HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Another Box of "LIMITS" and a special day on the water...Roosevelt Breaux got the RAY BRANDT TRUCK DEAL...buy a TRUCK and get a FREE charter trip with TEAM BIGFISH.   Another FATHER/SON team...POPS was well into his 80's and was not much for the bouncy action at the ROCKS so we tucked back into FORTUNA...WORKED OUT FINE!

It was Roosevelt vs Barry/Pops team...I cast and hand to Pops...he sets and lands...meanwhile Roosevelt got his left-handed mojo going and now we were cookin'...TROUT steady and we missed more than our share but that's OK, these guys were having FUN...Live boogies jumping out of the water near the islands in Fortuna.

We landed and missed and hit the side of the boat and laughed and joked the entire time...finally the "LIMITS" were in the BOX at 10am...it was getting hot and the guys were pooped...I caught Pops catching a little shut eye on the ride in!

Funny thing at the dock.  We do not usually include fishcleaning on our charity/sponsor giveaways but I usually offer anyway...not these guys...they each had their own ice chest and wanted an exact split and had some folks down the bayou to show off to before any cleaning.

Roosevelt said he had been looking at the DURANGO...I told him it would look good next to his TRUCK...AND HE WOULD GET ANOTHER FREE TRIP...I was kinda kidding but I think he was serious...GREAT MORNING...two delightful men.

GREAT WEEK of weather and the "limits" hit the BSM tables all week...rough weather go with FAY for a few days...computer willing I will keep you up to date!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Friday, August 22, 2008 @ 6:13:28 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

I am about to punch this computer...CHARTER CABLE is pitiful.

I have put a detailed report together twice only to lose it so here is the short version.

EASY "LIMITS" with Buddy,Bill and Mark yestereday... 92 speckled trout as I jumped in for some...one stop...REDS mixed in too...we had a good time with no tide...TROUT and REDS.

CAPT. DANNY joined Gerry and two buddies the day before....60 pretty TROUT...1-3lbs but high number of twos...
Live Boogies were the key!

We had all 4 boats fish KREWE ETATS...our groups won most of the categories...Schrieber,Ducasse,Rigby...Picou is now the Goliwas of Hopedale!

We ran 6 of 11 scheduled trips last week with weather everyday being an issue...from "LIMITS" to happy to get 30-40 FISH dodging Mother Nature...good trips though....one we will redo as the weather dodging that a Captain must do is not easy and it got to the crew... even though they were warned...the main reason we cancelled 5 other trips. I am missing some in here but the computer and the REDFISH CUP had me all over the place last week.

Fishing is good to great when the weather is OK!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMOMDATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Thursday, August 21, 2008 @ 9:58:23 AM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

The KIDS do it BIGFISH STYLE before they go back to school...and what a way for some youngsters to finish off their SUMMER the past few days down at BSM!

CAPT. CT joined Bigfish Regular Bobby Gibson and his Wife and Son Tyler...Tyler was ready and the weather was decent...out to the edges of the SOUND with LIVE BOOGIES and GULPS!  The morning "bite" was decent but the water was stained from several days of WEST WIND...but they boxed ten TROUT or so and started bouncing Lake A/Eloi/Gardner.  Box kept filling up.

One move along the CHANNEL and the FUN began...REDS/DRUM/FLOUNDER/TROUT all mixed in and the size was perfect on all of the different species and TYLER was catching most of them!

They finished with all that BRETON SOUND has to offer...we have been finding with the kids and families that the variety works for some happy guests...pounding out the TROUT is always our preference but if the "bite" is not fast....the REDS/DRUM/FLOUNDER and not getting beat up works well too!

FINAL COUNT:  44 SPECKLED TROUT, 5 WHITE TROUT, 4 FLOUNDER(one 4plus lb doormat,pretty fish),3 HEADS,2 REDS and one big ole DRUM that TYLER is probably still talking about!
60 nice fish and another group coming back in the FALL!
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One of our many regulars,GUIDO,referred Frank and his Son Garrett to come down to Hopedale for their first fishing trip ever...actually the first time they have ever fished.

  I was a bit torn as to what to do...we cancelled due to weather and with youngsters you always have to be realistic...it was not too bad this morning so we got out to the edge and let the SW tell us what to do.  We tried casting lessons for a while but it became apparent it was better for me to cast and hand for Frank and Garrett...but we were putting some TROUT in the BOX...it was better at that point to get in some calmer waters and keep these guys on FISH and in their comfort zone.

We got on some good bites but we were learning all day and rather than just catch them and hand them, Garret wanted do his thing and he got better and better...we enjoyed a great morning and called it just shy of their "limits"...many fish caught and missed and a very good start to this Father/Son fishing team's new sport.

Garrett's favorite moments: "FLIPPER" everywhere, Twin Vee at 50mph in Channel chop, fish under Cork broke line...hooked the Cork and got the SPECKLED TROUT...fun stuff!

FINAL COUNT: 43 SPECKLED TROUT...add a few CHANNELS/WHITES/FLOUNDER...50 FISH and a happy kid/DAD!
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CAPT. JOHNNY joined Doug, Will,Costello and little Nick!  They took it easy with the little man...he was getting a little seasick in the CHANNEL...so they just tucked ain and started fishing close.  Live Boogies started producing and Nick was hanging in there...even landed several Trout over 3lbs.

The early start added to the youngster not feeling well so the crew agreed to catch a good box early and fortunately they were with CAPT. JOHNNY...great with kids and great getting a quick CHANNEL bite going to keep interest high...FISH are a great distraction...they also got some HEADS and of course the REDFISH finished the day! Capt. Johnny hated to leave the FISH but knew it was the right thing.  

They called early it leaving FISH biting at 40(some2-3.75lbs) TROUT/REDS/HEADS...and a happy young man...he was feeling better back at the BSM TABLES...would have never known he felt bad at all...PERFECT!

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Sometimes you have to FISH your crew and not do what you might would like to do....but we have many families/referrals for a reason and we enjoy the day only if the families enjoy themselves...when kids have a good experience on the water it is good for everyone....GET THEM HOOKED on what we all love to do!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Sunday, August 10, 2008 @ 6:15:11 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUNDAnother great day with some wonderful people to spend a morning with...and oh by the way, the TROUT and REDFISHjoined this fun too...you just had to stay after them and not give up! Live Boogies and GULPS and some perseverance!


Capt. CT and myself(Team Bigfish in the flesh)...joined Pete Hebert(HIS BIRTHDAY PRESENT) and Cathy and Pete Yoder and Belinda...at their request we used two boats to leave plenty space for the guys and ladies to spread out...Capts could cast and help the ladies and the guys could FISH!

It was brutal with NW Winds and a Cold front on us with purple skies everywhere as we left BSM..not any lightning though and we stayed dry...LET'S FISH!CAPT. CT headed to the short sides of Lake A and Lake Eloi...the Channel had the NW PUMPING 2FOOTERS right down the chute!
  They worked the edge reefs...plenty TROUT but the  whites and throwbacks were too many.One move and GULPS instead of LIVE BOOGIES(Hmmm)...started boxing keepers but Belinda was napping...keep Pete going...no SLAMs and steady BOX filling on a tough day...30 TROUT....NICE FISH FRY!
_____________________________________I joined Pete Hebert and Cathy....they are regulars of mine and we have had some 8am SLAMS...but today would be more WORK but just as much FUN!
We started tucked in with all the weather and winds...caught FISH the entire morning but nothing easy...Pete fished hard while Cathy and I worked together...few TROUT here and there...one move on to a shelled area with marginal water...BINGO!
  
