Reggio, LA USA

QUICK TEAL HUNT!  Our guests today were treated to a quick teal hunt.  The birds flew steady and the shooting kept them falling in the decoys. At 8:15 with one bird short of the limit and some rain falling, our guests called it a day.  There were still birds flying but the guys did not want to get wet.  Things are far from normal down in the parish so if you considering a hunt this weekend please be careful.  You may want to wait until safe light to go out because things have changed and there is debris in the marsh.  I would recommend hunting broken marsh areas and not the large ponds and lagoons.  We have been hunting flooded “mud lump” areas out of our boat blinds. Considering the storms, this teal season has been a pleasant surprise and it looks like we will hold teal the rest of the teal season.  We have plenty openings, including tomorrow and Sunday as well as next week.  So it you want to get out and hunt some teal without the hassle of doing it yourself, give us a call and we would be happy to take you.  Just show up with your gun, shells and license and we will do the rest.  Our rates are $200 per gun with a two hunter minimum.  Give me a call (985) 543-0388 or cell (504) 458-8737.

Friday, September 19, 2008 @ 9:26:18 AM

Reggio, LA USA

TEAL LIMITS BY 7:11 A.M.  One of my guides and I made a quick trip this morning to see what Gustav and Ike left for us.  What we found were quick limits of 8 blue wings and we had the marsh to ourselves.  I did not hear a single shot other than ours.  Now for the bad news. The marsh in Canearvon/Lake Leery area suffered another serious blow.  The land has once again moved around and what was marsh in now broken marsh with mud lumps.  I would advise hunters in this area to wait until safe light to find their way because the marsh has changed a lot. Also bring your GPS.  We hunted one these washed out areas today and teal were in there thick.  We did not see a lot of grass in the ponds but we do have some.  I hope when the water drops we will see more of it.  After the hunt, we took a ride on the Reggio side.  The Reggio canal filled in a little in certain areas, so those with outboards may have some low spots to cross.  Overall, the marsh faired pretty well in the Reggio marsh but most of the duck food is gone.  We saw a few teal during our scout and talked to one hunter who did not have any success.  We have availability this weekend and during next week if you want to get out and shoot a few teal.  I cannot promise how long we will have teal – BUT WE HAVE THEM NOW!  Our rates are $200 per gun with a minimum of two hunters.  We provide everything but guns, shells and licenses.  Give me a call to book your hunt (985) 543-0388 or Cell (504) 458-8737.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008 @ 2:10:58 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

MARSHLAND ADVENTURES – DELACROIX REPORT
AS EASY AS IT GETS!
This morning I had a couple on board from Wisconsin to experience some of the best fishing Louisiana has to offer.  We left the dock in the dark at 4:50 AM and were pulling up to our rig about an hour later.  It was the first and last anchor drop of the day!  From the first cast it was TROUT ON!  We were fishing live shrimp with a small sliding sinker just enough to get it down a little and letting it drift with the tide.  It was close to every cast action and the trout were big 1.5 – 3 pound range.  The bite would slow down in one direction and then we would just start casting in another direction and it was on again.  When I looked at the counter it said 67 and we were out of the 100 shrimp that we had.  No problem, we started tossing shad rigs and were pulling in two big trout at a time.  Deadly Dudley’s and Speculizers also produced as we finished the 75 trout limit and two reds - thrown in for fun.  We headed in for the cleaning table before the heat set in. It was one of those special days that you can only find in Louisiana.  The fish are absolutely crazy right now in Black Bay and Breton Sound.  The rigs and wellheads are producing and those who like even faster action can fish the birds for keeper trout! The fishing is as good as it gets right now and we have some openings this weekend. Give me a call to book your special day!  For $500 up to three can fish and we include LIVE BAIT, FISH CLEANING, AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED except your lunch, drinks and license.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458 - 8737

Monday, July 21, 2008 @ 7:16:41 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

MARSHLAND ADVENTURES – DELACROIX REPORT
Early limits have been the rule recently in the Black Bay and Breton Sound area.  Today was a repeat trip for a customer that I took earlier this year with only limited success – today was payback time.  We headed out early with one live well filled with frisky croakers and the other filled with shrimp (it would just so happen that we didn’t need either).  We arrived at a rig that I have been doing well on big trout to find two boats already there (must have slept there).  Not being able to get in the sweet spot we eventually moved on to another rig to find dirty water.  Now the search was on.  We found some school trout under a few birds (all keepers) along with some gaftops.  We made one final move and that was it – two at a time trout on double rigs 13”-17” as fast as you can cast action.  It was impossible to get your bait back to the boat without two trout! We finished the limit at 9:35 a.m, and caught and released a few more just for fun.  Headed in before the heat got bad.  The Black Bay and Breton Sound area is crawling right now with trout.  Get out early and bring good live bait –croakers and shrimp if available.  Every day is different.  Some days the big one bite at the rigs deep in the sound.  Other days the fish are on the close in islands.  You must be flexible and take what the day gives you – don’t get hung up doing the same thing – try different presentations, areas and baits. Once you find the bite you should be able to catch your limit. As summer wears on, I have some openings the next few weeks.  The fishing will only get better.  Give me a call to book your trip.  For $500 you can take up to three people and everything is included even FISH CLEANING AND LIVE BAIT.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737.

Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 8:44:56 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

DELACROIX REPORT
CROAKERS, CROAKERS, CROAKERS!!!
That is the key to big trout right now in Black Bay and Breton Sound.  Yesterday when I went to get my bait at Lionel’s he proudly showed me some beautiful croakers he had for bait and told me – “Don’t even buy any live shrimp”. I did not take his advice and bought some live shrimp anyway but returned with most of them.  Yesterday, I had a veteran Delacroix fisherman who took along a friend who had not fished in a long time and wanted me to help out. So instead of taking his own boat, he decided to go on a charter with me.  Before we left the dock I asked him if he would like to first go after some school sized trout that were every cast or head out to the big trout that would probably be a slower bite but the size would make up for it.  He said that he would like to put his friend on the faster action first and then go after the big ones.  I pulled up to the shoreline that I have been having every cast action on to find the water a little dirty and I did not locate the bait fish activity that I had been seeing.  After a few stops with only minimal action I told them “let’s go for a boat ride” after one other stop at an island that also had dirty water, we headed into the sound to one of my favorite rigs.  The water was beautiful and tide was moving well.  We nestled ourselves tight on the rig and settled in for some of the biggest trout action I have seen in a while.  It took a while to figure out how the trout wanted the croakers presented.  We first tried deep under a cork and caught a few that way. Then we decided to try just a croaker on a hook, no split shot - just the hook and croaker.  On the first cast a big trout inhaled the croaker.  From then on – IT WAS ON - it was a big trout coming to the net on almost every cast.  The key was to toss the bait up current and let it drift with the tide keeping a tight line.  The trout would hit the bait to kill it and then come back for it – typical croaker fishing.  You had to really let them take it before setting the hook.  We sat at that rig and hammered the big trout until the tide went slack around noon.  We headed in with about 40 trout and one red for the grill that filled the fish box.  If you have never experienced croaker fishing (free lined) it is incredible having to let the trout swallow the bait – it takes enormous patience.  If you would like to give it a try – give me a call to schedule your charter.  We include fuel, live bait, ice and all equipment. WE EVEN CLEAN YOUR FISH FREE! You only bring your lunch, drinks and license.  Our trips are $500 for up to three persons and $600 for four.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (985) 543-0388 or cell (504) 458-8737.

