Cocodrie, LA USA

Reel Life Fishing
The weather has us shut in for a few so here is a tease of what has been going on down in Cocodrie. As always I never get to land the marlin because the last two that hit my lines hit on 50# and 40# leader. I know its possible but it didn't happen for us. We did however get a great show on a 300 pounder giving us 4 jumps and 3 real nice tail walks before pulling the hook. The next was the smallest blue I ever saw. He ate both live baits and then we reset and hooked him. We only got one jump but I think this fish would have gone an amazing 75 pounds. Also while out there catching tuna we had a visitor seeking refuge from the tuna. A sea turtle came and hide out next to the boat to hide because the small hard tails were hiding under it. It was like a discovery channel moment. A turtle on the surface with hundreds of small live baits hiding under it and then hundreds of tuna crashing everywhere around the tuna. The hard tails were jumping for there lives, the tuna were having their lunch and the poor turtle was going nuts trying to get away. All the while this is going on we are tossing baits into the action. We hooked 3 and backed off to land them and watched as the show went on until the turtle came to the boat. A show like this would have been great on a camera but everyone was so excited to see this and Capt Eric and I were busy hooking fish so no pictures were taken, but what a show. The cobia have arrived so its time to get them. Mangroves, tuna, amberjacks, cobia you want fish we got them. Give Capt Tommy Pellegrin a call for your day on the water. 985-851-3304.

Thursday, September 10, 2009 @ 9:14:47 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

The snapper season has closed and what a season it was. Not for the monster sows but for the average size fish running over 10 pounds. Also for the total number of snapper out there. I can't wait till next year to see how much the snapper will fatten up. On Thursday it was a TV shoot and I had Bryan and Wendy Foty, along with Fred Carter, Pete Duchock and Mike Lane. What a day, the snapper were around 12 to 15 pounds and coming in the boat so fast we didn't know which way to turn. When the dust settled we had a limit of really nice snapper. Next was a few mangroves but it was the amberjacks that put a whipping on the guests. They were big and mean but Wendy showed them what a petite cajun girl can do. I didn't hear any whimpering from her like I heard from Bryan after his AJ either. There was a little mishap on Bryans part, he lost my favorite leader and hook. It was attached to my favorite rod and reel at the time. I will not go into any expence details because you don't want to know. I will say though, it was bright gold and said International on it. Pete held his own with the red and mangrove snapper but opted out after he saw the first AJ caught. Fred Carter held tight and caught a little of everything. We had a great time on the water. On Friday it was Clint Mathews of Goose Guides looking for a box filling trip. All I can say is ouch. In 17 years I have never had so many lines break and big fish get away. The king mackerel were so thick they would eat the lead on the way down or on the way up with a fish on the line. Needless to say it was difficult to get anything to the surface. Good thing I had lots of Mustad hooks because I needed them this day. We did however end up with 500 pounds of fish for the last day of snapper season. I was looking for better luck on Saturday with Wayne and the Cortec gang and well lets just say that the lines were not breaking but the fish were winning the battle. I was tired of telling them that we were 1 for 10 or 2 for 8 or what ever was the count on the mangroves. The fish just wouldn't stay buttoned up. We eventually got enough mangroves and amberjacks to make 450 pounds of fish. Call Capt Tommy Pellegrin if you want to get in on the mangroves and jacks. The cobia are showing up pretty good also. 985-851-3304.

Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 2:49:00 PM

Crowley, LA USA

Last Snapper run of the season!

Had the pleasure once again of fishing w/ Custom Charters, LLC and Captains Tommy & Eric Pellegrin out of Cocodrie yesterday. We got the call that they needed some help reeling in some fish for a video shoot, so we made some calls and were able to make the trip. We were surprised when we arrived to see the “Reel Life” sporting its new configuration of triple 300hp Suzuki outboards, instead of the old diesels. Boy, has that boat changed for the better! Speed and ride are much improved for the yellow workhorse!
We knew it was going to be a crazy day when we are riding out through Lake Pelto and feel a “thump” and hear a strange noise from the top of the boat. The world is minus one less seagull today following a mid-air collision between the bird and Capt. Tommy’s big VHF antenna. The bird lost! Cruising at 38 mph, we made it to the fishing grounds in no time, drifting over one of Custom Charters underwater wrecks they fish on a regular basis. The big old “endangered” red snapper were waiting for us! It was announced early on that if it was not double digits, it was not going in the box. We all knew quantity was not an issue, so we keyed in on quality. Within 30 minutes, we were done! Even with throwing back legal fish and re-baiting, we never worked up a sweat. The cameraman actually had to tell us to slow down so he could get more footage, it was that crazy.
After finishing off the snapper limit, it was off for amberjack, but we ran into an old mangrove hole on the way out. A quick stop produced 7 big mangroves, then throttles down again for the amberjack. It wasn’t long before the bruises started. Parts of my body are bruised from wrestling these hard fighting fish that shouldn’t be bruised - lol. These were not just ordinary amberjacks, these were the “call your momma, I’m hurt” fish! After fighting one of these fish, you needed a 20 minute rest period just to catch your breath and get the feeling in your arms back.  With the limit of only one per person, we were glad when we had the last one in the box!
Next stop was a rig for more mangroves, but also looking for a scamp or warsaw grouper. We were not disappointed there either, since we fought mangroves on top, while a few lost their tackle to something BIG down deep. Then it happened! That unforgettable grunt from a man holding a fishing pole after a big grouper inhales a live hardtail somewhere in the dark deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. After a few choice words, lots of sweat, and burning muscles of the angler, the monster of the deep hits the deck. The seas were flat, the water was blue, and company was great!
Once again, the hardest working charter captains in the Gulf of Mexico did a fine job capturing some of the best eating the world has to offer right off the coast of Louisiana. If you ever want to reward your staff, or you’re looking for a great gift idea for a couple or group, you will not be disappointed by the trip you book w/ Custom Charters in Cocodrie.