The drags started screaming and so did Cathy...REDFISH form 26-29..PERFECT ONES...we boxed a handful...released another 4 or 5...Cathy had a ball with each one...today they were not many undre 27's...but in one foot of water the 28-29's were a show and we had some FUN just watching them on light Mitchell/Marshmaster tackle.We did not kill any normal BRETON SOUND numbers(NW 15-20 will do that to you)...but the GRAND SLAM(all species) and the dinner fare was awesome!


FINAL MIX:  19 SPECKLED TROUT(several near 3lbs though)...5 BOXED REDS(26-28 inches)...another 10 released shallow...3 Flounder...add a few HEADS and a few PUPPY DRUM...3 WHITE TROUT...we had throwbacks too so we stayed busy and put together a GREAT DAY with even better guests!
 The 100 TROUT FILLETS...10 REDFISH GRILLERS on the HALFSHELL...add the stuffed FLOUNDER and some Puppy's and Heads...Pete's birthday meal is looking pretty darn good! 
A few "30" something BOXES and more released on a bad conditions day in HOPEDALE...we are truly blessed to have a fishery where our "tough" days are the "dream" days in most parts of the country! Thanks to the Petes' and the ladies....Belinda and Cathy for hanging in there! GREAT DAY!
CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THE BIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!CAPT. BARRY

Friday, August 8, 2008 @ 7:24:13 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

GREAT few days with even better people...perfect conditions yesterday and not so good today...result, still found "limits" of TROUT and REDS!

Yesterday the Stricklin/Benezech fishing team came down to BSM ready for some of this great TROUT action...we started and ended on a short time frame in Lake Fortuna....TROUT were thick but "Flipper" broke up the party several times...we took the easy approach and waited them out rather than move...GOOD CALL...Live Boogies and Gulps!

The "limits"(actually 46 as I can't count..4 whites fooled me) hit the ice at 10am...not fast but steady...Hal Stricklin has been a friend of BSM with various lighting/bulbs/fixtures...the payback/Thank You was a pleasure!
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Today was one of those thank you very little weather man...blowing 15plus out of the NW and I did not see that anywhere...well we tucked in to Fortuna where I left them yesterday with Bob and Matt...BOXED 17 nice TROUT...SHOULD HAVE STAYED ON THIS BITE!

 Moved out to the SOUND...ROUGH and hard to FISH the WIND/TIDE criss-crossed...not much...tucked back in to the CHANNEL...found several nice 3lb TROUT but only a few...tucked in closer as the NW was over 15 and getting thing pretty dirty...Bob and MATT were still swinging though...JACKPOT at one of my "BAD WEATHER" save my butt places off the CHANNEL!

The TROUT/REDS/FLOUNDER were all mixed in in one foot of very low water but the TWIN VEE eased in fine!
The REDFISH TOOK OVER...Perfect 26-28 inch "tournament" specials...we caught over 30 in no water and watched a shallow water show that Bob and Matt really enjoyed...we BOXED their Bull and SLOT "LIMITS" and I jumped in for a few for the "home" grill...very cool few hours!

Bob mentioned how much he loves a fork and FLOUNDER falling apart...pulling out the back bone and enjoying the great taste...BAMM, three FLOUNDER in the next 10 minutes between REDFISH...unreal but just PERFECT!  We even added a dozen TROUT around the CRAZY REDFISH ACTION!

FINAL COUNT:  33 SPECKLED TROUT...2 14inch CHANNELS,4 FLOUNDER...12 boxed REDS(20 released in shallow water)...26-28 inches...good grillers!
A nice BOX of 50 FISH with alot more REDFISH ACTION...more importantly a great day with some really good people...very rewarding day guys! LIVE BOOGIES and GULPS.

CALLL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Thursday, August 7, 2008 @ 6:05:29 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Weather report looked bleak but Capt. Johnny and myself decided to do our thing in the Channel and it turned out to be a good call.  Our two groups knew the forecast and it turned out that the window was open this morning...the WIND got going around 10am but was very doable until then.

CAPT. JOHNNY joined Jason and his Son Tyler and a buddy.  They started on the edges of ELOI...the WIND and WEATHER was OK...leaked out a bit...dirty water... and got near a Storm...back to the Channel where the
water stays clean and the TROUT are somewhat impervious to the weather.

The HYDRA-SPORTS BOX steadily started filling up with some 3lb TROUT mixed in with the 13-16's...LIVE BOOGIES 4ft deep under a Cork...the guys kept plugging on this bite...Wind changed and picked up so one move to adjust...another dozen and BACK TO BSM for some FREE FISH CLEANING...NICE JOB by Capt. and CREW...WAY TO GO TYLER!

71 SPECKLED TROUT(1-3lbs)...add some Heads and Channels and 80 or so nice FISH!
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I joined Jeff Sallas and his buddies Ollie, Jeff and Woody. We discussed the weather that popped up with this little Low...the guys had hit the Wow Wingery a little hard last night but were ready to go.  The weather turned out not to be too bad this morning but with the Low moving West basically right at us I PLAYED IT SAFE...admittedly maybe too safe as the window was open!

We worked back of Lake A...NICE START with a dozen keeper TROUT...and the guys got to play around with some BULL REDS in 18inches of water...good FUN on light Mitchells/Challengers with 15lb ultrabraid.  I realized it was not to bad so we leaked out...got another handful and then headed in to the CHANNEL for some steady action...boxed another dozen or so but the tough cast as the WINDS piked up was tedious.

Moved over to the FORTUNA side and caught some NICE TROUT...up to 3lbs...but some scattered 2's and a steady schoolie bite as well...had WHITE TROUT mixed in too so we put the 12 inch rule on them and the Channels...at that size they are worth cleaning atleast.  Ollie had a headache and we ran through 225 LIVE BOOGIES...they were Gulp finicky today so we called it early as the WINDS were beginning to pump...good morning....good guys....good time...they are coming back in November.

FINAL COUNT:  51 SPECKLED TROUT...9 WHITE TROUT...4 HEADS...4 CHANNELS...and two nice REDS...70 FISH on somewhat of a weather misread on my part...thank goodness we have so many FISH to bail me out...looks like the WINDS/WEATHER are coming though...next two days will have to  be moved forward!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

Bring your families and kids and let us put you on FISH, stay safe and watch YOU catch the FISH....BIGFISH STYLE!

CAPT. BARRY

Sunday, August 3, 2008 @ 5:59:25 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

We have had to re-schedule a handful of trips this past week...we take many families and youngsters and the conditions with Storms/West wind were not right for those crews.

Today was no better really but we had some heartier groups but the tough fishing still was a challenge.

Capt. Johnny  joined the Cardwell family..the three anglers got a dose of the Rocks with Live Boogies...it is one way to put together a Box of TROUT when Mother Nature gives you bad conditions.

They ended with 45 Speckled TROUT...add a handful of HEADS and a few Channels and it was 50 plus Fish and a nice group of people...Johnny really enjoyed the day with them and looks forward to seeing then again soon!
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Capt. CT joined Gerard Henry and family for a battle with the rain and the westerlies this morning.  They worked the areas near Gardiner and the Rocks...Eloi and all of the edges...it was a struggle.  Wter seemed dirty as West can do and storms limited areas to safely fish.

Live Boogies and some persistence put together a meal and a mix of it...25 FISH with some TROUT/HEADS/REDS/DRUM and some FUN for some of our regulars.
Not a great day by our standards but we will get after them again tomorrow...weather cannot get any more goofy!
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Capt. Danny and Capt. Kerry joined some Fun groups...Owen and his crew and Billy and his buddies...lot's of FUN but not many fish.

