvous at North Toledo Bend State Park in Zwolle, LA.  For 33 years, one of the longest running casual gatherings of fly tiers in the country. 

Open to everyone, whether you tie flies or just enjoy watching.  The group facilities allow for overnight stays.  With only a minimal fee to cover lodging and activities. The event is open to everyone, and families are encouraged!

It’s never too late to make plans to attend.  You can read more details on our September 4th post but we suggest for more updated info to go directly to the Rendezvous website at http://flycasting.bravesites.com/

Fall fishing turning on!

Marsh fishing is getting better every day!  The cooler days and nights, along with low river water and drier conditions, have helped specks migrate further into the marshes. Right now, some good catches are being reported - specks, reds, and white trout. The specks and whites are feeding on clouser and shrimp patterns suspended under a VOSI. A lot of feeding activity is taking place under diving birds. 

Specks are fun with a 6-weight or 7-weight, but better bring an 8-weight or maybe a 9-weight for redfish.  That's because the reds are feeling their Fall vigor, and even some bull reds have moved into the marsh.

Freshwater wise, bass continue to chase schools of shad on northern and central reservoirs, with outstanding catches taking place on Toledo Bend. Crappie fishing has been hot, as the fish have moved into the shallow areas near fallen trees and boathouses.  Fluff Butts or Crappie Candies suspended 3-4 feet under a strike indicator is one method, while working Silli Minnows along deeper dropoffs is another. 

Commission votes for new trout regulations

Yesterday at their October meeting, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to change speckled trout regulations.

• Current: 12-inch minimum size / 25 daily bag limit
• Proposed: 13.5-inch minimum size / 15 daily bag limit

When adopted, this rule will become statewide, removing the separate regulations in coastal western Louisiana.  The Commission’s adoption of an NOI is the first step in promulgating a final rule, which is usually adopted in 90 days. Comments to the proposed rule may be submitted before December 30, 2022. The full notice of intent can be found here:
http://ow.ly/SvVo50L3FZe

At the Commission meeting, biologist Jason Adriance reiterated some of the data given since the issue of recruitment failure arose three years ago. He also addressed some of the comments received during the past weeks. With regards to concerns that increasing size would result in much greater propotional harvest of females to males, his data showed that increasing to 13.5 inches would only result in a 3 percent increase greater harvest. With regards to concerns that guide limits contribute to a substantial harvest, the data showed that eliminating guide limits would have less than 1-percent increase in spawning biomass.

Adriance pointed out that we are at our lowest proportion of age 3+ fish in the history of stock assessment, with only 5-percent of female trout reaching age 3. This is critical because, at age 3 or roughly 14 inches, all female trout have spawned at least one season, and in some cases, 2 seasons. At 13.5 inches and a 15-fish limit, the increase in spawning stock would be 20 percent – the goal needed to recover to above the conservation standard.

Nearly all of the 20 persons who commented after the presentation were in favor of a 15 daily bag limit. There was approximately 2-to-1 in favor of keeping the minimum size limit at 12 inches. Many of the respondents stated that Louisiana needs to fix the problems that are causing reduced numbers of trout and even redfish. As pointed out by Commission members, these are beyond the scope of LDWF and will likely take much longer to resolve, and for now, changing limits is the only viable solution.

LDWF will receive comments over the next 90 days before a final action is taken.  We strongly encourage our readers to send their comments to LDWF in support of a 13.5", 15-trout limit.

LWF Commission to consider new speck limits this Thursday

At their upcoming monthly meeting on Thursday, October 6th, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will consider a Notice of Intent (NOI) to modify limits on speckled trout. Currently the daily bag limit is 25 fish with a 12 inch minimum size, except for the Calcasieu/Sabine estuaries where the daily limit is 15.   A NOI is a proposal that must go through a period of public comment for 90 days, after which it can be voted on by the Commission into regulation.

The recruitment of spawning spotted seatrout in Louisiana has been below the conservation standard for nearly 8 years.  Many of us have witnessed first-hand the decline in speckled trout fishing over the past decade.  There are several factors for this, but none of the solutions can be easily addressed.