Friday, August 14, 2009 @ 1:36:13 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

I have open days on Wed and Thurs so if you and your fishing buddy don't have a group send me an e-mail and join up with a gang. I'm looking for 6 people each day so you have a chance to get in on the action. Cost will be $250 per person for the trip and the fuel. Don't delay get in today on the best action in years. Call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851- 3304.

Mike Lane you in?

From Mike Lane:

I'm in for Thursday. I will bring my video camera and film the trip for my TV Show. So come on guys and girls, let's catch some great fish with Tommy and at the same time I will make you more famous than you already are. Click here to see our last trip with Tommy (3rd segment).

Snapper season is almost over, let's get 'em!

Sunday, August 9, 2009 @ 9:51:11 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

The fishing in Cocodrie is still on fire. The weather has cooperated and the seas have been slick calm making it easy to get to and catch all of the fish we want. the limits of snapper have been 10 to 15 pound fish and the AJ's are so stupid they are eating anything dead or alive. The big AJ of the week was 63 pounds. Thursday and Friday the fish came in so quick we were limited with red snapper and AJ's by 10:30 to 11am each day. This leaves a lot of time for other fish so we have been harassing the mangroves. I still have days open next week so call to get in on the red snapper season. It's been so nice to fish sense the weather calmed down. We are using only 4 oz of lead and only fishing 20 to 30 feet down for the snapper and the jacks. It sure is nice to see the snapper come and eat your bait. The water is that clean right now. Want to fish in an aquarium call Capt Tommy Pellegrin, 985-851-3304.

Sunday, August 9, 2009 @ 9:29:53 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

"Reel Life" Fishing
Here's the story and I'm sticking to it. The fish have gone crazy down in Cocodrie. They are all trying to get into the ice box so we are helping them as much as possible. The red snapper, mangroves, amberjacks are getting as much ice time as the law allows. The fishing is as good as it gets so don't miss out on the rest of the red snapper season. I have days open so call now. The pictures will tell the story. I even ran an overnight tuna trip Monday night and I can't believe I didn't get one picture of a fish. We did however catch about 20 or so tuna, Black fin and Yellow fin. For your trip call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 @ 11:58:01 AM

houma, LA USA

The fishing continues to be as good as it gets. The fish are hungry and ready to be caught. As long as you can make it out with this unusual July weather the fish are there. Again the pictures speak for themselves! Get in on the action. Its not too late with a few days left open before snapper season closes. DON'T MISS OUT!!!! Call Capt Eric or Tommy Pellegrin @ 985-851-3304.

Thursday, July 30, 2009 @ 12:33:41 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

It was fairly rough today out in the Gulf so Mitch Talbot and gang called it quits after a really nice limit of red snapper. Today I had a rookie fisherman and I tested him with a Berkley Gulp squid. I rigged it carolina style with an 8/0 Mustad Ultra Point circle hook (39950BL). It didn't take long for the snapper to inhale this bait. Who needs smelly pogies or sardines. He caught 5 fish on the Gulp squid before it was taken away. A lot of catch and release today. For your day on the water call capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 @ 5:38:25 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

"Reel Life" Fishing
The fishing down in Cocodrie is awesome right now and the red snapper season has only 2 weeks left so don't miss out. we are averaging 550 pounds of fish per day and have days open starting on Sunday August 2nd. Also at lease one boat open on every day the rest of the red snapper season.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 @ 1:22:10 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Finally after a month of renovations to the "REEL LIFE" I'm back on the water. No longer do I have the diesel engines in the boat. It now has triple 300 Suzuki's on the back. The best part of it all is that fact that I didn't forget how to fish. I must say a big THANK YOU to Paul and Ryan at Terrebonne Marine for working to midnight or later last week to get the boat rigged in time for the trips this past weekend. Thursday night we finished at 2:30 and I was running a trip at 6am Friday morning. Great Job guys.

Now the fishing, capt Eric has been running the trips and catching all kinds of fish making me very jealous. On Friday it was Jimmy Comeaux and gang wanting lots of fish and that is just what they got. We started off with 10+ pound snapper, then went on to the AJ's and found some nice 40 pounders to put in the box. On again to the mangroves and after putting 27 in the box we called it a day. During this time we also put in a few scamp and a grouper or 2 along with 4 cobia. Next day was the same except they wanted to come in early so we put the snapper and the jacks in pretty quick and came in. It sure is nice running faster and being able to hear conversations again. I have some weekend and weekdays open before the snapper season closes so get on the books now before its too late. We are averaging 500 pounds of fish per day so lets fill your freezer. If you want offshore or inshore, or even overnight tuna in Green Canyon call Custom Charters and Capt Tommy or Eric Pellegrin at 985-851-3304.

Sunday, July 26, 2009 @ 5:02:10 PM

houma, LA USA

The fishing has been awesome this year and continues to get better. I have been very busy on the water, so i want to apologize to my customers for it taking me so long to post. Again i am going to let the pictures  do the talking. Everything we are catching is very nice quality size. check out the pictures and see what you are missing out on. There are still some open days so call now. Don't miss out on snapper season. Call Capt. Eric or Tommy Pellegrin @ 985-851-3304 or Capt. Eric @ 985-637-7091.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 @ 10:24:08 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Watch out it's almost here. There has been a change in equipment for Custom Charters and the "REEL LIFE".