Same issues mentioned above and one boat burned over 80 gallons looking for clean water and staying dry...even Live Boogies could not make it happen...barely a fish fry today...one of the reasons we avoided similiar conditions this week...storms and West can beat our areas up...in the past 5 days we would have still pulled it of 1 or 2 of the 5 days but the forecast were hard to justify drive from Jackson/Memphis/Mobile...today we decided to fight...lost...back at 'em in the morning...looks windy but atleast there is an E in the directions...will let you know???

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Saturday, August 2, 2008 @ 3:21:45 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

I was excited to fish with some of  regulars for the FAIS DO DO RODEO...Whitney and Chloe were at BSM bright and early so we could head deep into the SOUND for some "RODEO" FISH...looking to put some FISH up in every category!  Loaded live Boogies and tied extra leaders for the big stuff!

Well half way down the Channel I was getting suspicious...it was blowing 15 or so NW and that would be trouble once we got outside...rough and dirty...but we headed the TWIN VEE SE and gave the first layer of rigs a go...seas building and no bite...we had to tuck back in...I was bummed...I knew the BULL REDS and bigger TROUT were out...so either catch School Trout and blow off the rodeo or shift gears...we changed tactics and started working on winning some "off" categories...Flounder/Sheepshead/Redfish...it was plan "B" but a plan.

We caught a few Trout around 15 inches and some throwbacks...normally we would have worked this to put Trout in the Box but today it did us no good...Whitney and Chloe were still fishing hard though...one move and paydirt.  A little shelf I fish on bad days usually holds a few "other" fish...after another TROUT Whitney gets a Flounder...not big but sometimes "any" Flounder will do in a rodeo.  Next few cast Trout but then a 5lb Sheepshead...box him...another "Head" we had a few categories covered.
The NW was taking its toll by now...water dirty and tide rolling out so I did not head back out to the edges and tucked in for one more category.

I thought there was the usual 27 and under Redfish and Bull Red categories...so we worked the shorlines behind Lake A and bingo...two perfect REDS...one 26 3/4 inch 8lb little football...PERFECT!

With our rodeo work done as well as we could...the girls started having a few beverages and the FUN started/continued...we made potty stops(in water) at the next 3 or 4 stops...so I suggested we make a stop or two to put some TROUT in the box for a fish fry atleast and they were game...boxed a dozen or so in Beren's Hole and called it back to BSM.

Chloe and Whitney were on the board in two categories and unfotunately there was only one Redfish category so the "tournament special" Redfish was not a factor....Bull Reds only...oh well!

It was a blast as usual and these two ladies are always a pleasure to spend the day with...Good People, Good Fun!

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Capt. Danny joined David Langsford....headed to the Sound and put together a nice Box of TROUT...LIVE Boogies and plastic...the crew boxed 40 Speckled Trout and a few others for a great morning!

Capt. Johnny joined Kenny Bordelon and his family...sadly Kenny's wife passed away recently and fishing is the way the get away and have some FUN. The NW wind this morning limited how far out anyone could fish and the rough waters were still a challenge.

But on the Rocks they started boxing Trout with Live BOOGIES under a Cork... and stayed at it...35 Speckled Trout boxed...throw in a Flounder and it was a nice morning "away" from it all and fish fry too.
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Sneaky Windy day today...in general things were settling into a good groove...ironically it was easier to fish the "DOLLY" days during the week than a surprise 18knt NW this morning.

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS.

CAPT. BARRY

Saturday, July 26, 2008 @ 8:35:34 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Great Day with the 84 LUMBER guys...great guys and a lot of FUN at the BIGFISH LODGE....dinner at the DRIFTEN' PELICAN and a great game of washer golf!

Had all the guys ready to go this morning...some were hurtin' but the SPECKLED TROUT were awake and active.

Capt. CT worked the edges of BRETON SOUND...Gulps and LIVE BOOGIES...GULPS were the ticket...TROUT were eating up and they stopped at 90 SPECKLED TROUT to look for a few REDS!

Capt. Danny and more of the crew were on the edges as well...LIVE boogies and lot's of TROUT...nearing 60 SPECKS THUNG mentioned getting some REDS...Danny worked near Fortuna and a handful of nice "slot" REDS to cap off the day.

Capt. Johnny had the rest of the GUYS...fished the CHANNEL for a great BOX of FISH...50 TROUT and some tired guys...long nights can poop out a crew in 94 degrees...Fun group!

Thanks Danny and 84 Lumber...caught over 200 SPECKLED TROUT and plenty REDS and even more FUN!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 7:00:09 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Great couple days in Hopedale...fishing has been good...our guests are having about as much FUN as we are joining them in Breton Sound!

Capt. Johnny joined Wesley and his wife for some QUICK LIMITS off the ROCKS...the SPECKLED TROUT were 1-3lbs on LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP... but mostly in that 14-17 inch range...Johnny fished with them and they boxed number 75(3 limits) at 8:30am!

Back to BSM for some free
Bigfish cleaning and beat the HEAT...75 TROUT and FAST!
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CAPT. CT joined THE KEMPS, Duncan, Dad and Jonathan...good guys down from Hammond/BR.

Live Boogies and steady picking up FISH all day...CT said his "morning bite" spot did not work....missed it and then it was work on the Box from there...Rocks to the Sound back into Fortuna/Machias...some here and some there...Gulps better than Live.
Finished with 53 hard earned TROUT with a ncie family!  Thanks Duncan and Steve Liffman for hooking us up!
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I joined Martha and Boo Heausler...it was Martha's birthday present...the brought buddy Owen and Martha convinced his Wife Katie to come try fishing...never had before.

First stop was a good one near Lake Machias...I worked with Katie all morning as she was learning this fishing game...We boxed 45 or so nice TROUT...but FLIPPER and a bunch of'em just took over...could not get the "bite" going again and I worked it a little too long hindsight working through some Live Boogies in the process!

We moved out to Fortuna...not much and to the Channel/rocks where we have been on a good bite for several months now...not today though!  One more move and another 25 TROUT or so...good BOX of 70 TROUT...great FOLKS and Katie will be ready for the next one for sure...Martha is always ready even though the HEAT got to the crew as late-morning rolled around!
Several bouts with throwbacks today...I mean a bunch of 'em but Fun for the crew nonetheless...the guys called it as they noticed the girls getting a little tired...left fish biting steady to beat the HEAT...made sense, it was time. GREAT DAY!
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CAPT, DANNY joined ANDY and  his buddies...A FUN group and they were a kick at the BSM CLEANING TABLES!  
Stories of the BULL NOSED REDFISH and tales of last night's activities were entertaining.

They fished Eloi and East...LIVE BOOGIES and PLASTICS...about the same success Danny said...Corked and popped alot...another great BOX of FISH....80 SPECKLED TROUT boxed and many more caught...FUN guys...GOOD DAY!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Sunday, July 20, 2008 @ 4:12:48 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Another great day down at BSM...the parking lot was full of folks paying .75 for a LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP(kidding, what an knucklehead...call me or the Marina guys)...another great day with our BIGFISH CHARTER GUESTS!

I joined the "WHALER GIRLS"....MERIDETH,SANDY and LISA...they fish at BSM all the time I agreed to help them learn some more STUFF in our area to add to what they know....the SPOIL CANAL area was our goal reasonably close to the Marina!