Sunday, July 6, 2008 @ 12:52:50 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

DELACROIX FISHING REPORT
MARSHLAND ADVENTURES

The fishing continues to be excellent in the Black Bay and Breton Sound area.  Working around the thunderstorms, we have been catching from 50 – 100 specks on the trips we did during the past week.  We have also been catching all of the Bull Reds we want, when we are able to get out to the rigs.  We have been using live shrimp and croakers fished under a cork as well as speculizers and saltwater assassins tight lined.  Our method has been getting out very early each morning fishing shallow water early around points, islands, and shorelines. Look for the bait fish working the area. This has been very productive fishing live shrimp 18” under a cork.  Some very nice trout have been taken early in the morning before the sun gets high and boat traffic starts.  After the early morning bite, we usually head out into the sound and fish the rigs.  Croakers have been better at the rigs because the sheepshead have been getting to the shrimp before the trout can. We have been fishing the croakers about six feet under a cork.  A sliding cork rig works well.  We have been casting up current and letting the bait drift with the tide.  Free lining also works well using a 1/8 ounce jig head or a plain hook with a split shot about 12” above the bait.  The big trout have been hitting these rigs but the bull reds also like it and you will have a fight on your hands.  The bulls like to get in the legs of the structure and break you off.  We have been releasing the large reds (both intentionally and unintentionally) and keeping a few of the smaller ones for grilling.  The fishing has been ending around noon with storms building and bait running out.  Sometimes on the way in we hit some “school trout” areas and fill the limits with on artificial baits.  Everyone is having a great time and the summer fishing is as good as it gets.

If you would like a relaxing day fishing with a professional guide who will let you catch your own fish and knows the meaning of the word service, give me a call.  Our trips include fuel, live bait, ice, equipment and we even CLEAN YOUR FISH FREE! You only bring your lunch, drinks and license.  Trips for up to three people are $500 and if you bring a fourth person the cost is $600.  I have some availability during the July 4th holiday weekend.  Call me at (985) 543-0388 or cell at (504) 458-8737 to check availability.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 @ 11:19:31 AM

Delacroix, LA USA

MARSHLAND ADVENTURES
DELACROIX ISLAND REPORT
GREAT FISHING CONTINUES!  

Black Bay and Breton Sound are in full summer form with nice trout everywhere.  On Friday I had regulars from Birmingham and Mobile for a big trout round up.  We made it out to one of the islands in Black Bay and immediately starting hauling in beautiful trout on the very early morning bite. We were fishing in two feet of water using live shrimp under a cork.  The key was finding schools of bait fish and trout were in with them. The bite lasted until around 8:30 a.m. and then we headed out into the sound to fish deeper water, the conditions were good but we did not find the bite we were looking for. So we went closer in to a shorelines in Black Bay and stated to pick up some school sized trout on plastics until a storm chased us in with a good box of about 50 (mostly big) trout.

On Saturday I had some more regular customers from Mississippi.  We had to reschedule the trip a few times to finally get the right day. We stated out at another island early and again found the bite, this time the trout were not quite as big as the day before but the bite was faster.  We were again fishing in two feet of water with live shrimp under a cork. We put about 50 in the boat before the bite ended at 9:00 a.m.  We ran around a little looking for more fish and found them at a point on the edge of Black Bay where we put about 20 more trout in the box before the shrimp ran out and we headed in with about 70 fish that filled the ice chest.  

The fishing is great right now and should only get better as the summer progresses. Live bait is must right now. I recommend fishing the shorelines, points and islands early and then hit the rigs later in day when the water heats up.  An early start is a must.

If you want a different type of fishing charter experience, give me a call.  You will catch your own fish and not watch the guide catch the fish you paid for.  We include fuel, live bait, all equipment, EVEN FISH CLEANING for $500 for up to three persons, $600 for four.

I have a rare Saturday opening this Saturday (June 28) give me call to book your trip.  (504) 458-8737.

Sunday, June 22, 2008 @ 6:58:02 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

MULE TROUT IN BLACK BAY!  The mule trout have finally arrived in Black Bay!  After a pretty slow May and early June due to winds, river and dirty water, things are finally in place and the big trout have taken over Black Bay.  The last two days of charters were outstanding. On Friday, we found a good early bite at our first stop near an island in Black Bay.  The big trout were found in two feet of water from first light until around 9:00 a.m. we were using live shrimp (on the small side) 18” under a cork and had a steady bite that would come  and go but the size of the fish were worth staying for.  Before our bait ran out we headed to a rig in Breton Sound and found some more trout and some reds and all of the sheepshead that we wanted. Fun to catch, but we released them all.  We headed in early with a nice box of trout and reds, not a limit but a lot of meat.  On Saturday, I had regular clients of mine from Mississippi, the Allen family brought the whole family including grandfather “Buba”.  We went back to the island that we caught the fish on Friday, but this time the bite was not there.  Went off in search of fish and found a good bite at a wellhead with “every cast action” but they were on the small side, so we went further out in the sound and found a solid trout bite using croakers 6 ft. under a cork.  The fish were 1 to 5 pounds and the bite was steady until 11:00 a.m when the gathering clouds sent us in to beat the rain and heat.  We filled the 120 quart ice chest with large trout and reds. The sheepshead were once again a menace, but we switched over to croakers instead of shrimp and that kept them away.   The conditions are finally right and the summer pattern is in place and should stay through August.  The fishing is easy and will only get better.  Get a very early start and fill you live well with shrimp and croakers.  Start off early in shallow water around an island or reef and then head into the sound and fish rigs and well heads. Find some clean moving water with mullets swimming around and fish deep corks or Carolina rigged live bait.  The trout have been holding very close to rigs and close to the shore line.  I hope these suggestions help.  If you would like to book a charter with a guide service that specializes in fishing for big trout with live bait in Black Bay and Breton Sound, give me a call. Capt. Steve Himel, Marshland Adventures (504) 458-8737.
P.S. I have an open date next Friday, June 20th