At this time, the only viable solution is to increase the number of juvenile trout entering the fishery. LDWF biologists have proposed several scenarios which encompass either (a) increasing the size limit, (b) lowering the daily creel limit, (c) some combination of both. 

CCA Louisiana is pushing for a 12-inch, 15 daily bag limit.  Their press release stated, “The CCA Louisiana’s Science Committee and many others have concerns about the impact on female trout if a shift to a larger minimum size adjustment occurs. Moving to a 13-inch or 13.5-inch minimum size seems drastic and unnecessary. Such a change could damage the female population, and have tremendous negative impacts…”.

However, the Fly Fishers International (FFI) Gulf Coast Council (GCC) continues to support a 14-inch minimum size limit, as they did back in 2020. 

According to their press release, "Scientists across the Gulf Coast are recognizing that without protection of the primary seatrout spawning population, overfishing will continue to be a problem as fishing participation rises and anglers become more efficient. Having a 14-inch minimum size not only brings us above the conservation standard in short time, but also gives us a long-range safety net.".

FFI-GCC also points out that there is very small difference in female-male populations above 14 inches, that the discrepancy doesn't become large until a minimum size of 20 inches is imposed, and that of the other 10 other states that manage speckled trout, none have a minimum size limit less than 14 inches.

A group of Grand Isle charter captains support a 12-inch limit, but have offered a compromise: Zone Management.  This would allow a 12-inch/15-fish limit in the Barataria-Terrebonne estuaries (Southeast Zone), while the Ponchartrain (East), Vermillion (Southwest) and Calcasieu/Sabine (West) could have a larger size limit.

Whichever you support, changes do need to be made.  The status quo is unsustainable for good fishing to continue.  Please send your comments to the Commission by email:  comments@wlf.la.gov

Rio Rodeo this Saturday

13th annual Rio Grande Rodeo
Saturday, October 1st, 2022
7:00am - on-site registration
7:30am to 12:30pm - fishing time
12:00pm - weigh-in deadline
Event site: No Wake Outfitters
1926 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA
Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club (NOFFC)

The Rio Rodeo is the longest running freshwater fly fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast.   Target species is the wary Rio Grande Cichlid. All entry fish must be caught on flies and fly tackle. Categories are “Longest Rio” and “Most Rios”. Net proceeds from the tournament go to Casting For Recovery.

At this point, anyone not pre-registered can register onsite at No Wake Outfitters starting at 7:00am. The $15 entry fee includes lunch and refreshments.   

For complete details, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Toledo Bend Rendezvous returns Oct. 28-30

Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, October 28-30, 2022
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

After cancellation the last two years due to Covid-19, Rendezvous is back.  What  began as a camping and fishing event 33 years ago, soon evolved into its current format. Each Fall, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – gather for a weekend of fly tying, fly casting, and fishing. With only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals. The event is open to everyone!

The excellent facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park are ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. Activities take place at the park’s group facility, which features a commercial kitchen and dining hall, and lodging available for up to 150 people in 5 heated log bunkhouses (30 beds each). There’s also a heated central shower and restroom building with nice night lighting on all the sidewalks.

Rendezvous continues to be a gathering for some of the top fly tiers in the country, most of whom have been featured at regional and national expos.  There are no organized activities.  Whether you come to tie, or come to watch and learn, or just partake the great scenery, fishing and on-the-water location, you’ll be glad you came!

Fees (family or individual are the same):

• $40 for weekend, includes lodging
• $20 one night, includes lodging
• $10 just for the day

Again, if you come as a family, the rate for the entire weekend for the whole family is just $40!  Be sure to sign in at our registration table in the dining hall.

If you plan to eat with us, please bring food to share.  We do not need several main dishes but more salads and side dishes to go with our main meat dishes. You do not need to cook for 65 people, that is why we usually have so much.

For more info, go to http://flycasting.bravesites.com

LDWF seeking exhibitors for NHF Day events

Established by Congress in 1971, National Hunting and Fishing Day - always the 4th Saturday in September - recognizes the many contributions that hunters, anglers and other wildlife enthusiasts have made towards sustainable use of natural resources and towards conservation of those resources. For 2022, NHF Day is September 24th.