They did read some recent reports and agreed to check the Rocks but no further and back inside to learn...the bite on the Rocks was good for a dozen or so but no slam...COOL THING...CAPT. JOHNNY and the Columb crew had a school of BULL REDS crash them ,the BOAT, JUST "NUTS" and the ladies enjoyed just watching this...40lb BULLS coming out of the water on Pogies.

We tucked back in as planned and hit 6-8 Spots and areas WITH MAP IN HAND to help them on their next trips...one off Lake Machias was solid...25 NICE TROUT from 12-21 inches...several 3lb Moon females in close..NICE!  LIVE Boogies 3ft under a CORK are hard to beat in any Marsh area...dangle that Shrimp over their heads and good things happen!

The ladies were a BLAST...Lisa is the fisherlady  in the group....Sandy is very Mad at 'em which I love and Merideth is just plain out a piece of work...GREAT DAY...FUN!  

FINAL COUNT:  41 Speckled Trout...NICE for "inside"...1-3.2lbs...add a few WHITES and the fish fry tonight at Lisa's will be pretty darn good...and we had some "sauteed" sized or "bakers" for Sandy to take on her trip...just a cool day!  Thanks ladies!
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CAPT. JOHNNY had a great day as well...again not with "limits" of TROUT but a great day of FUN!

The Shedler's and the Columb's were Father/Son pairs...and the FISH were on the ROCKS but as I mentioned the BULL REDS took over....hitting the boat...their baits...A RED SEA and jumping out of the water...had to see it but it was nuts!  The guys boxed the smaller ones and released the REDZILLAS...some 40lb goofballs but FUN!

The TROUT did not like this too much though...so they moved and worked the SOUND...finally found 30 NICE TROUT on a wellhead and a few back in the Channel...almost anti-climatic after the running of the BULLS!

Fun day...30 TROUT...REDZILLA FUN UNLIMITED...Thanks Christian!

No Slam today...but some special days on the water with great Folks!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 4:18:22 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Another great say in the SOUND...the TROUT are eating up right now and the REDS have been mostly "slots" this week which is a bonus!
I joined Tommy Tomba and his buddies from Motorola, Garel and Larry.  One stop SHOP...4FT UNDER A CORK on the ROCKS...the TROUT were 1-2's....FAST though and some nice REDS...ONE 8LB 26inch football that will win the REDFISH bet with the other Motorola boats.  We got the visit from Flipper that slowed us briefy then CRAZY fast as we left them biting.  The extra 18inches deeper than most FISH was the key again today...4ft or light free-float and BAMM!

FINAL COUNT:  100 speckled trout...FAST "LIMITS" but with the added hassle of deep Cork we finished around 9am...still beat the HEAT...ADD 8 REDFISH in the SLOT and had a great time with good folks....Thanks Tommy!
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CAPT. KERRY joined Michael Charbonnet and his Dad and buddy.  They headed to parts unknown where Spanish is the language and cigars are all the rage.

The FISH KERRY had yesterday were "OFF THE CHARTS" BIG...so it made all the sense in the World to go "heat check" those 4-5's and the few bigger ones...loaded up some LIVE BOOGIES and carolina'rigged them deep.

The bite was steady and the FISH were BIG again in that 3-4.5 range but not as hungry today...it was a table of logs...30 or so but if you ain't got a bunch, the ones you got being "logs" is always a good thing!

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More Motorola group...Capt. Johnny had three more of the crew and the bite was a little slow.  To th eguys credit they stayed at it and nobody works harder than Johnny.  Finally near Fortuna/Machias they turned on!

A good bite for an hour or so...60 fish in a hurry with BULL REDS FOR SOME FUN... after a stubborn morning...back to BSM to clean them up and get out of the HEAT!

Capt. CT and the rest of the group were still out when I left...my guess they are working on that REDFISH BET...BAD NEWS FOR THEM...the  8lb FOOTBALL came in on the TOMBA BOAT early but they do  not know that...radio not working....OOPS!

THANKS TOMMY and HAROLD for setting this up...it was a pleasure!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 4:35:23 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BERTON SOUND

It continues to be JULY GREAT!

I joined Nick Macaluso and his buddies Mike and
Glenn...great crew and a mission to learn the
Rocks and guarantee Nick can bring his two
daughters and Wife for some BRETON SOUND FUN!

We started with a NORTH WIND...GOOFY but that
said
tuck in and Nick would get his dose of how to FISH
the ROCKS...BINGO for 25 TROUT and the LIVE
boogies were the ticket but going fast!  We made a
move down the ROCKS AND bigger fish...the
TROUT were 2lbs and the SLOT REDS were
PERFECT,,,,22-28...the GrILL was heating up!

I miscounted but we had 70 SPECKLED TROUT...
1-2.75lbs...10 REDS from 5-11lbs...add some
channels/throwbacks/heads...Boxed 80 FISH AND
HAD A BALL...Thanks Nick!
The girls and Mom are ready now!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/
ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 8:34:04 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

DAVID FRANKS and his crew brother John and friend George came down to the Lodge last night and were ready early this morning at BSM with Capt. Danny...the BIG BLUE HYDRA-SPORTS headed to Bay Eloi with a well full of LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP.

The bite was steady and they stayed protected from a pesky Wind...the TROUT were nice with many 2's and some 3's... stopped a dozen short of limits with 63 TROUT in the BOX... the guys were interested in some REDFISH.  Danny jumped over to Machias and TWO TREEs on the way down the spoil...add a handful of REDS from slots to bulls...one nice Flounder and the box was complete...great guys!

FINAL COUNT:  63 SPECKLED TROUT(1-3lbs)...5 REDFISH from 18-30plus..add the Flounder...GREAT CREW, GREAT DAY!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 @ 7:30:10 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

WINDY at BSM and we never saw it coming!

It was blowing early and often this morning out of the NORTHWEST...15 PLUS...WHAT????  That is right down the chute of the MRGO and trouble frankly for us.

I joined Chuck, Chad and Jared...great guys interested in TROUT outside...Topwater if possible...you know, July in BRETON SOUND...Well, NO DICE!

 We tucked our tails in behind the Rocks...got some keepers for some action...but 6 in the box ain't much of a morning bite...one move...NOTHING...now it is getting it and I have to break it to the guys...NO OUTSIDE...start pecking with the  LIVE BOOGIES(smallish but better than earlier this week)!

We did some moving and caught plenty small guys but these guys were great to spend a "grinder" with...one nice DOORMAT...some HEADS...3 REDS...a few CHANNELS and 20 TROUT(boxed...as many throwbacks)...no great shakes but 30 FISH and they are booked next month so we will get even with the TROUT then!

CAPT. JOHNNY had a similiar day with Alan Hubbs and his sons...GREAT GUYS and the fought the good fight too!

Hindsight we would have committed to MARSH REDS today but we did not see this forecast...so we had TROUT TRIPS booked and fished and worked and fought the good fight with great guests!

NO GREAT SHAKES...BUT GREAT TRIPS WITH GREAT PEOPLE who we will see again soon!  NW 18-22 ???

CALL 504-610-6914 OR www.thebigfish.net w/accomodations!

CAPT. BARRY

Sunday, July 13, 2008 @ 6:13:02 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Plenty Trout and the Live Boogie Shrimp(small) have been the ticket.

Yesterday(Friday)Capt. Johnny joined Shane Leger and his two buddies.  They headed to the Sound only to get "junk" fished out...the teeth are out there so they caught their 4 BULL REDS and so Capt. Johnny headed back into the Rocks... he lost some of his bait too as the water was a little funky out there....Don Dubuc mentioned some algae bloom reports and the tender White Shrimp certainly cannot handle that.