Monday, July 20, 2009 @ 1:36:44 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

I've been busy working on my boat and not fishing as much but I did get out with Jimmy comeaux and gang on Sunday. I had big shoes to fill considering Capt Eric had fished them on Saturday and caught over 600 pounds of fish. I had to listen to all the stories about how washed up I am from being on land so much that I started to think that way. Then at the first few stops the guys were missing all of the big fish and I started to think that capt Eric had paid them not to catch fish. Well they can only hold back so long. The fish started to come in and it seemed like there were more and more fish at every stop. Red snapper, marble grouper, black grouper, gag grouper,  scamp, almaco jacks, amberjacks, mangroves, cobia and even a marlin. Well almost a marlin. We were fishing amberjacks and like usual a marlin came busting on the surface right next to us. Well this time I was ready with a live bait. I sent it out and right away something hit it and took it off the hook. While reeling in the bare hook a rainbow runner ate the hook which in turn became the better bait for marlin. Not 100 yards later here he comes with a vengeance and smacks the runner out of the water then eats it and makes a great jump clean out of the water. What a show. Only we pull the hooks and don't get the hook up. This fish was so hot to feed while we were trying to catch another bait he busted in the hard tails right next to the rig. At that point my guys decided not to try for him again so we left the fish for the "Speculator" who was a spectator to the show until now. I hope they caught him. I hope Capt Eric tries to top that for a trip. If you want that kind of action call Custom Charters, and Capt Tommy or Eric Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Monday, July 13, 2009 @ 10:22:28 PM

houma, LA USA

More pictures from the first half of the season

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 @ 5:09:48 PM

houma, LA USA

The fishing is great and the weather is trying to cooperate. It's been a while since i've made a post. There are to many to catch up on to do a full report on each trip like i normally do. So this time we'll let the pictures do all the talking. There's quite a few pictures so make sure you see them all! Again, the fish are biting and waiting to be caught. Don't miss out on a great season. For your trip call Capt. Eric or Capt. Tommy Pellegrin @ 985-851-3304

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 @ 9:38:27 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

The fishing continues to be great down in Cocodrie. On Tuesday it was Paul Seemann and family on both boats showing the fish who was the boss. Big snapper, big amberjacks and a few cobia were on the menu for the day. Add in a few mangroves, a tuna and a nice grouper and you have a great day. Next was James Parker and gang in one boat and Pat Whalen in the other boat on a very rough day. The snapper were nice but that was about all there was. The James gang jumped on with Capt Eric for Thursday and even though it was rough they made it out and caught snapper and AJ's. Yesterday Chuck Criess and gang came from Oklahoma to take both boats out to test the fishing down in LSU country. It was pretty rough so it was go short for red snapper day. Only the first fish of the day was a nice 55 to 60 pound cobia for Chuck. Today was Cortec and again it was fairly rough so snapper was the target again. We caught decent 6 to 12 pound fish in the shallow water of ST on all of the rough days. Hopefully the weather will get nice and we will be able to get to the Amberjacks, grouper and tuna again. For your day call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Saturday, June 27, 2009 @ 7:25:20 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Here is the recap of the week, starting with the snapper trip for RNRTV.com. Mike, Kim, Jean, Ricky and Brett came along to film for the show. The target was big snapper. We may not have found the monster snappers but we found a good solid average of 10 to 12 pounder with the big one going 18 pounds. After this we took a long ride to the Amberjack grounds and when we pulled up to the rig I told them that it looks like Marlin country. That was the queue because one blew up right in front of the boat. Capt Eric was ready and told me to take off at trolling speed and he had a line ready. No sooner than the line was tight and the Blue and white Sugar Baby was working there he was pounding on the bait. Two good strikes and no luck with the connection, maybe next time. Now it was AJ time and they were hungry. One after the other came in including Ricky’s 55 pounder whopper. Including in the catch at the AJ rig was a nice 12 to 13 pound mangrove caught by Brett.
   On Wednesday it was Pat from Pet Express in Houma for their annual trip and did they ever pick the right day. It was calm and the fish were big. The snapper were 11 to 16 pounds on a straight run catch. I have to hand that catch to Capt Eric because he knew those fish were there. Next was cobia and we put 5 in the box with the big one going 50 pounds. Add a tuna on the way to the AJ and then the jacks were still hungry and big. The small one was 35 and the big one 57 pounds. The fishing is just fantastic right now out of Cocodrie everyone needs to book their trip now while things are this good. Mangroves will be getting better and better so don’t forget to get in on that action also. Remember the reason for the fishing trips is to have a great time and catch a lot of fish so come try us out and see what fishing heaven is all about. Call Capt Tommy Pellegrin

Friday, June 19, 2009 @ 5:45:50 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

I would have never though it would happen but it did. Snapper season has started and I haven’t posted once. Not to fear the fishing in Cocodrie is fantastic. The snapper are big and numerous, the cobia have been around along with the amberjacks. We are catching some grouper, black fin tuna and mangroves also. The mangrove s are starting to come around pretty thick so its time to book your July and August trips for these fine eating fish. The limit on these is 10 so it’s easy to fill a box. I have lots of open weekdays in July so call now. I’ll let the pictures talk.  Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Sunday, June 14, 2009 @ 8:35:13 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Thursday, June 11, 2009 @ 6:02:42 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Here is a chance for individuals to get in on a charter with Capt Tommy Pellegrin. Mike Lane and I are looking for 5 people to come along on a trip searching for the ever elusive large red snapper. We will be searching high and low for these fish on June the 16th.

If you want to come along to film a RodnReel TV Show, Sportsman's Paradise, please send an e-mail to highlife@customchartersllc.com

This is a great chance for someone that can't get a full group to get in on a trip.

We will start off with snapper on the surface so we can pick the ones we want.

There will be lots of catching on this trip so be prepared.

