206 Louisiana Sportsman^ | April 2015
The
primary target species of most
coastal Louisiana kayak anglers
are speckled trout and redfish.
However, many areas that primarily harbor these
saltwater species are seeing decreased salinities and
an influx of largemouth bass.
With just a few changes in tactics and gear, you can
add this tasty species to your fish bag.Southeast Louisiana, in particular, has seen some
major salinity changes primarily due to freshwater
diversion and flood-control projects.
The Caernarvon diversion has sent
fresh water into the marsh complex of
Delacroix, Point a la Hache and Reggio
for many years. It’s not uncommon to
catch bass, trout and redfish all in the
same spot.
Following Hurricane Katrina, a rockdam was placed across the MRGO just east of Bayou
La Loutre. While the rocks allow some exchange of
water through the porous structure, the daily flow
of salty Gulf water was lessened and forced through
other routes in the marsh.
Shortly afterwards, the “Great Wall” was con-
structed across the MRGO and Gulf Intracoastal
Waterway near Chalmette, further slowing the
influx of salt water.
A subsequent flood gate at the Seabrook
also restricted water flow into Lake
Pontchartrain.
Over the succeeding few years, all of these
areas saw lower salinity, an increase in sub-
merged vegetation growth and noticeable
catches of bass.
The good news is that these changes don’t
seem to have lessened the availability of the
saltwater species — it just added extra fish
into the mix.
Of course, speckled trout are less freshwa-
ter tolerant and at some times of the year
you might need to paddle a little father to
find them.
However, a lot of these areas are easily
kayak accessible. The bass just add a bonus
and offer a broader target of tasty, hard-
fighting fish.
The largemouth bass, or “green trout” as
they are often referred, thrive in these now-brackish
waters.
Bass will hit any lure that you’re already using
for trout and redfish. They’re also suckers for live
shrimp and minnows. The addition of a few plastic
worms and crankbaits to your current saltwater
tackle box easily covers all bases.
Don’t be too surprised if these usual “freshwater”
baits get slammed by trout and reds, too.
If you normally fish trout and reds, your currentfreshen up
Bass are an added bonus for coastal kayak anglers
ABOVE: Bass have
become more common
in many coastal waters
as freshwater diversions
have lowered salinities.pADDles ‘n puDDles
Chris Holmes
Fly-fishing is a great option for
kayakers, and redfish and bass will
slam the diminutive lures.Chris Holmes has kayak
fished in the Gulf of Mexico,
the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans and many places
in between.