Last week, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that National Hunting and Fishing Day would again be celebrated at four venues across the state: Bodcau (Minden), Monroe, Waddill (Baton Rouge) and Woodworth.

LDWF is currently seeking exhibitors for each venue. Fly fishing and fly tying have long been part of the many activities, so clubs are being asked to register in Baton Rouge, Woodworth and Minden. There is no local club in Monroe, but anyone interested in volunteering for casting or tying demonstrations are encouraged to register for that venue.

For clubs ONLY, one member of each club is asked to register as an EXHIBITOR. All other club members who will be assisting are asked to register as VOLUNTEERS.  This is so LDWF can more easily organize the layout of the venue based on the exhibitor entries.

If no member of your club has been contacted, please email Kristi Butler at kbutler@wlf.la.gov for links to the Exhibitor and Volunteer signup forms. These forms are online and take about a minute to complete.

Registration for Rio Rodeo now up

13th Annual Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, October 1st, 2022
7:00am – on-site registration
7:30am – 12:30pm – fishing time
Event site: No Wake Outfitters
1926 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA
$15 entry fee includes lunch and refreshments

Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club, the Rio Rodeo is the longest running freshwater fly fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast.   Target species is the wary Rio Grande Cichlid. All entry fish must be caught on flies and fly tackle. Categories are “Longest Rio” and “Most Rios”. Net proceeds from the tournament go to Casting For Recovery.

The rodeo is open to all fly anglers.  Advanced registration must be received by mail by September 24th. Onsite registration is from 7:00am to 7:30am day of the tournament. Both onsite registration and weigh-in will be at No Wake Outfitters in Metairie. For complete details, and to download registration form, go to the NOFFC website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Vlahos' pompano recognized as FFOY

At their annual convention this past weekend, the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association recognized the "Fish of the Year" in both conventional and fly fishing categories.  This year's recipient in the "Fly Fish of the Year" category was Nick Vlahos for his 3.01 lb. Florida Pompano he caught while fishing out of Breton Sound. Ella Douglas of Thibodaux received the "Rod and Reel" honor with a 25.80 lb. Dog Snapper she caught while fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Both fish are new state records.

Nick is a fly designer and commercial tyer, owner of Sandbar Flies. He's best known for his signature pattern, the "Sandbar Crab", but his Sand Flea, Sandbar Mullet, Marsh Mullet and Dock Light Shrimp have also reported to be excellent flies for a variety of marsh and nearshore species.

After his family moved to Georgia, the Baton Rouge native came back home to college at LSU. Here is where Nick began saltwater fly fishing out of his kayak. In the days when our forum was a huge part of the laflyfish.com website, Nick was a frequent poster, sharing many of his successes on the water.  

Since the 1940s, LOWA has curated the state fish records, maintaining the top 10 catches by weight of each species, fresh and saltwater. In the 1980s, under the guidance of Pete Cooper, Jr. and Bob Dennie, the Fly Fish Division was added.

Fly anglers who believe they've landed a trophy-sized fish (or for some species, even a decent sized fish) should check the LOWA Fish Records website.  Registration can be printed and mailed, or filled in online. Registration fee is $25.
 

AFR club to host Acadiana Fly Fishing 101

Acadiana Fly Fishing 101
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Time: 10:15am - 1:00pm
Lafayette Parish - East Regional Library
215 La Neuville Rd, Youngsville, LA
FREE and open to the public!

Hosted by the Acadiana Fly Rodders, the FF101 workshop is an opportunity to learn about fly fishing, or improve your knowledge and skill in various aspects of the sport. Topics will include tackle overview and terminology, equipment and accessories for freshwater and saltwater fishing, types of flies, hands-on practice of knots and leaders, and hands-on casting led by FFI-Certified instructors.

There is no cost.  Refreshments will be provided. If you have equipment, it's advised to bring it. Otherwise, the club will have several sets of rods and reels available for use during the workshop.

AFR president Flip Siragusa noted, "We've seen the success of similiar workshops in Alexandria, Baton Rouge and elsewhere. It's not only brought new people into our sport, but also brought new members to clubs. For example, the Kisatchie club grew from a couple dozen members to over a hundred member families in a few years thanks to their Fly Fishing 101 clinics."