So they worked the Rocks as only Johnny knows how....DEEP under a Cork...the TROUT were there an nice up to about 3lbs but no measuring...solid FISH and the HYDRA-SPORTS BOX was filling up nicely...as they hit their "LIMITS" at 75 Speckled Trout they added a few as Johnny had actully chipped in a few for the Box.

Final count:  78 SPECKLED TROUT(their 3-man "limit")...1-3lbs...add the BULL RED "limits" and the double hammer was slammed onto the BSM TABLES!  Live and dead Boogie Shrimp deep under a Cork....Johnny has it mastered and his crew's are often amazed at how simple but effective it is!

______________________________________

Today we had a BACHELOR PARTY group of Fun guys...3 boats and many hangovers and several passouts...plenty Fish though as the guys are frying FISH at the Lodge tonight...nearly 200 TROUT and Capt. Johnny's boat led the way with 90 PRETTY TROUT...CAPT. CT and Danny had the rest of the "crazies"...some of these guys may sleep for a few days after this one!

Special Thanks to Mitch Roth for bringing these guys to us...he is a regular with TEAM BIGFISH and we always appreciate his business!
______________________________________

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Saturday, July 12, 2008 @ 9:25:55 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

I have been out of town for a few days so I am behind on reports...but Capt. Danny, Capt. CT and CAPT. Johnny had some great trips with Gilbert Crowton and family...Frank Kommitsky and family and a few others, Shane Leger and his crew...missing some here and we did not book two days this week...several vacations and a breather!

I do not take many days off so to those handful of callers and e-mailers...reports will be steady again...the fishing is outstanding and I will get some of the above details and all 7 trips this weekend reported on time...Sorry!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Friday, July 11, 2008 @ 2:37:13 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

When the fishing is SOO GOOOD that you can start taking requests then you know you are in the right place...HOPEDALE LOUISIANA!  Grab some LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP and head to BRETON SOUND or get a BIGFISH CHARTER and let us take you there...and work on your SPECIAL REQUEST!

Charlie Pinson had some friends in town and decided the needed to experience some BIGFISH STLYE...Capt. CT was in the Hydra-sports at BSM at 4:45am...loaded with LIVE BOOGIE and they were off...little weather in the SOUND...and plenty SPECKLED TROUT!

The bite was steady with plenty from 13-18 inches...BOX filling up nicely and then the BIGFISH request..."Hey, it is on your website,shirt,card,etc"

Well CT kept them in the TROUT nearing 80 or so when it slowed...the tide was turning but often that can be the PERFECT TIME get the REDS on the ROCKS...TIDE is not blowing your bait off the structure and the "spotted tails" are snugged in there tight!  The conditions set up for rare opportunity to hammer the Trout and then get the REDS too...a plan but it has to work....BINGO!

As CT thought they were there...NICE "SLOTS" from 25-28 inches...will be nice on Charlie's fancy new grill!  A couple "limits" of SLOTS and a few BULL REDS for FUN...A PERFECT DAY as requested by the CREW!

FINAL COUNT:  78 SPECKLED TROUT...a couple "limits" of REDS of all sizes and shapes.  Add some Channels and Heads and Puppies and it was a "vintage" 100 FISH caught in Breton SOUND..."And on REQUEST"!  

Special Thanks to the TROUT and REDFISH...we will do it again real soon!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Sunday, July 6, 2008 @ 8:22:54 AM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Bigfish Style and then some for FRANK KOMITSKY and his crew led by the little guys Dave and Matthew...took time away from their recent concert tour to join us in Hopedale...OOPS, not the Dave Matthews Band but a couple 7-8 year olds who love to catch FISH!

CAPT. CT took the crew to a busy place along the ROCKS and avoided that one nasty storm to the WEST...the FISH were on and the little guys were rolling....I was not far from them and could hear the FUN!

Grandpa had his old Mitchell with a sparkle beetle and was ready to show the youngsters...the reel worked as well as the new Mitchells CT had the little guys on but the LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP embarrassed the poor old beetle...the GULPS did too but the BOX WAS FILLIN UP as Dave and Matthew were just wearing them out!

About 60-70 speckled trout into the morning the "BIGGER FISH and REDFISH" conversation came up....the STORM had cleared the ROCKS by now so they left the biting TROUT for BIGFISH DREAMS...and you cannot imagine 7 year olds on BULL REDS as big as they are unless yuo have seen it happen...BIG FUN and memories for a lifetime!

PERFECT DAY with good people...anyone who prioritizes getting all the generations on the boat for a special day...Thanks Frank for trusting BIGFISH with that "day" and we look forward to watching Dave and Matthew over the coming years enjoy their fishing!

I was not far from this FUN and caught myself just watching the little guys up on the bow of the HYDRA-SPORTS hooked up and having a Ball...it was a reminder that it is all about the kids this time of year and we should all be committed like Frank to get them out there... we have had several weeks now of these family groups down at the BRETON SOUND MARINA...VERY SPECIAL DAYS ON THE WATER!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Friday, July 4, 2008 @ 6:29:17 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Another TROUT BONANZA just off the MRGO in Bay Eloi...it was about as FAST as it has been in recent weeks but they were smallish today with throwbacks mixed in!

Murphy Bowers and his sons Brett and Eric and work colleague Mark.  Murphy is fresh back from overseaas but rather than take a day to get back on his sleep cycle he just went straight fishing.  The weather was around in FORTUNA and near the MRGO so we tucked off left in ELOI and started catching TROUT in the dark with LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP under a rattling Cork.

The TROUT were small though...keeping some and throwing back too many to keep burning bait...I thought for a while we would have our 100 TROUT and only have 1200 inches of FISH!

 But thankfully the SPECKLED TROUT got larger as the SUN peeped up...I do not know why but a big school of Pogies moved through...may have helped?  Now we were in to 12-17 inch TROUT pretty thick so I was not going to leave them...the boys were catching on but Murphy and Mark were up on the front of the TWIN VEE just wearing them out.

 The weather stayed around but we were dry as number 100 hit the Box at 8am...the last 15 TROUT took an hour as the bite seemed to fade as it did yesterday but still enough not to move!

FINAL COUNT:  100 SPECKLED TROUT...LIVE BOOGIES and some plastic...8am "limits" are FUN...little lite on the size with many 12-14's and not enough 17-19's(some)...fish fry at the BOWER'S house for the 4th of July should be outstanding!

CAPT. CT was near me with the Komitsky family with some youngsters that were having a ball...we could hear them as CT was running around the boat baiting and boxing and   taking care of the crew...BigFish Style I thing he calls it!
I will get that one up later!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Friday, July 4, 2008 @ 2:21:23 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

The SPECKLED TROUT free-for-all continued again this morning...there was some weather in the area but the TAP ROOM CREW from Covington was ready to roll...we got some light rain in the Channel but eased through it and got the LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP in the water about 5:20am!

It was early and often after getting a few initial tangles undone... the guys got into a groove with our BRETON SOUND TROUT and just plain  SMOKED 'EM!  The weather was off to our East IN ELOI but somehow we were distracted by the FISH...the Westerly Wind actually worked with our casting direction so it was just right.  

Keith settled down on the front of the boat and caught a few less but had the better Trout...handful of 2-plus lbers while Steve, Scott and Bill just pounded the 12-17inch Trout of the back with light tackle and had a Ball filling the TWIN VEE BOX!