Friday, June 5, 2009 @ 7:53:58 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Here is a chance for individuals to get in on a charter with Capt Tommy Pellegrin. Mike Lane and I are looking for 5 people to come along on a trip searching for the ever elusive large red snapper. We will be searching high and low for these fish on June the 16th. If you want to come along to film a rodnreeltv.com show please send an e-mail to highlife@customchartersllc.com
This is a great chance for someone that can't get a full group to get in on a trip. We will start off with snapper on the surface so we can pick the ones we want. There will be lots of catching on this trip so be prepared.  

Tuesday, June 2, 2009 @ 9:37:55 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Another day with Custom Charters proved that consistency is the name of the game. Ben Flynn came back with a different crew looking for some action. Action is what they got. On the way out while still in 60 feet of water I noticed that the water clarity was pretty good so I stopped to check out a small platform to see if the cobia were home. It was game on and we went 3 for 4 on nice cobia. Was a pattern set for the day? No, that was the only cobia we caught in the area. What we did find was 10 to 12 pound red snapper and plenty of them. I marked my opening day spot, so I hope they hang around another couple of weeks. Off we went looking for more cobia and all we found were nice red snapper. In the mix of the cobia hunting we caught a 40 pound Warsaw grouper, and a 25 pound gag grouper and a few mangroves. Now its time for the AJ’s so off we go to the same rig we left them at a couple of weeks ago. Now this is the same rig that the marlin tried to jump in the boat with us also. We pull up and instantly all lines are bowed up. The problem with this situation is that I didn’t think I had enough hooks to catch that many sharks. The sharks, I think are silky sharks, are so thick it is hard to fish anything when they are around. Right when we decide to leave it happens again, the marlin blows up on some bait about 100 feet from the boat. The lines go out and everyone’s heart is pounding in anticipation. First pass nothing, second pass nothing, on the third pass all of the small chicken dolphin start running so we know the Man is in the area and looking but nothing. He didn’t like what we had. OK no marlin again but its time for the jacks and the next stop was the right one. No sharks plenty of bait and big amberjacks. The Penn torques went out and we found out that the jacks were too big for them. So out come the Penn 30w’s and a big hard tail, Donald was up and he gets into the fight of the day. Up pops a 68 pound jack and in the mean time 2 more lines are stripped into the rig. More hook ups and more nice jacks come in until we are limited. With not much room left in the fish box we stop at a shrimp boat to see if the tuna are home but its all dolphin. So we catch a few chics and then the big bulls show up and Ben and Todd make perfect casts and we end up with 2 nice bulls in the boat. The only bad thing that happened this day is during a cobia gaffing episode one of the Penn Torques gets knocked out of the boat and goes to the bottom. That really hurts. You would think that a rod and reel would be safe on top of the T-top. Final tally was 8 cobia, 6 AJ’s, a Warsaw, a gag, 5 mangroves, 2 bull dolphin and about 15 small dolphins. What a day, and still no red snapper in the box. Call Capt. Tommy Pellegrin for your day on the water. 985-851-3304, www.customchartersllc.com  

Sunday, May 17, 2009 @ 9:16:32 AM

houma, LA USA

Saturday wasn't quite a calm day but i was more than calm enough to make it out. With a group that wanted just big fish we headed to the deep water with nothing but a quick rest area on the way. We started the day pulling baits for wahoo but there was no luck there except for a small blackfin. With the winds picking up and the seas building I decided we needed to put meat in the box a little quicker. The bottom lines went out and the action didn't stop untill I said its time to head north. The grouper of all kinds were coming in the boat along with ajs and nice almacos. we did manage one more big blackfin on a chum line while bottom fishing. With the seas it was difficult to hold position over the fish but we managed a great overall trip. A limit of jacks, two blacks, 7 nice grouper one of them being a nice marbled grouper, almacos and a white snapper were the casualties of the day. For a great day on the water call Capt Eric or Tommy Pellegrin @985-851-3304

Monday, May 4, 2009 @ 6:18:41 PM

Houma, LA USA

Well the weather broke just long enough for us to get out yesterday. Ben Flynn and gang wanted some big fish but not a long ride for tuna. Amberjack and cobia were on the menu so off we went in search of the first cobia of the year. It didn’t take long. The first stop and the first bait resulted in a cobia on the line and the ice was dirty. Same old story, there were too many red snapper to contend with so we moved. Next spot was almost the same result cobia on the line right away. Now your talking things are happening and the fish are coming in the boat. Amberjacks, cobia, triggers, mangrove snappers, and grouper were coming in pretty fast for awhile. I here a call for more amberjacks so off we went and found a few but we were very rudely interrupted by Mr. Blue. I hear a lot of water splashing and everyone started to yell. Right in the back of the boat about 50 feet was a lit up blue marlin blowing up on some bait. Water flying, fish flying and everyone yelling, it was great. Then he just stops and swims right on the side of the boat so Todd my deck hand tosses a jig with a pogie on it but it was not taken. I’m tying lines as fast as I can and we put out a spread. On the first good pass POW a line takes off but not what we wanted. Disappointed or not we put a wahoo in the box.  Next pass and this time the line is screaming out and everyone is looking back for the jump. Todd’s telling me we are still losing line so I start backing down and then we see the water splashing way back. Video camera ready and then again disappointment, not really, it was a larger wahoo that was tail wrapped. We had seen the splashing from the tail. OK two passes and two wahoo now its time for the big boy but he never showed again. Back to the inside and more cobia and it was game on. We finished with 14 cobia, 3 grouper, 4 amberjacks, 2 wahoo and a few mangroves and triggers. Not a bad way to start the summer off. If you want to get in on the cobia bite call now, we left lots of them out there. Capt. Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304  www.customchartersllc.com  

