L_S_2015_04_

Volume 35 | Number 4 | April 2015

88

Butte La Rose

bailout

108

Mangrove

massacre

Features:

51

Cracking the code
Bluegill get most of the attention from panfish anglers,
but don’t forget about chinquapin.

By David A. Brown

60

Finding the fuzz
Weather can keep you off the water this month, but this
crappie angler said that’s a big mistake — as long as
you know where the fish can be found. Learn his proven
tactic for filling the boat with sac-a-lait.

By Chris Ginn

69

The Battle of Midway
When weather conditions allow, break out of the
marshes and ambush packs of speckled trout
midway between Grand Isle and Lafitte.
Here’s all you need to know.

By Rusty Tardo

79

A more perfect Union
This Union Parish team knows how to track down
and kill gobblers. Here’s how they work together to
outsmart wily old toms.

By Kinny Haddox

88

Butte La Rose bailout
There are hundreds of thousands of acres in the
Atchafalaya Basin, but this executive chef heads to the
small village of Butte La Rose to load up on panfish,
bass and catfish. And he does it all from a kayak.

By Jerald Horst

98

Bass by the spoonful
Is there one lure that is better than any other?
These expert bass anglers believe spoons are
just about perfect.

By David A. Brown

108

Mangrove massacre
Mangrove snapper are known for being hook shy, but
this veteran guide has the fish all figured out. So load
up the boat with your buddies, head to the rigs and
follow his advice to fill the box.

By Jerald Horst

123

Full to the bream

When the weather starts warming this month, it’s time

to head to the lower Atchafalaya Basin for the beginning

of the panfish season. Here’s how to pick up some

chinquapin and other bream for the table.

>>>By John Flores

131

Small-boat Cocodrie

You don’t have to have a big bay boat or fight the

crowds this month to catch trout out of Cocodrie.

Just head west to this guide’s spring playground.

>>>By John McQueen

139

Tagging out

There is no better feeling of accomplishment than

bagging an adult tom. Here’s everything you need

to know to close out the season with a bang.

>>>By David Moreland

153

Sabine reds

In April, numerous schools of Sabine Lake redfish invade

the eastern shoreline chasing baitfish schools in and out

of the marshes. Read on for locations, tips and tactics

offered by two local tournament anglers to catch hefty

limits of slot reds.

>>>By Chris Berzas

167

Cigars and courtbouillon

The Lenten season is winding down, but cigar trout and

redfish courtbouillon never go out of style. Learn where

you can fill da box with plenty of fixings for all your

family get-togethers.

>>>By Humberto Fontova

175

Stacking up the state fish

Chicot Lake sac-a-lait can be finicky, but when you find

them you can catch some real slabs. Here are some tips

on how to catch the state’s official freshwater fish.

>>>By Chris Berzas

contents

cover story

April 2015 | Louisiana Sportsman 7