Sunday, June 15, 2008 @ 3:54:43 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

SCOUTING TRIP RESULTS – With the spring and summer fishing season on tap, I always begin the season with some scouting trips before my charters really get going.  The wind has been relentless for the last few weeks (normal for April) and yesterday was the first day in a while to be able to scout the outside waters.  Most of my customers are not content with sitting in the marsh catching redfish, so I advise them to book their charters beginning in late April for big trout – that was good advice this year.  Yesterday, I started out in Black Bay only to find river water so I began an eastward trek to find cleaner water. The water was slightly better in Lake Fortuna were I fished briefly with no results.  Heading further east, I crossed the ship channel and began fishing in Bay Eloi where the water was much better and the trout were biting.  The tide was sluggish at the end of the incoming tide. The technique was to cast up current and let the bait fall all the way to the bottom and then let it drift bouncing it over the oysters.  The trout would hit after you would lift the rod tip and let the bait fall. I was using a saltwater assassin with a quarter once jig head. I moved around from well head to well head picking up a few trout at each one.  The trout are not tightly schooled yet so you have to move around to put together a nice catch, unless you get lucky. Finished the day at a point with some nervous water with the trout taking dead bait under a cork.  With the tide slack I headed in around noon.  It was a beautiful day on the water.  The fishing is on track for a great spring and summer season.  To be successful you will have to adapt and possibly fish places you normally do not fish, to find good water.  The high river is pouring fresh water into the western areas of Breton Sound and Black Bay and the wind and tide moves the bad water around, so you never really know where it is going to be from day to day.  The key is being flexible and continue to look for cleaner water.  As areas “clean up” the fish will be there.  I did not see any birds working anywhere today.  I expect that will change very soon as the small brown shrimp schools appear.  I will continue to do some scouting trips and will report what I find.  If you would like to book a trout trip with us this year, give me a call as the best dates disappear quickly.  We specialize in speckled trout fishing in Black Bay and Breton Sound, based out of Delacroix.  We fish mostly live bait when available. I have been guiding in the area for 13 years and fishing there my whole life.  Everything is included in the cost of our trips even live bait and fish cleaning.  Give me a call at (504) 458-8737.

Monday, April 21, 2008 @ 10:56:59 AM

Delacroix, LA USA

DELACROIX REPORT – FAMILY FUN! I had an opening in my schedule and decided to take some of my family fishing.  I asked my Dad (veteran fisherman 84 yrs old) and my sister and two nephews who are newcomers to fishing. There was a little rain in the area early, but we made it to our destination on the edge of Black Bay without getting wet.  As soon as I gave everyone a lesson on casting and putting on bait, the lines went out and the corks started going down.  From the first cast, it was either a missed fish or FISH ON!  No one could believe how fast the action was.  I told them the classic line “This isn’t fishing – this is catching”.  Their skills improved during the trip and by the end they were casting, putting on shrimp and even taking fish off.  It was great to see how much they appreciated the trip and the new experience.  Some of the highlights were the four bull reds that they battled – landing two of them and losing two.  We went through 175 shrimp by 10:30 and headed in with 60 trout, two flounders and the one red that we kept. It was truly a memorable trip for everyone including myself.  Black Bay and the surrounding areas are crawling with hungry fish right now.  The schoolies are ganged up around the edges and the big ones are staged around the rigs.  They want live bait right now but will take artificials, but not as fast. When the wind and tide are right IT IS A SLAUGHTER!  The summer booking are slowing down – there are more fish now than ever.  It is also time to start thinking about booking your fall trips - the best dates go quickly.  Give me a call for some family fun or a serious trip for the big ones.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737

Monday, August 6, 2007 @ 10:14:06 AM

Delacroix, LA USA

DELACROIX WEEKEND REPORT – I had the pleasure of hosting Herb Harris and his group from Birmingham Alabama over the weekend.  Herb is a regular client on mine and a very good angler.  The weather was strange for late July with brisk winds out the north but not strong enough to shut the fishing down.  On Saturday we stayed on the edge of Black Bay and had a steady bite on school size trout using live shrimp under a cork.  We ventured out to some rigs later on in morning to find some beautiful trout in the 20” – 24” size but the bite was slow using live shrimp 6 feet under a cork.  We went back to where we were, closer in, and put a few more in the box before heading in. On Sunday we headed straight out the rigs and again had a slow bite on large trout.  They were taking free lined shrimp and artificials with a curly tail.  We stayed with it for about two hours before making a move to some close in islands and found a nice bite of trout in the 15” – 18” range.  The bite was furious at times and then would slack off.  The two-day total for the group was close to 100 trout 1 red and 1 drum.  As usual, it was a great time with the group and the fishing was pretty good as well.  The summer fishing pattern is firmly in place with consistent fishing with catches of 50 – 100 trout – day in and day out.  It should continue through August.  Give me a call if you would like to fish with us.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737.

Monday, July 23, 2007 @ 9:39:36 AM

Delacroix, LA USA

TWO DAY DELACROIX REPORT – GREAT FISHING CONTINUES – On Friday I had Herb Harris and his group from Alabama.  Herb has fished with me for years and it is always a pleasure – he is an accomplished angler.  Friday was a very still day both in tidal movement and in wind.  We took advantage of it to get out in the sound where we found a steady bite on mule trout.  The fish were taking live shrimp about 4-6 feet under a cork letting the bait drift.  It was not fast, but very steady and we finished with 50 or so large trout that nearly filled the 120 quart box.  We headed in around 11:30 with everyone on board very happy.  On Saturday I had some new clients from Mississippi that were a referral from a regular client.  The Allen couple brought their 10 year old son Stone (fish time saltwater fishing) and grand paw named “Bubba”.  The conditions were not very good for the maiden voyage.  I headed for some protected water on the edge of Black Bay but had to bounce a little to get there.  Early was slow, only catching a few trout here and there.  We finally pulled up to a spot and Rene said “this is the spot”. She was right because we found a school of bull reds that started breaking some of our lines.  We finally were able to take it easy on them and landed five of them along with some sheepshead and trout.  The last spot tuned the trip into a good one, catching 25 trout five reds and some sheepshead that we let go.  The ride back in Black Bay was a rough one but these people were troupers and were happy we went where the fish were.  I am sure that they will be back.  The fishing is excellent right now and now is the time to get in on the action.  Give me a call if you would like to fish the Delacroix.  I have been chartering in the area 12 years and fishing it for my whole life.  Give me a call (504) 458-8737.  Everything is included – even fish cleaning.  