Sunday, May 3, 2009 @ 12:38:12 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Is it time yet? The wind is supposed to give a little break on Wednesday and I'm open, anyone want to catch some fish. If not on Wednesday I have lots of days open so don't delay e-mail now for your day on the water. If it's snapper and other bottom dwellers you want I have opening day of snapper season still open. Capt Tommy Pellegrin, www.customchartersllc.com

Monday, April 6, 2009 @ 10:26:22 PM

Houma, LA USA

I don't know about everyone else but it is time for summertime weather. The fish are very hungry and ready to bite a hook. I am ready to get out the machine shop and back on the water. Starting to have withdrawals. We have open dates,weekday and weekends. Also if any captains need a deckhand or any pleasure boats jus need an experienced captain call 9856377091 or 9858513304.  Just looking to get back on the water or what I call home

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 @ 8:31:44 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Friday the 13th was just another day aboard the “REEL LIFE”. Mike Russell, Reggie and the rest of the gang from the New Orleans Police Dept. came to relax and recuperate from the hazards of being the MAN in New Orleans. The first thing on the list was wahoo but for some reason they didn’t want to play. We went 0 for 3 on a triple hook up and then nothing for a long time. OK no problem lets get some grouper and tuna. Just as the grouper started to come in the boat it was tuna time. They showed up and it was wall to wall Black fin. http://www.rodnreeltv.com/Player/TabId/56/VideoId/582/Feeding-Tuna-13th.aspx   When the dust settled we had 22 black fin and 4 grouper in the box. The reels I was testing for Pure fishing worked flawlessly so I hope to see them on the shelf real soon. One of the new ones out now is the Revo Toro 60 by ABU Garcia. I caught 2 black fins on it and it worked them over very nicely. Who would have thought just a few years ago that a low profile reel could handle that kind of pressure? For your day on the water call Capt Tommy Pellegrin www.customchartersllc.com 985-851-3304

Saturday, March 14, 2009 @ 3:41:28 PM

Houma, LA USA

WOW how long has it been, sense I’ve posted a fishing report. Well I’m back and its time to go fishing. Finally finished getting the boat ready for the year and made a trip this past Saturday. It’s been so long I don’t even know where I was fishing. I think it was the Flower Bank or maybe the Garden Lump. It also could have been the Midnight Canyon or the Sacket rig. Where ever it was we caught a few fish. First I had to try for the wahoo and they didn’t cooperate very well. We went 1 for 2 breaking a wire at the boat. After a couple of hours of this we tried for grouper and put 7 in the box along with a few other bottom dwellers. While this was going on the weather was starting to show in the west so it was time to turn on the tuna and turn on they did. It was Black fin mania for a while and we put 16 in the box in no time and the rain hit so we called it a day and left the tuna for later. I have a wide open calendar this month so call and pick a day. If you want to go this summer Capt Eric and I are ready for you. Like my good Captain friends in Venice say come “fish where the stupid fish are”. For your trip call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Monday, February 23, 2009 @ 10:57:48 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

In responce to DBark:

I have caught amberjacks in as little as 80 feet of water and out to the limits of stationary rigs. Most of the AJ's we catch are about 50 to 75 feet down in 200 to 250 feet of water. Lots of times after you catch one the others will follow. Just be sure you don't pull too far away from the rig too fast or they will not follow. I hope you saw the video I put up showing AJ's feeding on the surface. I've also put up a couple of pictures from a different time and rig showing AJ's caught on poppers. I will be at the Captains weekend at Cabela's on the 13th and 14th if anyone wants to come by and talk fishing. I will try and answer anyone's questions. If you want to go fishing give me a call to set it up. Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Friday, February 6, 2009 @ 9:03:21 PM

Houma, LA USA

Merry Christmas to all, and I hope all of the holiday season is safe for everyone. Capt. Eric and I are looking forward to another great season of fishing starting with the fantastic wahoo action that happens every year in Feb and March. There is also the lump season. If its good and you want to go we will be in Venice to take you there. If it’s the reel screaming wahoo action you want give us a call. The largest one last year was 90 pounds so lets try and beat that. Both boats will be in action for the year so give us a call to book your day before it gets taken. See you on the water. Capt. Tommy and Eric Pellegrin, 985-851-3304.

Thursday, December 25, 2008 @ 11:59:48 AM

Houma, LA USA

Just to let everyone know. I'm selling my 36' Gravois "REEL LIFE". I'm not getting out of the fishing business I'm  going with one offshore and one inshore boat. If you want any information on the boat send an e-mail to me. Thanks, Capt. Tommy Pellegrin 985-209-3575.

Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 3:54:50 PM

Houma, LA USA

I finally was able to get out and do a little trout fishing. Daniel, Jason and the rest of the Reily gang were canceled quite a few times sense the hurricanes. We decided to do a little trout fishing. These guys had only been with me offshore and were a little worried about whether or not I knew how to fish inshore. Well 150 fish in the box later they got the message and went home with a lot of trout and a few red fish. The fish were caught on Gulf shrimp, Old Bay side curl tails in new penny and avocado with red tail, and also fresh shrimp. The plastics were effective when the tide was moving good and the shrimp did the number during slack tide. I sure was nice to get out and do this again. If you haven't heard yet my big boat is for sale. I will do offshore and inshore trips now. If you or someone you know is interested in the 36' Gravois send me an e-mail. Capt. Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304

Sunday, November 9, 2008 @ 11:38:24 AM

Houma, LA USA

Hello everyone. I just hooked up my computer after carrying it with me to Baton Rouge for the week of Gustav. My boats are fine and the dock at Bayou Bait made out OK. It may not have power for a few days. My house lost most of its shingles and I have a little water damage inside but very minimal. The trees in my back yard are mostly on the ground. They missed the house by 4 feet and the shed by 2 feet. I will try and get the charters up and running asap. If we can keep Ike out of here. Good Luck to everyone and to all who called Thanks a million. Like I told Capt. Sonny when this is all over I will have a big cookout and drink off for all those that called and wanted to help me. The Capt's will know who they are. Again Thanks a million. Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Monday, September 8, 2008 @ 7:23:50 AM