We finished off their "limits" at 7:53am as the bite was fading in little to no tide but we squeaked in under the wire.  Keith closed the deal with a pretty 18-inch Trout...nothing too big this morning but about as FAST and FURIOUS as you could ask for...the guys were all ready to drink a bunch of beer and the first one only came out after the last fish...NUTS but FUN morning!

FINAL COUNT:  100 SPECKLED TROUT...easy "LIMITS" and back to BSM early for some free fish cleaning while the guys headed up to clean themselves up a bit!  Thanks Steve for the call...good to see you again!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Thursday, July 3, 2008 @ 12:52:55 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

The SUMMERTIME in BRETON SOUND keeps things at BSM hopping along and the key to all the FUN...LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP and CROAKERS!

Today(story below)I got ona great bite early with Pete and his Son Andy and Beren..."LIMITS" were done early and we beat the HEAT and some youthful short attention spans!

75 fast TROUT!

______________________________________

Capt. Kerry joined Gerald Patch and Grady Thigpen and a few buddies....they wanted to add to their knowledge of the area and requested KERRY who they have fished with before with TEAM BIGFISH!

The got off to a slow start and mowed through some Shrimp and Croakers with 20 or so to show!  Made several moves and later int he morning got adecent plastic/Hybrid bite going to BOX nearly 60 TROUT up to 3lbs...not a SLAM but the guys got some more info on the area and are staying at the BIGFISH LODGE tonight to fish in their own boat tomorrow...GOOD DAY!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 @ 5:26:35 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

The TROUT in BAY ELOI are in their usual June/July brown shrimp mode...FAST!

I joined Pete Campese and his son Andy this morning along with my deckhand Beren....we headed out to the end of the ROCKS...Pete had already let me know Andy and his cousin would not last too long as they were not early birds...will the cousin never made it at all but we got busy quick to keep Andy's attention span going!

First cast and it was on....TROUT were eating up as fast as you could say LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP and FISH ON!  Papa Pete was off to a slow start but we had Andy wide awake and my deckhand grabbed a Mitchell/Marshmaster and was fishing...not much of a deckhand but the hooking and baiting and boxing are my duties anyway...we were off to the races and Pete got hot soon thereafter.

Mixed size...a few good ones but mostly 1-2's as FAST as we could go...Andy and Beren were rolling so FAST I lost count and had to do a BOX check/count....CRAZY!   Pete got some better FISH turning and throwing cross tide and letting the bait drift into the zone...so we finished off the "LIMITS" with that technique and topped the TWIN VEE BOX off quite nicely!  At 7:46am the damage was done and Andy(as Dad predicted) was done but he made it through the 3 hours of FUN before he was done...GOOD STUFF!

FINAL COUNT:  75 FAST Speckled Trout...easy "LIMITS" for our guests and my deckhand(my 9-year old Son)who I knew would not be much of a deckhand... but he sure helped throw that 3rd limit in the BOX!

 We have been on a good bite for a while now...I have been taking mostly families and youngsters and the fast action is keeping the attention of even the most distracted of anglers...but that is the SUMMER at the BRETON SOUND MARINA in HOPEDALE...plenty FISH and FUN!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 @ 1:52:26 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

The weather was a little off but the SPECKLED
TROUT were very ON!  The crews all stayed dry
and safe...it was a little nasty out there today!

Capt. Danny joined Don and his buddies for a nice
little TROUT SLAM this morning...not every cast
but steady and solid with LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP and
some good guys.   They dodged some weather
and with a few good bites filled the HYDRA-
SPORTS BOX!

The Trout were not huge as they were not making
sense of going out to the SOUND...but number 75
hit the BOX around 11am and that made for a
perfect morning on the edges!

FINAL COUNT:  75 trout(LIMITS)...not super FAST
but steady and safe tucked in arouond the storms!
_________________________________________________

CAPT. JOHNNY joined Don and his crew from
Ponchatoula...they did the same drill in a different
area...plenty nice FISH....out of the weather...and
loading the boat!

Live Boogies under a Cork....working th eedges of
the Mrgo...Rocks are a FISH holder and the land
nearby often hold bait and more SPECKLED TROUT
than you can stand!  Today was no exception and
the Ponchatoula crew overcame their bad luck trip
downriver last year...they love the FAST ACTION!

FINAL COUNT:  75 trout(limits)...12-18 inches but
solid and safe morning...these three guys are
coming back next month...their 4th buddy in ALA.
missed a good one...next time!
------------------------------------------

Capt. Kerry joined Rick Simms and his buddies
from A-Z marine....the  weather makes you adjust
in ways you might not have otherwise...you zig
and zag staying safe...they left a good bite to
avoid the bad stuff but probably cost them a few
FISH!  Good day and Rick is talking about another
crew in a few weeks.

Final count:  40 TROUT...1 RED and a good
time...see you soon Rick!

CALLL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET
W/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Monday, June 30, 2008 @ 8:01:09 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Another great morning....a little dreary looking this morning with some WEST wind...and my crew was a little dreary looking after too much FUN at the BIGFISH LODGE!

Tucked into to  WEST WIND HEAVEN(there is such a place)of course on the EAST side of the MRGO...protected unless you are a Speckled Trout...Mike got right to business landing 3 before I could get Andy untangled...Blake got going on the back and it was on!

 Andy and I decided the California boy would be better off if I cast for him and he take over from there...so we did and it was a free-for-all with the LIVE BOOGIES and the TROUT...what a combination!

 Under a CORK and steady for two great hours...Andy never really got the casting thing but the hook-setting and  landing part he was right on....Mike worked the front as they came through and Blake quietly worked the back of the TWIN VEE!

No monsters but only a few throwbacks...13-19 inch TROUT but plentiful...the bigger Shrimp with the
horn broken off got the better TROUT on the first cast...after somewhat dead then nothing...very specific what worked today!

 These guys were great...Mike announced at our "LIMITS" that it was 7:45am...he added I have heard about these trips and now it is my turn!  They were tired so we took their "limits" and headed in...I did not catch a FISH as I was casting for Andy so we did not keep my "limit" but we left them eating up pretty good!

Back to BSM for some free fish cleaning and the guys slept back at the Lodge while I cleaned them up.  The rest of the group, SCOTT and the guys were with CAPT. DANNY...details later but 60 TROUT were in the boat last I heard.

FINAL COUNT:  75 SPECKLED TROUT(easy LIMITS)13-19 inches...fast and furious and FUN...7:45am and the guys adrenalin carried them for a few hours.
Funny thing...BLAKE saw me looking for room in the drink Box for the food...he "volunteers" to take a beer at 4:30am to make room for the mayo...that's cooperation! Andy lost that California "laid back" thing and gotmad at 'em quickly...FUN CREW!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Sunday, June 29, 2008 @ 4:51:02 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

I have already fished today and will get that HAMMMER REPORT up later when I get the rest of the group's names.

Saturday Capt. CT joined The Guilbeau crew...the WINDS were up and from the WEST...not the greatest but CT and the crew worked the ROCKS...they always give you a chance to put together a BOX...and with the help of some LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP and GULPS...the action was steady all morning!

Final count:  72 Speckled Trout...12-17 inches...add a few REDS and some Heads and Channels...nice BOX of 80 fish!
______________________________________

Capt. Danny joined David Picou and his buddies from the Stratford Club...David let Danny know bets were on so Danny scrounged up some Croakers and headed to his favorite nearby BIGFISH SPOT...BINGO!