For this reason, the Acadiana club is encouraging family participation in this event. Attendees can optionally sign up as AFR members at a special discount rate of $10 (family membership).

Pre-registration is required. To register, go to the AFR website at www.acadianaflyrodders.org and click on "Fly Fishing 101". There you will find a link to the registration form, as well as complete details about the event.

2022 RBFF Report: slight decline, but fly fishing gets younger

As been the tradition for the past 12 years, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation - along with the Outdoor Foundation - released its annnual look at fishing participation in the United States just prior to this week's ICAST fishing trade show. The 2022 Special Report on Fishing details participation trends in overall fishing, saltwater fishing, fly fishing and other areas of our sport based on licenses, surveys, tackle sales and many other datapoints from the previous year (2021).

Overall, more than 52 million Americans ages 6 and over went fishing in 2021. This was a four percent decline from the historic high in 2020, and yet still one of the highest numbers ever. Also of interest, women composed 37 percent of participants, the highest number ever.

With regards to fly fishing... participation in 2021 also declined four percent from the historic high of 7.8 million in 2020. The 7.5 million fly anglers is still significantly higher than anytime since records have been kept.

There's more good news. The majority of 2020 participants who lapsed were in the older age groups. This was offset by nearly 17 percent newcomers to fly fishing, mostly under age 35. Almost 60 percent of all fly anglers are now age 44 and under.

Diversity. Female participation continues to grow. About 19 percent of female participants were first-timers, compared to 16 percent of male participants. Conversely, the numbers of black and hispanics continue to be low at 8 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Income and education. Fly fishing continues to be favored by those with higher income and with some college or college degree. Seventy percent of fly fishers have annual income of $50k or more, while 60 percent have at least one year of college or higher.

Demographics. Once again, the South Atlantic region (Virginia to Florida) had the highest number of fly anglers, representing 20 percent of the total. This was followed by the Mid-Atlantic and Pacific regions, at 17 percent.  Our region - Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma - had 10 percent of all participants, or about 750,000 fly anglers. 

News from the New Orleans club

Charles Miller, secretary of the New Orleans Fly Fishers, recently posted an update on Facebook regarding upcoming club activities and events. Most, if not all, are open to the public.

Saturday, July 16th - the NOFFC will hold a casting clinic at LaFreniere Park on the big lake near the concession stand, weather permitting.  Casting will start at 9:30 am. This is a great opportunity to learn or polish your casting skills. If you know of someone who would like to learn how to fly cast, please feel free to invite them as this clinic is open to the public.

Saturday, July 30th - the club's monthly fly tying class will be held at No Wake Outfitters located at 1926 Airline Drive. Time is 10:00am. A.J. Rosenbohm will teach the class. Please bring $2 to give to the instructor to cover cost of tying materials. Beginners are welcome!

Saturday, October 1st - the 14th annual Rio Grande Rodeo returns after a hiatus last year due to Covid concerns. This is the longest running fly fishing only tournament on the northern Gulf Coast. The target species is the Rio Grande Perch, the only cichlid native to North America. However, not being native to Louisiana, it's been branded as an invasive species. This year the rios are showing up in good numbers. More details will be sent out later this summer.

Saturday, January 21st - the 2nd biennial New Orleans Fly Fishing Expo will be held at St. Christopher the Martyr school gymnasium. The venue will allow for casting instruction regardless of the weather. Committees are being organized, and more details to come. If it's anything close to the last NOFF Expo, it promises to be a great family-friendly event for both beginners and experts!

Charles also reported that the club will kick off their 2nd Big Year Tournament.  This is a "mixed bag" CPR contest where the goal is to catch as many different species on fly tackle. The Big Year kicks off August 1st and will end on July 31st, 2023. Look for details and contest rules coming up on the club website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Louisiana free fishing days June 11-12

This coming weekend kicks off the 20th anniversary of National Fishing and Boating Week (June 4th-12th), an annual celebration of the importance of recreational boating and fishing in America. Most states, including Louisiana, have designated "free fishing days" either the first weekend or second weekend in June.