Houma, LA USA

This is what I know so far from the lower end of Terrebonne. There was near 8 feet of water in the cocodrie area with debris strewn allover. I here the Dock and shop/Dixie General near Boudreaux canal was distroyed. I can't get into Houma untill Friday. I know my boats are alright. I hope all is OK with everyone. Capt. Tommy Pellegrin

Tuesday, September 2, 2008 @ 3:16:44 PM

Houma, LA USA

Good Luck to all in this terrible time. Be safe. Capt. Tommy

Sunday, August 31, 2008 @ 10:58:13 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

How are the fuel prices everywhere else. In Houma the prices jumped .20 from yesterday. I thought there were laws against this.

Thursday, August 28, 2008 @ 3:05:01 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Finally after all of the repairs on the prop and tiller arm i went to install them on Friday morning. That's when I found more troubles. The shaft was broken in the coupling. My customers for Saturday was Cortec. they have a big machine shop and agreed to rebuil the shaft. OK that was done and the coupling was put on to see if it was good. You guessed it, it was not good so at 8pm on friday a new one was started. Around 10pm it was ready but I decided to put every thing together in the morning. At 8am it was done and the boat was launched. I'm glad it was Cortec scheduled for that day because they made sure everything was done right. So with a rebuilt prop a new tiller arm a new coupling and a rebuilt shaft and Fay on the way we left to get the fish. Saturday was calm to start so we went strait out to catch the AJ's and fish in from there so if the wind kicked up we would be close to shore. The AJ's must have known we were in a rush because they cooperated and we had them in no time. Next stop was for mangroves and it was more AJ's so we moved around until we found the mangrove s and put 24 in the box pretty quick. We bounced around a little running from the red snapper and then it was on again and we put another 20 in the box and with the deteriorating weather we called it a day and ran in. It never got over 3' and we had no rain so we were very happy to get that trip in. Any one wanting in on a tuna trip day or night give us a call. Also for your mangrove trip call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Monday, August 25, 2008 @ 9:42:42 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

I think everyone noticed that the weather wasn't the greatest for fishing. Some how the fishing continued and was a little slower than normal. A lot to do with the weather keeping us out of our regular area. On friday I started out going to the area I like to fish but the weather made that impossible so I kept turning east until I found a few fish. I was tough fishing with the rain and seas giving us hell. finally the weather settled a little and I could run the way I wanted. It was late but the fish were waiting for us. We put a limit of AJ's in the box in a matter of minutes. The day was done with 25 or so mangroves a couple of kings and a limit of Jacks. On Saturday it was more of the same with the weather but I could almost get were I wanted. We struggled again for a while but managed 32 mangrove s and 2 cobia. With the weather closing in on us fast we were off to the races to beat the rain and wind. That is when some sort of intervention from the bad side of luck hit us. About 4 miles from the dock all of a sudden everyone heard a really bad thumping sound so I slowed down from going 29 knots. This you need to know, I was going forward at 29 knots when the prop shaft slipped back and the prop jammed the rudder. I may not be the smartest thing but I do believe that to be an impossible thing to happen. There are 2 half inch set screws set a half inch into the shaft on the coupling. There is a shaft lock that is supposed to keep this from happening right in front of the intermediate bearing and 2 set screws on the bearing. Besides the shaft has to slip against the thrust of the prop and boat going 29 knots. I sure wish the devil would get off of my back and give me a break. Anyway I will persist and the fish will bite and we will catch them so come give it a try. the way it looks you may want to go with Capt Eric or me so call Custom Charters @ 985-851-3304.

Sunday, August 17, 2008 @ 6:33:04 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

How bad can it get. Dolly, Edourd, a cold front, the closing of red snapper season and no one wanting to fish. could it be that no one really knows what's going on out in the Gulf right now. A little news for those who didn't go fishing because the red snapper season is closed. On Saturday I had Mike Taylor and gang and they put on a fishing clinic. First up was the mangroves and they bit and bit and bit some more until everyone said no mas. During this awesome bite the cobia decided to show up early for the fall migration and we put a few of them in the box with the mangroves. Next was the AJ's and I told the guys that it would take longer to get to the spot than to catch them. I was right. When the word was given to start it was 6 lines over and fish on all lines. King mackerel and jacks. Retie and start over this time all jacks and it was over in a matter of minutes. I looked over my shoulder and there was a Bubba Gump so off we went and put 3 BF tuna in the box along with a couple more cobia. Final tally was 60 mangroves, 7 cobia, 6 jacks, 2 kings and 3 BF tuna. No red snapper and still the total weight of the catch was 845 pounds. Next was Clint Caballero and gang for more of the same. He searched for another person but got no one. So off we went and the mangroves were still on the war path. Big and mean and hungry. They ate the hooks off of 100 pound leader faster than I could tie them on. I went through about 75 hooks in the last couple of days trying to stop these big mangroves. They are averaging around 7 to 8 pounds. We had our chances at filling our limit early but the fish were winning the battles. At one spot it was 1 in for the first 6 bites, not good. Not to blame the fishermen or the equipment its just the fish are big and mean. If you think you can do better with 80# braid and 100# leader with little to no drag come try it. The cobia have shown up so if that is your game its time now. I have lots of dates open so come try your luck with the meanest fish in the Gulf. Call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Monday, August 11, 2008 @ 11:10:16 AM