Sunday, July 8, 2007 @ 8:07:12 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

GREAT WEEKEND IN DELACROIX!  I had trips on Friday and Saturday and the fishing was great.  On Friday I had Orville Garner and Skip Marks as my guests.  With not much tide movement I decided to stay on the fringes of Black Bay and work the points and sunken reefs for trout.  It was the right decision because from our first stop we were on fish using live shrimp under corks.  The fish were not monsters but the bite was good.  We made a move out to some structures but found no tide and only a few fish so we went back closer in and caught fish until they were ready to go in around 11:00 a.m.  On Saturday I had Allen Magee and his group from Mississippi.  Alan fished with me on a regular basis before the storm, but this was the first time we were able to hook up since then.  I headed to the same area as on Friday and once again I found a good bite.  It was near constant action using live shrimp under a cork.  When the fish got a little on the small side we would make a little move and the bite would start over again.  After we had enough trout we went after some reds and Alan ended the day with a 30” bull red.  At noon it was very hot so we headed in.  The two day total was 111 trout, 1 bull red and some sheephead that we let go.  A great weekend was had by all with calm seas and hungry fish.  Give me a call to book your trip – the summer is just getting started.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737.

Sunday, June 24, 2007 @ 8:31:32 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

IT’S TIME TO FISH DELACROIX!   Things are finally get right and the summertime pattern has started.  Get out early in Black Bay and Breton Sound with a bait well full of live shrimp. Fish the islands early under a cork in 3’ of water for the first hour and then move to the rigs in the sound in 10’ to 12’ of water using deep corks or Carolina rigs.  The fish have been holding close to the rigs and deep. Look for clean water and mullets swimming around the rig.  You should anchor up current and let your live bait drift back to the rig with the current.  The trout usually hit it as it completes its drift.  If you don’t have your limit after fishing the islands and rigs, you should have no trouble topping off the box under the birds.  When fishing the birds, motor up current and drift back into the action. A good trolling motor comes in handy and please be courteous of other boats working the flock.  If you hang around the area where the birds are working, a new flock usually forms and you can go to that flock without interfering with the boat already fishing.  The weather for the next few days looks awesome.  I have an opening on Friday if you would like to get out and see for yourself how great the fishing is.  Give me a call at (504) 458-8737.  LET’S GO FISHING!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007 @ 9:01:22 AM

Delacroix, LA USA

FATHER’S DAY OUTING - BRETON SOUND IS RED HOT!

Yesterday I hooked up with an old friend and we decided to take our fathers out for fathers day.  My Dad is 84 and his is 79.  It is funny how life changes, it seems like only yesterday that our dads were taking our fish off and taking care of us and now we have the PRIVILEGE of doing the same for them.  With light seas and a good tide we headed out to Breton Sound and found beautiful trout at one of the many structures.  We Carolina rigged live shrimp and let them drift toward the rig where the trout would inhale it.  We put about 40 of these trout on ice until we were out of live shrimp.  Fishing the bottom at this time of the year you loose a lot of bait.  On the way in we stopped at some birds and put another 40 or so schoolies in the box before heading in around 11:00 a.m before it got to hot for the older guys.  It was truly a wonderful time spending time with our Dad’s.  We are fortunate to still have them here – never take it for granted.  The fishing is as good as it gets right now and I have some open dates, so give me a call (504) 458-8737 for your trout trip to Breton Sound.  

Saturday, June 16, 2007 @ 11:18:24 AM

Delacroix, LA USA

DELACROIX WEEKEND REPORT

The wind finally laid down on Saturday and we hit Black Bay for the first time in a while. It was not flat, but definitely fishable.  Started around Stone Island and found some 13-16 inch trout taking anything you threw at them. We boxed about a dozen and then when off in search of larger trout.  As we went west the water was very dirty with river water so we headed east a little and stopped in the area of The Wreck.  The water was dirty but the big trout began inhaling our live shrimp Carolina rigged.  The tide was moving very good and we would cast up current and let the tide take the bait toward the rig.  The trout would take it about half way back.  We also caught some black drum before the bite ended.  I continued to head east in search of clean water and found it in Lake Fortuna.  We fished a point in the lake that has some “nervous water” and again found some nice trout and using live shrimp under a cork in 3’ of water.  Look for bait working around the points of island and you will find trout.  We also put one red in the boat before my guests were ready to head in around 11:30 with a nice box of fish.  Not quite a limit but very good quality.  Sunday was another story with the dreaded west wind howling.  I knew we would have to keep it inside so I headed to some protected shore lines in Lake Campo, Oak River Bay and Bay Lafourch.  We were fortunate to find a good trout bite in protected waters.  We took off the corks and used green sparkle beetles and live shrimp on a jig head working it over the oyster beds.  We caught about 30 specks and one sheep head and headed in early.  When the wind is down we have some fantastic fishing.  When the wind blows we have to work hard for results.  If you would like to have a great time fishing in the Delacroix area, give us call at (504) 458-8737.  We provide everything including live bait and fish cleaning.

Monday, June 4, 2007 @ 12:09:56 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

OPENING ON SUNDAY!

The winds should be down and water clearing, anyone for fishing?  I have an opening for a charter on Sunday and everything looks good. Good tides and light winds.  We have been hammering the trout in Black Bay and Breton Sound when the wind is down.  Some live bait is now becoming available and the fish are eating up.  Give me a call at (985) 543-0388 if you would like to go fishing this Sunday.

Friday, May 18, 2007 @ 6:29:24 PM

Delacroix, LA USA

Black Bay Breton Sound Report – Here is a run down of my recent trips.  The fishing has really turned on in Black Bay and Breton Sound.  There are nice trout staged at the rigs and close-in islands and school sized trout are under the birds in the near shore areas.  Take your pick, it all adds up to non-stop action as the summer trout season begins.  It will only get better as live bait becomes available and the weather gets more consistent.  Speaking of weather, the winds have really been relentless until the later part of last week and this weekend.  When the winds lay down, we have been able to get deep into the sound where some really nice trout have been taken.  We have been throwing large soft plastics up current, letting them fall all the way to the bottom and then working them back bouncing them off the bottom.  The big trout are eating them up on the fall.  Croakers will soon become available and the ticket will be Carolina rigging them around the rigs for some big trout, especially around the full moon stage. Early in the morning the close in islands such as Stone, Iron Banks and Lonesome have some large trout biting in 2-4 feet of water.  They can be caught on top water lures or plastics under corks.  The speculizer works well around the islands.  The bite usually ends as the sun gets higher in the sky and that is the time to either head for the rigs in 10-14 feet of water or chase some birds around for two at a time action on double rigs.  You will have to sort through the small ones and gaftops but keep moving and you will be able to find a school with legal trout.  Overall, the catches have been limits are close to limits.  It looks like the next few days will be windy but by the end of the week things should settle down.  I had a cancellation for Saturday June 2 the day of the RUMMEL FISHING RODEO. I also have some days open the end of this week and this weekend.  Give me a call if you would like to get in on some great early season fishing (504) 458-8737.