Free fishing days are a perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time. Or, if you're willing to travel, to partake of fishing in another state without having to purchase a license. Some states may have certain restrictions. For example, you might be able to fish freshwater for free, but still have to buy a saltwater permit or trout permit. So please check before making plans. 

For 2022, Louisiana's free fishing days are Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12.  Here are the free fishing days for neighboring states:
Alabama - June 11
Arkansas - June 11-13
Florida - June 11-12 (freshwater only)
Mississippi - June 4-5, July 4th
Texas - June 4

For a complete list of free fishing days in all states, go to www.takemefishing.org.

Welcome to SweatFest 2022

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

Memorial Day weekend is usually the kickoff for 90 degree days and 70 degree nights, and high humidity.  Enjoy the June breezes now because come July they go away 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 activity, the National Weather Service predicts yet another above-average year. Hard to imagine they won't be right - we're on the first day of hurricane season and already we've got a system in the Yucatan worth watching.  The remnants of Pacific hurricane Agatha are reforming into what could be Tropical Storm Alex.  Current projections show it hitting southwest Florida by the weekend.

The summer sun and heat of SweatFest bring dangers to anglers. Heat stroke is the number one threat. Bring an ice chest or cooler tote bag with water and/or sports drinks to stay hydrated. Skin exposed to high UV radiation leads to sunburn, and over time to skin cancer. Protect your skin by putting on a high-SPF waterproof sunscreen before you get on the water. Wear long sleeve breathable shirts, a rim cap or a bill cap in conjunction with a gaitor (buff). Always wear some type of cover for your feet.

Also be aware that thunderstorms can be a daily occurence in summer. At the first sign of towering  cumulus clouds, start making 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 license changes effective June 1st

In last year's legislative session, House Bill 691 proposed much-needed changes in Louisiana's fishing and hunting licenses and fees.  With strong bipartisan support, the bill passed and was signed into law.  In a few days - on June 1st - this new licensing structure will take effect. Here's a summary of the changes that will affect recreational anglers:

• All licenses now will be valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
• Basic freshwater license (now includes crawfish nets):  $17 annual resident, $68 annual non-resident, $17 non-resident native 10-day, $30 non-resident 5-day.
• Saltwater license (now includes crab traps and shrimp trawls to 25 feet):  $15 annual resident, $60 annual non-resident, $15 non-resident native 10-day, $30 non-resident 5-day
• Hook & Line license (includes roadside crabbing): $5 annual resident, $5 non-resident native 10-day
• Senior licenses (includes hunting): born before 6/1/1940 - not required, born between 6/1/1940 and 5/31/1962 - $5, otherwise anyone 65+ after 6/1/2027 - fee will then be $20.
• Disabled (includes hunting): $4. If disabled native-born military, free.
• Retired military: either resident or native-born - $20.
• Lifetime fishing/hunting: resident or native-born - $500, non-resident $4,000.
• Senior lifetime fishing/hunting: resident or native-born - $100, non-resident - $4,000.
• Youth: the maximum age has been raised from 15 to 17. Does not require a fishing license.

For a complete list of changes, or more details, go to the LDWF Licenses & Permits webpage.

Great Gobbules! Bream are on the beds

With so many family matters going on, I've been negligent in checking in on statewide fishing reports.  But I did get one last evening that the gobbules are on the beds at Lake Concordia.  If that's the case, then it's certainly happening elsewhere.

Some of our newer readers might ask: "What is a gobbule?". It's a bream.  I refuse to use the word 'sunfish'. That's a hippie word.  What does a sunfish do? Lie in the sun, getting a tan?

Bluegills, redears and longears are true fighting machines. They deserve a name that sounds like one of Freddie Mercury's concert shoutouts to energize his crowd.  So gobbule (pronounced gobb-bool) it is!

Tackle:  I recommend a five-weight outfit because it's somewhat common for a bass or catfish to hit a bream fly. If you fish ponds, then a 3-weight is fun to have as you won't have to worry as much about those predatory species taking you into heavy cover.