Addis, LA USA

Had an awesome day on the water with Capt. Tommy Pellegrin battling some of the most ferocious fish in the gulf yesterday. We left Bayou Bait and Tackle around 6 am and made our way to the mangrove grounds; stopping to fill the livewell with bait along the way. There was no action at our 1st rig so we made a move and it was fish on at practically every stop thereafter. As Capt. Tommy would put say "They just want to fight the fish not actually catch 'em". After a few pointers we settled in to a groove and proceeded to have double and triple hookups on the biggest mangroves ive ever seen. Majority of the mangroves were in the 8lbs and range with only a handful under 5lbs. It was amazing to watch the mangroves chase our baits up to the surface and just crush it. These fish were mean - if you werent paying attention these bad boys would try to jerk the rod right out of you hands. We also had some cobia action which is always a good thing. In one instance, i was reeling in a mangrove and a big cobia and his little brother chased my mangrove all the way to the side of the boat. We dropped a bait in from of them and both enhaled it and took off! The cobia i hooked came boat side, but when he saw Todd with the gaff the fish decided in the boat was not where he wanted to be. After a short run toward the rig and a spectacular aerial display he threw the hook. However, I would get my revenge later on with a very nice cobia. All in all it was a great day on the water with tremendous mangrove action and some bonus cobia excitement. The final tally was a limit of brute mangroves and 4 cobia - 500+ lbs of fish! Once again thanks to Capt. Tommy and Todd for working hard and showing us what a great trip is all about.

Monday, August 11, 2008 @ 10:42:01 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

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Thursday, July 31, 2008 @ 9:08:37 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Is it sounding like a broken record yet. Well the fishing continues to be better than ever out of Cocodrie. The mangrove snapper are the main target with red snapper for another week. The AJ's have come around and are as thick as ever. I was supposed to take Lyn Mosley of NJ out for 4 days last week but the hurricane took care of that. They only make it out on Friday and was amazed at the amount of fish in our area. I told him that this was the middle of the Dead Zone so all of this was his imagination. He booked for a week next year. They didn't want to keep any fish so we fished on the surface (nothing new) all day and had a blast. Saturday was Billy with some customers and it was on again. We put 575 pounds of fish in the box. On the way out we stopped and watched tarpon feed in the schools of rain minnows (anchovies). They were competing with bonita for the bait. We tossed a few jigs at them for about 5 minutes with no takers. Some of these tarpon cleared the water while feeding, what a sight. Sunday was a day to remember because the weather caught us. The storms popped up all around us and collapsed on us. We did however catch 275 pounds of fish before we were chased in early. We were on a major mangrove bite when we had to call it in. It was 20 in a row as fast as Heath and gang could toss a line. The jack cravelle gave them a tug now and then along with some red snapper but mostly it was mangroves. The largest red snapper of the day was 19 pounds. I have an open boat almost every day now so call and get in on this bite before the red snapper season closes. Capt. Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 @ 10:12:37 AM

houma, LA USA

Before the storm the fishing was still good. From the snapper all the way to the tuna. We have even been seeing quite a few marlin this year. I am going to let the pictures do the talking for my last couple trips. the fishing should be even better now since the storm. The clean water should be a little closer in than it has been for the last month. We will find out tom. after my tuna trip. I will make a post asap to let people know how it was. WE have an open boat for Sunday and it is supposed to be calm. Don't miss this chance. Call Capt. Eric or Tommy Pellegrin @ 985-851-3304 or @985-637-7091.

Thursday, July 24, 2008 @ 4:11:39 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

The fishing continues to be great. The mangrove snapper and red snapper are plentiful and large. The AJ's have shown up and are biting anything that you put down to them. Also I haven't caught one yet but Capt Eric has caught one, the Tarpon have come around. Jimmy Wagespack came with his gang and did a good number on the fish and put the largest red snapper of the year in the boat. The snapper went 29 pounds. Next was Wayne Bearb and he likes anything that pulls especially mangroves. They stacked the box with red and mangrove snapper, cobia, and AJ's. then came Jimmy Comeaux and gang from Tenn. They wanted an overnight tuna trip but with the weather situation and the on and off tuna bite we stayed in and fished the sure thing. First stop I told them was a warm up and they warmed up fast. Putting a limit of red snapper in the box very fast. The snaps were all around 10 pounds. Then on to mangroves. We were having a good day with the groves and Capt Eric calls and tells us the AJ's are hot and heavy to come now. We get there and its game on, with AJ's on every line. With Eric having half of the group I didn't want to come up short at the weigh in so it was off to stack a few more mangroves before heading in. Eric was after a wahoo. I put just enough fish in to beat out Eric's bunch. The second day of the Comeaux trip was more of the same except for a little 3 hour delay for a broken main engine belt and rough seas. I still have days open during snapper season so call now. For your day call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 1:35:48 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Yesterday was one of the calmest days of the year and it paid off real well for us. We were going for tuna and changed our minds a few days before because of the bad tuna bite that had been going on. Capt Eric was off and he said no way we are going to catch tuna. He had made a night trip on Saturday and smacked them so I agreed and we hit the bait hard. We loaded the live well with herring, green backs and hard tails. With 50 to 60 live baits off we went. Pulled up to the spot and it was on within 10 minutes. The reason it took so long is we had a string of live baits out with all three kinds and it was not what they wanted. The tuna wanted the bait chopped for them. It was tuna everywhere including in the live baits and all they wanted was chum. First pass was chaos with one small one on a jig and one chunk going. While I was unhooking the little one the line I was drifting took off so Eric locked it up. While he was doing this his line took off so he tried to lock it up also but missed. That makes it 1 for 3. Next pass it was a double and one hit and miss on a live hard tail. Now its happening. Next pass we were tuned in and had a triple with Ed Laurent having all kinds of trouble getting the rod out of the holder and out from between his legs all while the fish is pulling him over the side. Eric grabs the end of the rod and saves it I catch Ed by the shirt to keep him from going in the drink, the rod is still under his leg (who knows how it got there) and all hell is breaking lose. Mark Scott has one tuna on and his wife Julie has the other all while Ed is trying his hardest to lose his. First one in was Mark's then Julie's and now Ed is wanting to give up the rod so Duke Gallagher gives it a try. Now it is time for the rest of the hell to break lose. Of all things the rod breaks right at the tip, fish still on. Next the rod goes again about a foot down and still the fish is on. Duke gives up and Eric takes over. I tell Eric to get the frays in the reel as gently and quickly as possible. He does it and the fish comes in the boat. It wasn't a long fight or a big fish but it was one hell of a fight. Next it was the big bruisers that came up but stopped short of the baits. Eric did get a popper out to them and had a big one try but miss. I looked at my watch and all of this took place in an hour and a half. WOW what a day. To top it off we had a pod of whales come by the boat and offer some nice whale watching photos. Off we went and on the way in we caught a limit of snapper. For your day call Capt Tommy or Eric Pellegrin. 985-851-3304.

Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 10:36:23 AM

houma, LA USA

Fished Friday for trout witch is odd for me, but catching fish is catching fish. Not wanting to be out in the heat we fished till about 12 and headed north with a happy crew and a mixed bag of 140 specks and white trout. The trip that was a big ? was the night tuna trip for Sat night. Everybody on our end has been having problems with catching tuna so I headed out with not much hope for a spectacular trip. On the way out I talked to a buddy that was out the night before and they worked hard but came through the night with 7 yellows. Hopes got a little higher and higher. At the first spot I felt like i was in venice. I was the 2nd boat and then in a matter of 20 minutes there was 7. With a short amount of daylight left we headed to the next spot making it there with about 5 minutes of light left and the tuna bite was phenomenal. In about an hour we put 8 yellows and 6 blacks in the boat. When two other boats showed the bite shutdown and the grass moved in. Not being able to keep lines clean we made a move. The next spot was covered with bait and a little more current which was fine for me. With a miss right off the bat we thought it was going to be on. For awhile it was dead then moving to the flip side of the rig made all of the difference. The first drift produced one , the second two, and the third one , and the fourth one, and the bite was on. Calling it quites right at daybreak with 14 yellows, 10 blacks, two dolphin, 3 cobia, and 3 snapper we headed north with 900 pounds of added weight in the boat.  This was one of those unbelievable trips that you slap yourself to wake up from the dream. The group was a bunch of my old buddies from school and they have not stopped talking bout it yet. I have some great pics that will be posted also.  Oh and  I forgot to say we did have a tuna virgin man up and ate a bite of beating heart.  For a spectacular day on the water give Capt Eric or Tommy Pellegrin @985-851-3304 or 985-637-7091.  

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 @ 9:04:05 PM

Cocodrie, LA USA

Do I say it again or what. The fish are biting like its the end of the world. The last few days were fantastic. The red snapper are endless and the mangroves seem to be unstoppable. The pictures say it all. Its time to come fishing. For your day call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Sunday, July 13, 2008 @ 10:08:45 PM

houma, LA USA

This passed weekend was another good weekend for fishing. On Friday I had Bryan Foti and gang on a CCA trip. We set a time limit on the rig fishing to give us time to troll for wahoo and marlin. Well the rig fishing we good but not so much for the trolling. The water was cleaner in the bay than it was 70 miles out. Even with the dirty water we were able to go 1 for 3 on wahoo and put some ajs in the box. There was still plenty of action and fun the whole day with this good crew. On Saturday the big swells were still rolling in and with the dirty water still covering the entire fishing grounds from the beach to the canyon we decided to make the day fishing mangroves. We managed a few real nice cobia, a pile of 7 to 10 pound mangrove s and about the same for the reds. On Sunday I actually had the day off, but what else is a charter captain to do on his day off other than sleep late and go fish the afternoon. With a friend and a couple of the dock hands and the bait guy it was off to the beach in search of speckled trout. With the fuel prices we weren't looking to go far on a fun trip. So I went scouting and the scouting part didn't take long. At the first spot we began drifting and the poles started bending.  With a quiet drop of the anchor the boat stayed in one spot until 150 minnows were gone and 90 trout were in the ice. I pick back up on Friday with a trout trip and then tuna for the next couple days after so my next post will be mid week next week. We still have some days available during snapper season so if your looking to squeeze in a trip give Capt. Eric or Tommy Pellegrin @985-851-3304 or 985-637-7091

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 @ 10:55:01 AM

Cocodrie, LA USA

This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking Dr. Big on a fishing trip he will remember forever. I didn't know at first that the snapper he was catching were the largest he had ever seen much less caught. Then it was the mangroves that taught him how really hard a fish can pull. In 2 days of fishing they caught their limit of red snapper and mangrove s and on the second day we added 3 real nice cobia. This is the day the show started at the dock and I will let the pictures speak for themselves. I will say that the girls were waiting. For your trip call Capt Tommy Pellegrin 985-851-3304.

Monday, July 7, 2008 @ 10:16:35 PM

Houma, LA USA

Here are some more pics that i just got from another camera from some trips last weekend. A couple of these days were rough and we managed a great day in shallow water. The fishing continues to be great as long as the weather permits.The mangroves are big and the cobia are thick. We had LWFD agents at the dock getting info on the fish and the average weight on the groves was between 8 to 10 pounds. All being caught on the surface with light tackle. We have an opening this coming Sunday and a couple friday's still this month. If you want to enjoy a great day on the water call Capt. Eric or Tommy Pellegrin @ 985-851-3304 or Capt. Eric at 985-637-7091. A couple more pics will be posted later today!

Monday, June 30, 2008 @ 1:57:38 PM