Monday, May 14, 2007 @ 8:49:00 AM

Delacroix, LA USA

SCOUTING REPORT – BRETON SOUND
I did a scouting trip with a friend of mine on Sunday to prepare for some upcoming charters.  We left out of Breton Sound Marina and began on the east side of the MRGO hitting the rocks and then some rigs in Bay Eloi.  The wind was out of the north (8 knots) early with a slow incoming tide.  Water clarity was great (at least two feet).  Armed only with plastic we began working the rigs close to the structure.  After some experimenting with different presentations, we began catching some nice trout.  The fish were staging about 20 feet from the down current side of the rig and close to the bottom.  We were fishing in 12 feet of water so we would have to let the bait sink to the bottom and then begin working it back, bouncing it off the bottom with the current.  The trout would always hit the bait on the fall.  The fish we caught were in the 2-3 lb class.  At 10:00 a.m. the tide went slack and the bite ended.  We chased the tide by running further out in the sound hitting some large rigs on the west side of the channel.  The tide was falling pretty good out there and we immediately hooked into some nice trout again.  The rig was cross current from the boat, so we threw the bait up current and let it drift back and then worked it back to the boat. The trout would hit the bait as it ended its drift when we started to work it back.  The bite was slow, but the trout were big.  We then headed closer in and found some birds working near Mozambique point.  The school trout were working schools of very small brown shrimp (about 1”).  The fish are not tightly schooled yet so you had to drift and cover some ground.  The size of the trout under the birds was about ½ legal and ½ undersized.  It was a great scouting trip and things are looking very good for the summer trout season.  It should be awesome!  If you would like to fish with us this season year, give me a call. MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 @ 9:36:37 AM

Delacroix, LA USA

I don’t know about you but the post-hunting season blues are hitting me hard.  The good news is that it will not be long before the spring and summer trout season will be in full swing.  It is time now to clean out the tackle box, put new line on the reels (maybe buy some new ones?), and start dreaming about warm days in Breton Sound with a huge speck on the line that just inhaled your croaker.  Sounds good doesn’t it!  I really believe that that will be a very different season than last year.  Things were in pretty bad shape last year.  Gas and bait were hard to find and only a few facilities were available in St. Bernard.  Guides and lodging facilities were also in short supply.  I am not saying that things are back to normal but they are much improved over last year and I believe that the opportunities to satisfy the craving for specks this year will definitely be available.  We will be returning our operations to Delacroix this year after working out of Hopedale last year.  We will have a boat slip and gas and bait are now available at Delacroix.  It will be good to be at our home base again. I have been out on a few scouting trips recently with mixed results depending on the weather.  This time of the year is tough and you really have to pick your days. Reds are fairly easy to come by but this is not the prime time of the year for specks. I normally recommend for my clients to start scheduling their trout trips stating around mid April when the first wave to spawning trout move into Black Bay and Breton Sound.  If you would like to fish with us this year, we are now booking charters.  While we do not have lodging, we can help you make arrangements.  Give us a call to get the best dates.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737.

Monday, February 26, 2007 @ 9:45:22 AM

Reggio, LA USA

DUCK SEASON UPDATE – We have been working hard at putting our guests on ducks and the results have been mixed from day to day.  Our Lake Lerry lease is holding good numbers of ducks, but they have been hard to hunt.  The area is mostly broken marsh and the ducks do not seem to have one particular place they want to be.  We jump up several hundred ducks, set up, and the ducks just seem to find another place to go.  These late season ducks are hard to hunt.  Our Reggio lease is more consistent but it is not holding large numbers of ducks.  We pick away at them and wind up with 6 -12 ducks per hunt.  Late season in the area that we hunt is always tough but we are still having some success and our guests are going home satisfied.  If you are in for some late season duck hunting and are willing to work for them – give us a call (985) 543-0388 or (504) 458-8737. We have good availability through the rest of the season and have room for two hunters THIS SATURDAY.  

Thursday, January 4, 2007 @ 8:24:25 PM

Reggio, LA USA

DUCKS EVERYWHERE!!!  We limited out the last two hunts with all big ducks – Grays, Widgeon, and Pintail.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  After today’s hunt we did and little scouting and raised thousands of ducks on our Lake Lerry lease.  We plan to be there in the morning.  We have openings for Thursday, Friday and Sunday.  Now is the time to hunt – the ducks are here.  Give me a call at (985) 543-0388 or (504) 458-8737.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 @ 10:53:48 AM

Reggio, LA USA

LIMITS!  After a foggy opening weekend with only fair shooting, things picked up yesterday with our guests from Florida taking limits of grays, teal, and dosgris.  The shooting was steady all morning long and the birds were cooperative in decoying.  Our weather has been in a “stuck” mode for almost three weeks now with not much to get the ducks moving.  The increase in wind yesterday is all we needed to get them moving again.  It looks like some cooler weather in on the way after the rain ends on Friday.  WE HAVE SOME OPENINGS FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY if you would like some holiday hunting.  There are also a few days next week open.  Give me call to book your hunt (985) 543-0388 or (504) 458-8737.

Thursday, December 21, 2006 @ 10:54:44 AM

Reggio, LA USA

THE DUCKS ARE HERE!  The ducks are thick on our leases.  Two weeks of no hunting pressure and some cold weather up north is all it took to re-stock our leases with ducks.  This weekend should be awesome.  The water in the marsh has returned and there is water in the broken marsh areas that we have had so much success in during the first split.  The weather conditions do not look ideal, but with the large number of ducks around it should not make a difference.  ATTENTION HUNTERS!  We had a late cancellation for SUNDAY and have availability for two hunters.  GIVE ME CALL ASAP ON MY CELL (504) 458-8737 to get in on the opening weekend action.

Thursday, December 14, 2006 @ 8:14:53 PM

Reggio, LA USA

First Split Recap – Sorry for the late report, but I have been busy deer hunting.  Overall, we had a good (not great) first split.  However, compared to others in southeast Louisiana we may have done better than most.  Over the course of all of our hunts in the first split we took an average of 9.2 ducks per hunt.  Our average per “guest” was 5.7 ducks.  We took approximately 40% gray ducks 50% teal (mostly blue winged) and 10% in other ducks including mallards, mottled ducks, spoonbills, dosgris, and hooded mergansers.  Last week was by far our best week with limits coming almost everyday.  The beginning of the first split was slow after opening day.  Here are some first split observations.  There is not much feed and the ducks are highly concentrated over what little feed there is.  Scouting is critical to find ducks.  Once you find a concentration, the shooting is very consistent for a few days until they catch on.  Give it a rest for a few days and they return.  There seems to be more teal than I can remember in a while.  The teal buzz the decoys but will not decoy – mostly pass shooting on teal.  Gray ducks were scarce early but made a good comeback the last week and they are working the decoys well. The tides are different this year.  It seems that the water goes out much faster on a west wind but it also comes back much faster on an east wind.  In our area low water moves the ducks out but they come right back as the water returns.  The very cold weather to the north of us should really bring us some ducks – but we will have to wait two weeks to find out.  The opener of the second split should be awesome.  We have some availability in the second split starting on December 21.  Give me a call if you would like to schedule a duck hunt. (985) 543-0388 or (504) 458-8737.