They caught 75 of the prettiest TROUT you can imagine...several in that 4 1/2 range and their five fish stringer was in contention at the RODEO!  Another 80 fish BOX on a slightly "off" day....would not know it by these boxes of FISH at BSM!br>FINAL COUNT:  75 BIG TROUT(2-4.8lbs)...add some REDS/DRUM! NICE BOX from the "Honey Hole"!

_____________________________________

Capt. Johnny joined Billy and his crew of fellow "party" boys...all night and into the morning...atleast until the next two cases of beer ran out.  The crew did not tell us they were in the Rodeo until they were in the middle of a nice morning bite...20 Trout 12-19 inches but they popped up with the "We need bigger" request then...odd time!

Then in 4ft seas they decided they needed to see the DOPE BOAT for nostalgia reasons and try to catch a big one there...Thank Goodness for the HYDRA-SPORTS in those seas but the guys did not last long out there...back in to the Channel to go back to the 2lb TROUT...the BEER ran out 10 more fish in so the PARTY was over!  Fun guys...not too serious about the fishing part of party!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

MORE REPORTS FROM TODAY LATER!

Sunday, June 29, 2008 @ 11:55:37 AM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Wow, it is as good as it gets right now...the TROUT and REDFISH are in the mood in Hopedale right now and the LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP do not hurt either!

I joined Andy Galy and his sons Austin and Alexander for a TROUT SLAM this morning in ELOI...it was FAST and FURIOUS and the youngsters and Dad had a day...I however may be in a sling after this great week of FAMILY FISHING but my right shoulder may need some help!

We started on the ROCKS and to be fair to the youngsters it was not an easy cast but the SPECKLED TROUT were there...FAST...I cast...the set and reel and it was 3 hours of BIG FUN...DAD ANDY waited until late to catch the FISH OF THE DAY...3 3/4lbs and another 3 right behind that one...NICE!

Alexander was the man early...Austin caught up and DAD brought home the BIGFISH late...PERFECT!  

FINAL COUNT:  100 SPECKLED TROUT(LIMITS)  1-3.75 lbs..mostly 1-2's but fast and fun!  GREAT DAY!
______________________________________

CAPT. JOHNNY joined Geoff, Ricky and Allen from Mississippi...they had a great day with BIGFISH/LOT;S OF FISH and a few Blackfish for the Crab trap crew!

Final count:  63 Speckled Trout...add the REDS/BLACKS/HEADS and good Fun and we will see them again soon...as to their buddies back home...YOU MISSED IT BOYS! The guys did not need to talk trash because you were not ther to hear it....NEXT TIME!
______________________________________

Capt. Danny joined Woodward and his crew from parts unknown...the guys were early and eager and frankly very cool guys...love to FISH!

  They headed to Lake Fortuna and worked the edges for a steady TROUT BITE then Godzilla the REDFISH took them for a ride....they chased him down and eventually got him in!  Normally you would not leave a TROUT bite to do this but it was the highlight of the day...a 30lber!

FINAL COUNT:  60 SPECKLED TROUT...add the BIG RED and the crew is booking a trip in July to come get'em again!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT.BARRY

Friday, June 27, 2008 @ 4:04:36 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

The great fishing continues at BSM/HOPEDALE and TEAM BIGFISH has been taking many family and friends this week.

I continued FAMILY WEEK with the Forshag family...great folks to spend the day with...it was Dad Kurt's birthday and Mom Lisa's treat with Sons Craig and Casey.  We headed out tothe SOUND with very little tide today but we knew that going in...worked some land and rocks and structures...places the TROUT would be anyway without tidal help.

Got on a good bite over some shells at a nearby rig in Eloi...steady bite for about 25 TROUT but not a slam and we chewed through some  Live boogies...good enough bite to not move but not so great to get jacked up!

Worked around the ROCKS for another 20 or so...steady with some NICE TROUT around 3lbs...mostly 14-17 inches with very few throwbacks...one at a time though!  The guys were solid so we made another move to a nearby reef...more TROUT and some nice ones...lost a really good one at the propeller...she got big for a reason...SMART! Left them steadily biting to beat the heat for Dad at 10am...a few short of our Limits but the crew was happy but HOT!

 Craig was the man today...Dad was steady and Casey who is probably the best fisherman of the group stayed out of the way and let Dad and Bro have the best boat spots...GOOD CREW....GOOD PEOPLE....GREAT DAY....Thanks Lisa for treating the guys and joining us for good company.

FINAL COUNT:  68 SPECKLED TROUT...1-3lbs...solid fish today...steady bite all around the edges of ELOI/CHANNEL/FORTUNA...Glow Gulps helped as the Live boogies faded.
______________________________________

Capt. Johnny joined Bob RABITO and his 2 buddies form COLORADO...they are in town to work a food convention and ended up catching the best food they will see all week...TROUT and REDS from BRETON SOUND!

First stop off the Channel...boxed 20 nice Trout and were on a steady bite and the guys wanted to rig hop...Johnny explained light tide days are  often spotty on rigs but it only take one good bite so out they went...SLOW and SLOWER!

Back to the edges for more HYDRA-SPORTS BOX filling and the mixed in REDFISH were the hit of the party.

FINAL COUNT:  50 SPECKLED TROUT(1-2.25lbs)...add some REDS for FUN and even the one that got way which was chased by a diving angler after him...HE WANTED THAT FISH!  Good guys and good times!

______________________________________

Capt. Kerry joined David Waguespack and his Son for a day on the water...the worked Eloi and the various rigs...we were all on the Radio and the light tide had everyone befuddled...they put together a fish fry with 20 something FISH and the little man caught his fair share...but they can be scattered on days like today...good day nonetheless!  

Back at 'em tomorrow...we get the flip over tide mid morning...falling all day for a while now after incoming for this past month...let's see what pattern emerges on the flop!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 4:51:21 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

The GREAT FISHING continues this week...about as HOT as the temps so we have been leaving early and nailing that morning bite!  We have also been taking many youngsters and families so we have also been adjsuting to their needs and comforts as well...it is YOUR day on the water and we make sure you catch the FISH!

Capt. Johnny joined BIG REGGIE and Jim from the north part of the State...wanted to get down here and see what all the FUSS was about with the TROUT!   The intentionally kept it close in the CHANNEL...and pretty TROUT...1-3lbs but mostly those 1.5-2's...nice median fish and fast!

They worked LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP deep under a CORK...the guys are fisherman so it was quick to the "LIMITS" and Johnny got to fish in with them...8am "LIMITS" with pretty FISH and back to BSM and showers at the BIGFISH LODGE while the FISH were being cleaned FREE!

FINAL COUNT: 75 TROUT(8am limits)...1-3lbs...the guys loved fishing with Johnny and are coming back!

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I joined Frank and his son Alex...the guys are computer genius types but needed to get out of the "MACWORLD" and get in to some speckled TROUT.
 There were some storms and Alex is not much on lightning or heat...well that kept things simple but it did not help the poor hapless TROUT!

We worked the ROCKS as well for some FAST TROUT action...a llitle too fast at times but Alex took some break and I kept his MITCHELL 300 HOT while Frank kept steadily filliing the TWIN VEE BOX!

They wanted LIVE BOOGIES 2ft under a Cork and not popped...let the Shrimp pop...no Cork spook and FISH ON!  We hit 70 TROUT quickly...had a "TEETH" fish invasion then finished on two  "doubles" and left them biting...passed Johnny and his crew as they were picking up anchor and we all rode in together at 8am...very nice and a good morning tailored to our guests and their unique needs!