Flies:  Surface flies like popping bugs and Triangle Bugs are a must.  Not only do bluegills like to hit on top, but it's super cool to watch them slurp a fly!  Redears mostly feed subsurface, so sinking flies like Cap Spiders, Rosborough-style Hares Ears, Fluff Butts, Slow Sinking Spiders, Black (or Purple or Blue) Boudreauxs, and many others will work on them.  And of course, work on the bluegills as well.

Strike indicators:  anytime I can use a small football type strike indicator, I do.  Keeping the fly in the strike zone longer is one reason.  But it's also so much fun to see the indicator plunge down when the big gobbules hit the fly underneath.  It's important to use one as small as possible but that still floats (fly not too heavy).  Some ask me if you can use a "half a perch float" like a Vertically Oriented Strike Indicator (VOSI).  The answer is "yes", but I suggest pointing the narrow end of the VOSI towards the fly line.  Otherwise the fat end will make a pop when stripped and the VOSI will attract the fish more than the fly underneath.  Of course, if that happens, simply tie on a popping bug!

Good luck!  And if you catch a big one (or colorful one), and you're on Facebook, please post it to the Louisiana Fly Fishing Community Page.

Menhaden legislative update - 4/28

The saga to protect one of the ocean’s most valuable forage species continues this Spring in the Louisiana Legislature. CCA Louisiana, The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, the FFI Gulf Coast Council and many other conservation groups are working in support of House Bill 1033 by Rep. Joe Orgeron. This bill would require weekly reporting of menhaden catches as well as establish limits on menhaden harvesting on a tiered distance from shore.

To understand where we are, a quick overview on this issue:

• Menhaden (pogies) are the most important food source for redfish, speckled trout, spanish mackerel and many other predatory fish. This nutrient-rich species is also harvested commercially for a variety of uses, from dietary supplements to pet food.
• 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.
• Of equal concern is the bycatch. The methods used to harvest pogies has been documented to result in the demise of thousands of bull reds (spawning stock) as well as large numbers of spotted seatrout.
• For these reasons, most coastal states have long banned commercial harvest within their waters, while the few states that allow it have established buffer zones (distance from shore) of at least one mile. Louisiana is the lone exception in allowing unlimited nearshore harvest.

… and a history of how we got here…

• In 2019, video and photos surfaced in social media of menhaden vessels working just yards off the Louisiana shoreline, with dead redfish (and other sport fish) floating by the hundreds. These sparked magazine articles and outrage among anglers and other conservationists.
• In June 2020, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission heard from biologists and conservationists on a proposal for a one-mile buffer zone. LWFC rejected the proposal.
• In March 2021, conservationists took their case to the Louisiana Legislature. HB535 would have established a 1/2 mile buffer zone. While it had overwhelming support in both the House and Senate, the Senate Natural Resources Committee Chair, Bob Hengens of Abbeville – an ally of Omega Protein – did a masterful job of stalling the bill, leading to its failure to pass before the session ended.
• In January 2021, the LWFC voted on a Notice of Intent to establish a 1/4 mile buffer zone. Apparently the LWFC came to realize that if it did not act, the legislature would again take up the issue. However, the NOI was amended to not include Breton Sound, infuriating legislative members.

So now the legislature takes up HB1033. It’s different than HB535 in that it still allows harvesting within a half-mile, but places a very restrictive quota.  HB1033 sets the following limits:

– statewide a total limit of 573 million pounds
– 150 million pounds within one mile of shore
– 229 million pounds within two miles of shore
– daily set locations for each vessel, and weekly reporting of harvests
– harvest zones will be closed once limit is reached

Meanwhile, Senator Hengens has filed a bill favoring his harvester allies. SB447 would only require weekly reporting of harvest with no other restrictions.

As of this writing, HB1033 by Rep. Orgeron has passed the House Natural Resources Committee by a 9-3 vote and has passed the House Floor by a 75-22. It now goes to the Senate Natural Resources Committee where it faces a tough fight, thanks to Sen. Hengens.

We ask all fly anglers and conservationists to contact their state representatives and senators and ask them to SUPPORT HOUSE BILL 1033.