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 @ 12:00:52 PM

Reggio, LA USA

LIMITS IN 18 MINUTES!  That’s how long it took this morning for our guests to get their limits.  We found a good concentration of ducks in area that we had not hunted in over a week.  Having a lot of property to hunt really helps when hunting gets a little slow, you simply start scouting areas that have been rested and many times you find the mother load. That is what happened this morning.  We hunted on the edge of a broken marsh area that had been mud during the low water that we had last week.  The rising tide brought water back to the shallow area and the ducks came back when the water returned.  The birds were mostly teal with a few spoonbills and mottled.  The number or birds we saw this morning was incredible especially at the end of the first split.  We will be back in the morning hunting two blinds and our guests should be in for a real treat.  We have openings in the second split and a few openings during the next few days.  Give me a call at (985) 543-0388 or (504) 458-8737.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 @ 8:49:22 AM

Reggio, LA USA

LOW WATER – NO WATER - DUCK HUNTING – We had one blind hunting this morning very low tides.  The surface drive go-devil had no trouble making it to one of our deep water duck hunting spots.  It looks like the divers have arrived as we took two redheads and a dosgris in addition to grays and teal.  Not a slam today with 10 ducks taken but considering the conditions and the low water we were happy with the results.  The ducks were landing a little short of the decoys today – not sure why.  We are going to start to use some natural cover around the boat blinds until we get some new (stupid) ducks.  The ones that are here now are educated.  We will rest everything for a few days and be back at them on Friday.  Hopefully more water and more ducks.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  We have much to be thankful for and hopefully we appreciate it much more after what we have all been through.  We do have openings from November 27 – December 3 and during the second split.  Give me a call to book your hunt (985) 543-0388 or (504) 458-8737.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 @ 7:02:53 PM

Reggio, LA USA

LIMITS ON A DUCKY DAY – This morning the weather was perfect for ducks and the ducks were there for the taking. We had only one blind hunting today and we knocked down limits.  Mostly grays and a few teal.  The ducks are finally starting to work to the decoys.  I am not sure if it is because they are new ducks or just that the weather was right, but who cares, it was good to see.  The high water has left the marsh and it is low and falling – but no problem for the surface drive go-devil and pop-up blind.  We can get anywhere and hunt anywhere with this rig.  If you would like to make a hunt with us and not have to worry about equipment, leases and all of the other hassles, give me a call.  All you have to do is show up with your gun and shells and we do the rest – even clean your ducks! We have availability from November 26 – December 3 and many days in the second split.  Give me a call (985) 543-0388 or (504) 458-8737.

Thursday, November 16, 2006 @ 7:02:26 PM

Reggio, LA USA

LULL IN THE ACTION – Things have dropped off the last few days with poor duck hunting weather conditions and opening weekend pressure redistributing the ducks. Our members and guests have been taking some ducks – but not limits. All of that should change tomorrow with the strongest front of the season arriving. It should bring in some fresh ducks and drop the water out of the marsh so that the ducks can get to the feed. The next few days should be awesome – so if you can – get out and hunt. If you would like to make and enjoyable hunt and not have to worry about BOAT LAUNCHES, leases, ducks boats and equipment – give us a call.  You just have to show up with your gun and we do the rest – even CLEAN YOUR DUCKS.  We have some of the best property on our three leases at Reggio, Lake Lerry and Hopedale – over 1,500 acres!  We have openings November 26 – December 3 and good availability during the second split.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737 or (985) 543-0388.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 @ 8:59:47 AM

Reggio, LA USA

GREAT START!  OPENING WEEKEND REPORT – It is great to be hunting ducks again here at Marshland Adventures.  Saturday we had five blinds hunting with three blinds taking quick limits and the other two just short.  The majority of the ducks taken were teal followed by grays, mottled and spoonbills.  On Sunday we had four blinds hunting with all blinds close to limits.  The second day “fall off” is expected and the birds should return in a few days. We are seeing more ducks in the marsh then I have seen in quite some time but they have been hard to get to decoy. The reasons are the intense opening day pressure as well as high tides.  The birds are not following consistent flyways and are landing all over the place.  The bottom line is you see thousands of ducks but getting them in your decoys is difficult.  If you are having this problem, I suggest that you set out large decoy spreads and use a mojo to get their attention.  We have some limited openings for day hunts from November 27 – December 3 and also some second split days open as well.  Give us a call to book your hunt.  Everything is included – even bird cleaning – just show up with your gun and we will do the rest.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737 – (985) 543-0388

Monday, November 13, 2006 @ 9:16:53 AM

Reggio, LA USA

FINAL COUNTDOWN – Well the days are counting down to duck season and optimism is running high here at Marshland Adventures.  We have been busy getting equipment ready and scouting our leases for what should be a GREAT duck season.  We are seeing a lot of ducks on our Reggio and Lake Leery leases.  There are still quite a few teal and more and more gray ducks are showing up.  It seems that the ducks are congregating in the broken marsh areas where wild millet is growing and the seed heads are blowing into the water.  The ponds also have some submergent growth of widgeon grass and coontail.  If you are going to be successful this season, you will have to find an area that has some duck feed.  If you are going to be successful you should be scouting NOW!  If you have not made plans to duck hunt this year - IT IS NOT TOO LATE!  WE ARE NOW BOOKING DAY HUNTS AND HAVE ONE UNGUIDED MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS THEIR OWN EQUIPMENT.  Give me a call (504) 458-8737 for more information.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006 @ 11:03:43 AM

Reggio, LA USA

TEAL SEASON RECAP – ONE OF THE BEST I CAN REMEMBER! Sorry for the late report.  The teal hunting this year was phenomenal in Reggio.  We easily limited out on every hunt we made on our Reggio lease.  The shooting was as fast as it gets with birds in the air constantly.  We have been hunting out of go-devil boat blinds and they are easy to use and very effective.  During the last few hunts we have been seeing more and more big ducks such as grays, spoonbills, pintails and more mottled ducks than I have ever seen.  Riding out after the hunt we have been raising large flocks of ducks.  The regular duck season should be great with all the birds we are seeing this early.   If you would like to get into the action this duck season, at Marshland Adventures are doing things a little different this year.  We are now offering memberships that allow our members to hunt on either guided hunting packages or unguided packages.  Unguided packages allow members unlimited use of all of our property “on their own” using their own equipment.  Presently we have filled all of our guided packages, but have two unguided packages available.  If you have your own equipment (must have go-devil type rig) and you would like to access to over 1,500 acres of prime duck hunting property near Lake Lerry, Reggio and Hopedale, here is your chance! A two person membership is $3,000 ($1,500 per person). Drop me an e-mail by clicking below if you would like more information. Serious inquiries only.