FINAL COUNT:  75 SPECKLED TROUT... limits very FAST...smaller due to our location but nice nonetheless...1-2.25lbs...but easy "limits" and 4 gallon bags of good eats for the COMPUTER GUYS from Metarie!
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Capt. Danny also kept family week at BIGFISH going yesterday with 73 NICE TROUT with part of the Lange outing...the youngsters had a BALL and as usual they are coming back is a month or so...family FUN is all part of doing it BIGFISH STYLE!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 @ 3:06:03 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

The SPECKLED TROUT are GOOFY in the MOOD
right now and TEAM BIGFISH has been having FUN
with FAMILY WEEK...lot's of 4-12 year olds...70
plus year old anglers and filling the boxes every
day!

I joined Alan Lange and his sons 7 year old Ford
and 6 year old JAKE...we took a little time getting
organized but the SPECKLED TROUT were just
NUTS!

DAD ALAN went to work on 1-2.5lb TROUT while I
worked with the youngsters...it was GREAT!  We
stayed on a non-stop bite fot two hours...and
when number 75 hit the TWIN VEE BOX...the little
guys were talking other thoughts...so with our
"LIMITS" in the BOX we headed back to BSM for
some fish cleaning at 7:45am...it was short with
the LIVE BOOGIES but the 2 hours or so matched
the youngsters attention span so it was PERFECT!

FINAL COUNT:  75 TROUT LIMITS...1-3lbs and
FAST and FURIOUS and FUN!

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CAPT, CT and DANNY joined Mike Dufrene and his
youngsters yesterday...140 PRETTY TROUT FOR
THE 6 ANGLERS...great crew...CT had the bigger
FISH up to 3lbs plus and DANNY and his crew had
the numbers with 3-LIMITS....GOOD STUFF!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/
ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Monday, June 23, 2008 @ 5:43:11 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Early "LIMITS" for Theresa Baker and her better half Pat(his birthday present)and it was a good one!

Today we headed to Bay Eloi with Live Boogie Shrimp...Pat was ready to go but Theresa was fishing for the first time but eager to learn.  The first cast I made for her
the Cork never came up and she asked where is the cork...and the TROUT about jerked it out of her hand!
She was a trooper and caught more than her third of the FISH.

She only took a break because her hand hurt and she was getting a blister...THE BRETON SOUND TROUT will
do that to you!  Pat was steady for the entire two hours!  We iced number 75 at 7:38am and they looked pooped but excited...even put in a call to Elton who referred them...might have woke him up actually!

75 TROUT(LIMITS,I jumped in too)...1-2.5lbs...virtually no throwbacks but no big ones either...just nice!
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CAPT. DANNY had two great days Friday and Saturday.

FRIDAY:
Ricky Rowell and his group boxed 78 PRETTY TROUT FRIDAY...Ricky was sneaking a trip in for the THOTH RODEO which he had to work on Sat...brought his Son and the had their usual great day with Danny!

Saturday:

Danny was joined by Eddie Ducasse and his sons Brandon and Blake...the 12 year old twins are through with baseball and were ready for some FISH...ELOI and BOOGIES...fish on steady all morning!

They boxed their 75 TROUT "limits" and went looking for some REDS FOR THE RODEO...could not get away from the TROUT  as Danny helped out...the ended with 89 pretty TROUT...nice problem when you cannot get away from the Speckled Trout...only down at BSM in Hopedale can this be a problem!

Capt. CT and Danny are out finishing up right now...I will get those reports up later today!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Sunday, June 22, 2008 @ 12:19:25 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Well, we won the battle with Dustin,Andrew and Chuck this morning...BUT WE LOST THE WAR! We "LIMITED" out quickly this morning and were gone by the time everyone else got back...feeling good the guys headed to New Orleans...the bet was most,fastest,biggest and biggest average(5-fish)
Capt. Johnny had the rest of the crew and they were on a steady bite in Breton Sound...not slamming but many of the FISH were 3lbs or better...netting all of them FISH if you know waht I mean!  It was Live Boogies and patience...the FISH were solid sized and Johnny knew I probably had the numbers based on where I was...so his crew strategized the "SIZE" part of the bet...GOOD STUFF!  They were sneaky too not answering the RADIO calls of "cockiness"...7:30am, we are done , we are you? etc.

Johnny and the crew finished off a BOX of 2-4lb TROUT and many over 3lbs which is an outstanding average FISH!

80 logs @ 3lbs which trumped our 100 "LIMITS" in two of the categories...THE BET WAS A PUSH!GREAT DAY...Good Luck Andrew with the wedding and Thanks Dustin for the call!We call this FUN doing it BIGFISH STYLE!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMOMDATIONS!CAPT. BARRY

Friday, June 20, 2008 @ 4:59:52 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

SPECKLED TROUT EATING UP THIS WEEK!

Another great morning in BRETON SOUND!
We had a Bachelor Party GROUP for Dustin Mitchell...Capt. Johnny took the other 3 guys while I had the Groom, Andrew and Dustin and Chuck...FUN GUYS!

First few casts took a little teaching and handle changing but as we were learning the TROUT were tearing the LIVE BOOGIE SHRIMP apart!  It was "ON" for two hours under CORKS...working the edges of ELOI against land...the canal pecal area!

Dustin was the fisherman even though we learned he is not the hunter...takes the little Bucks too early but he was taking the TROUT in all sizes and FAST!  I jumped in too...this was just nuts and number 100 hit the Twin Vee Box at 7:26am...we took our time getting back to the Breton Sound Marina trying to get the other group on the radio...apparently Capt. Johnny had them busy too!

 I will get that up later along with Capt. Danny's report with Ricky Rowell from the Thoth Rodeo crew staying at the BIGFISH LODGE!

FINAL FAST COUNT:  100 TROUT...1-2.5lbs)...early and often fishing!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMODATIONS!

CAPT. BARRY

Friday, June 20, 2008 @ 1:28:05 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND

Wow...after everybody smokin' em yesterday...today had alot to live up to!

Capt. Danny joined SCOTT LASSITER and part of his crew...they wanted BIGFISH only so they headed to the SOUND...A PRETTY box of LOGS up to 4lbs...60 total and mission accomplished!  Limited Croakers kept the box from overfilling with LOGS but it was a stout BOX nonetheless!

Capt. Johnny had the "crazies" who said just put us on e'm baby...100 TROUT "LIMITS" from 1-3lbs...great guys from Hattiesburg...started at the rigs in the SOUND  and finished in the Channel as only Johnny can do...the guys were still entertaining at the BSM TABLES...the LIVE BOOGIES SHRIMP were the key to a great day!

I joined Rusty Tardo and his neighbor Brian for a FISH THE ROCKS morning...we hammered out our 3-limits never leaving the Channel...you will read about this one on August in that magazine...great primer for those in smaller boats who can never get out of the MRGO and put "LIMITS" of pretty TROUT in their ice chest!

 Also burned only 8 gallons in my 22FT TWIN VEE...small boat trip...very little gas....'LIMITS"...beat the HEAT close....I have heard this requested a bunch at BSM so I joined one of the best writers around and we did a MRGO 101 article for August!

CALL 504-610-6914 or WWW.THEBIGFISH.NET w/ACCOMOMDATIONS!

"lIMITS" or CLOSE...SCHOOLIES or LOGS...INSIDE/EDGE or OUTSIDE...TEAM BIGFISH will work hard for you to have a special day on the water within your requests and YOU CATCH THE FISH!

CAPT. BARRY

Thursday, June 19, 2008 @ 4:45:14 PM

HOPEDALE, LA USA

BIGFISH/HOPEDALE/ BRETON SOUND