Friday, October 6, 2006 @ 4:06:16 PM

Reggio, LA USA

COULDN’T GET ANY FASTER -   On Friday my guests and I went out of our Reggio Lease and it took only 19 minutes to get our limits.  It was as if someone let them out of cages.  The action was constant shooting and reloading until the final bird fell.  The teal are really thick right now and I hope that this is a foreshadowing of the big duck season.  We also saw quite a few big ducks including mottled, grays and pintail.  I am really fired up about duck season this year – it looks like it will be a good one.    If you would like to get into the action this duck season we At Marshland Adventures are doing things a little different this year.  We are now offering memberships that allow our members to hunt on either guided hunting packages or unguided packages.  Unguided packages allow members unlimited use of all of our property “on their own” using their own equipment.  Presently we have filled all of our guided packages, but have two unguided packages available.  If you have your own equipment (must have go-devil type rig) and you would like to access to over 1,500 acres of prime duck hunting property near Lake Lerry, Reggio and Hopedale, here is your chance! A two person membership is $3,000 ($1,500 per person Drop me an e-mail by clicking below if you would like more information. Serious inquiries only.

Sunday, September 24, 2006 @ 12:29:03 PM

Reggio, LA USA

LATE TEAL HUNTING REPORT – Friday morning me and two guests, hunting our Hopedale lease, managed to take down our 3 person limit.  It was not fast shooting but steady.  We saw many big bands of teal but they were on the move and not working.  The smaller groups and singles and doubles came in and we finished around 9:30. WE DID NOT HEAR A SINGLE SHOT ON FRIDAY – NO HUNTING PRESSURE.  Saturday things were slower than Friday but still made for an enjoyable hunt for my two guests who did more shooting than killing.  They took down five teal for the morning.  Again, we saw quite a few teal but they were not working very well.  I have never seen as many mottled ducks as I have saw in the two hunts.   I you would like to get into the action this duck season we at Marshland Adventures are doing things a little different this year.  We are now offering memberships that allow our members to hunt on either guided hunting packages or unguided packages.  Unguided packages allow members unlimited use of all of our property “on their own” using their own equipment.  Presently we have filled all of our guided packages, but have two unguided packages available.  If you have your own equipment (must have go-devil type rig) and you would like access to over 1,000 acres of prime duck hunting property near Lake Lerry, Reggio and Hopedale, here is your chance! A two person membership is $3,000 ($1,500 per person. Drop me an e-mail by clicking below if you would like more information. Serious inquiries

Monday, September 18, 2006 @ 2:33:50 PM

Reggio, LA USA

It is time to get excited.  Teal season is only 9 days away! This little cool front has the teal headed south and there are plenty of them.   I am sure many of you are eagerly waiting to shoot your guns after last season – which many of us missed.   The marshes are looking good in the area we hunt with lots of feed. The marsh has changed quite a bit and it will take a little scouting to figure out how the birds will be using it.  I hope everyone has a chance to get out and hunt teal and do a little pre-season scouting for the regular duck season.  At Marshland Adventures, things will be different this year we now offering memberships that allow our members to hunt on either guided hunting packages or unguided packages.  Unguided packages allow members unlimited use of all of our property “on their own” using their own equipment.  Presently we have filled all of our guided packages, but have two unguided packages available.  If you have your own equipment (must have go-devil type rig) and you would like to access prime duck hunting property near Lake Lerry, Reggio and Hopedale, here is your chance! A two person membership is $3,000 and allows for kids and guests to hunt at no additional charge.  Drop me an e-mail by clicking below if you would like more information. Serious inquiries only.

Wednesday, September 6, 2006 @ 12:39:58 PM

Reggio, LA USA

Duck Season Update – It is hard to believe that in just two weeks we will be hunting teal again!  Reports from the breading ground are very good especially for Gray ducks and Teal.  I am sure that many of you were unable to hunt last season and are looking forward to duck hunting again.  The marshes are in surprisingly good shape and our leases are filled with duck food.  In our freshwater lease near Lake Lerry most of the land has been literally “washed away”.  What is left is large shallow water area’s where land once was and it is loaded with duck feed.  The challenge will competing with the large rafts of ducks on the open water.  Our leases in Reggio and Hopedale were not heavily damaged and should continue to be very productive.   At Marshland Adventures, things will be different this year instead of “day hunts” we now offering memberships that allow our members to hunt on either guided hunting packages or unguided packages.  Unguided packages allow members unlimited use of all of our property “on their own” using their own equipment.  Presently we have filled all of our guided packages, but have two unguided packages available.  If you have your own equipment (must have go-devil type rig) and you would like to access prime duck hunting property near Lake Lerry, Reggio and Hopedale, here is your chance! A two person membership is $3,000 and allows for kids and guests (at no additional charge).  Drop me an e-mail by clicking below if you would like more information. Serious inquiries only.

Friday, September 1, 2006 @ 2:29:58 PM

Hopedale, LA USA

GREAT FISHING IN BLACK BAY – TWO DAY REPORT I had trips on Thursday and Friday and the fishing was outstanding. On Thursday my two guests and I left out of Breton Sound Marina were greeted with slick calm conditions in Black Bay and bait everywhere in the water. We had an older gentleman on board so we elected to stay in Black Bay and not venture out to Breton Sound.  We did not get very far before we found huge schools of shrimp popping out the water and a trout feeding frenzy with the water boiling with fish.  It did not mater what you threw at them it was an instant hook up. The trout were in the 14”-16” range with a few larger mixed in.  By 9:30 we had our 75 trout (I fished today to put some in my freezer).  It was a great day and we were headed in before 10:00 a.m.  Friday I headed out with a regular customer and three of his guests.  We were unable to locate the big schools of shrimp so we headed deep into the sound to fish rigs.  We could not find a bite out there so we came back closer to shore and found some fast fishing on school size trout.  We did not catch our four person limit but still had plenty fish for everyone and a great time was had by all.  This has been some of the best early summer fishing everyone has seen in a while.  The fishing is as easy as it gets.  Just come on down and we will take care of everything including live bait and fish cleaning is always included.  We have openings later on in June and July and August.  MARSHLAND ADVENTURES (504) 458-8737.

Sunday, June 4, 2006 @ 9:34:42 AM

Hopedale, LA USA

BACK ON THE WATER – After of months of logistical nightmares, fights with insurance companies and repair shops.  Marshland Adventures is back in business and made our first charter trip yesterday.  We are now operating out of Breton Sound Marina and they are friendly, helpful and have everything you need.  I had two Classes of 2006 graduates aboard and they were ready for some fishing to celebrate.  After a late start we headed out to my old stomping grounds of Black Bay and Breton Sound.  The wind and tide combined to create nice water movement and the fish were hungry.  On the first cast we had a 27 inch red on, soon to be followed by trout.  We moved around first fishing structure and then islands.  We caught fish everywhere mostly on Speculizers, but used live croakers Carolina rigged for the larger trout.  We kept all the fish we wanted and threw the rest back to catch another day. It was great to be back on the water and a great trip to start the post-Katrina era.  The fishing is great right now and should continue throughout the summer months.  Give me a call if you would like to book a trip (504) 458-8737.

Monday, May 22, 2006 @ 12:48:04 PM

St. Bernard, LA USA

Sorry I have not posted is while, I have been busy moving back from Texas and starting to build a new house on the north shore.  I am now living in Metairie and will do so until the new house is built.  Normally around this time of the year I would be posting my duck season recap but this year there is nothing to recap.  I made one duck hunt this year and did fairly well.  I planned to hunt during the second split but the reports were so bad that I passed on it.  Well enough for the past – let’s look forward.  There are signs of life now in lower St. Bernard and I am convinced the area will return as one of the best fishing and duck hunting areas once again.  There is a lot of work to be done but I know that the people who fish and hunt in the area will rise to the occasion.  Camps and docks are already being worked on and by the spring trout run I expect many of the die hards will be itching to get out and catch the first mules of the season.  My boat is almost finished being refurbished and will be “like new” in a few weeks and I am already booking trips for the spring and summer.  Paradise Lodge took a real whack and only half of it remains.  I have not had a chance to do anything in the way of clean up or rebuilding.  Several of my friends, family and clients have offered to help me in the clean up effort, so I am organizing a work party for the weekend of February 11 &12 anyone interested in lending a hand is welcome.  I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to getting back on the water and it looks like fishing has never been better.  I can be reached on my cell phone at (504) 458-8737 if someone would like to book a trip, help with the clean up or just chat.

Monday, January 23, 2006 @ 10:57:44 AM

Reggio, LA USA

PINTAILS EVERYWHERE! It was great to be back duck hunting this morning for the first time since the storm.  We were greeted with very low tides. BEWARE Reggio Canal is silted in and not passable on a low tide with an outboard.  The new surface drive go-devil had no trouble but was spitting mud most of the way down the canal.  The marsh really looks different now and finding your way is a challenge – do not attempt at night for the first time.  We finally made it to our area and set up using the pop up blind.  We saw ducks landing about 200 yards away and quickly made the move and had ducks decoying within minutes.  The first duck was green wing teal and then the pintails started coming in and we quickly had our two in the bag.  A couple dosgris also hit the water and of course lots of misses.  We saw many ducks today in large flocks – mostly pintails, teal and dosgris.  Surprisingly few grays.  We stopped hunting around 9 and did some scouting – seeing ducks everywhere we went.  Considering the lack of feed-, there are lots of ducks.  The total lack of hunting pressure in my opinion is what has these ducks here and they are very easy to work.  It was a great day.  On August 29 I never would have believed that I would be duck hunting in November.  I am looking forward to the second split when I can hunt much more.  At the present time we are not in a position to offer guided hunts but may do so during the second split.  Good luck to all the duck hunters out there and BE VERY CAREFULL.

Friday, November 25, 2005 @ 8:23:48 PM

Reggio, LA USA

I MISSED OPENING MORNING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 30 YEARS!  I had not missed an opening day since I started duck hunting at age 16.  But Katrina and some unexpected eye surgery combined to keep me out of the duck blind this morning.  I had one of my guides hunt the Hopedale area and he and a buddy managed 7 gray’s and 1 drake pintail.  Not a slaughter but considering the blue bird day and the total ABSENCE of hunting pressure – NOT BAD!  Not a lot of birds but the one’s that flew worked well.  I will be back in the blind very soon.  I have a new Go-Devil Surface Drive motor and a pop-up blind waiting to be picked up in Baton Rouge and I WILL BE BACK.  It is going to be an interesting year – poor habitat (no feed) but no hunting pressure.  We will have to see how it all plays out.  We are still not in a position to offer guided hunts to the public but may be able to do so in the second split.  I will keep everyone updated with reports from the Delacroix, Reggio and Hopedale areas when we hunt.  

Saturday, November 12, 2005 @ 7:20:05 PM

Meraux, LA USA

THINGS ARE STARTING TO COME BACK!  I just ordered a brand new GO-DEVIL surface drive motor and pop up blind for my 18’ duck boat.  The boat and trailer survived but not the motor.  I will have at least one boat up and running for duck season!  According to Warren Coco, the ducks have arrived in south Louisiana.  I am trying to do a few guided trips for regular customers this year.  My big boat is being spruced up by BOAT CITY USA and will be ready shortly for fishing charters.  I am more optimistic now that I have been since the storm.  I am seeing life again in people’s eyes – a glimmer of hope and determination.  The human spirit will triumph once more.  The recovery will not be accomplished by any agency or organization but only by hard working people who are determined to get their lives back.  I am one of those and I invite everyone to join with me.   Capt. Steve Himel (504) 458-8737

Friday, October 28, 2005 @ 11:47:21 AM

Meraux, LA USA

MARSHLAND ADVENTURES UPDATE – I wanted to give everyone an update about the Reggio and Delacroix area and the future plans of Marshland Adventures.  This weekend a scouting trip was made to our duck leases in Reggio and North of Lake Lerry. It appears that the marsh in the Reggio area (around Grand Lagoon) only had minimal damage from the storm.  The ponds are a little larger and some marsh is torn up but overall it looks pretty much the same.  There is little or no duck feed.  The marsh north of Lake Lerry is a different story.  There are now large expanses of open water with some land left around the canals and higher ridges.  The broken marsh areas are now large lagoons.  This “floatant” freshwater marsh was rolled up and much of it washed away.  It appears that the salt and brackish marshes faired much better than the freshwater areas.  I am not sure what impact these large open areas will have on the ducks.  As far as Marshland Adventures future – WE ARE COMING BACK!  For this duck season I am trying to put together some limited duck hunting opportunities for our regular members but will not be booking hunts for the general public.  The following season should be business as usual. &n