[dropcap]J[/dropcap]uly, the hot month. The fishing will be hot, also, in lower Plaquemines. When I’m not eating 4 hot dogs, I’ll be chasing ole “yellow” mouth. The birds will be diving on both sides of the River out of Buras. These birds, if they are laughing gulls, will be telling me where the shrimp are. If there are shrimp, then there is trout. Drift quietly into the birds from up current and throw something that looks like a shrimp. Rig it tandem if you want two at a time. These trout will be small but keepers and great for the frying pan. If an imitation shrimp doesn’t work then try the real thing. It’s hard to beat the real thing in July.
Reds will be hiding along the grass in the back ends of the bays and around any point. Market bait under a Low country cork is hard to beat. Find a current line and work the cork slowly. This should produce. enough “spot tails” for the grill.
Down river will be a little different. I’ll be hitting the outer shallow water rigs, and the outer islands. Around the rigs I’ll throw a Carolina rigged live shrimp. Work it slowly around the rig legs and set the hook when “tap-tap” happens. When I hit the islands, I’ll throw “crickets-undera- cork”. July is when the trout usually start showing up on the rigs on the west side. The same Carolina rig that works on the east will work on the west. You might, also, pick up a triple tail or two.
Red fish will be moving into the River system if the River continues to drop. Fish the passes with market bait either under a cork or tipped on the hook of a black and chartreuse jig. Work the grass and cuts along the passes and you’ll find your reds. The bulls will be on the outside sand bars around the mouths of the passes. A noisy cork with a big dark plastic underneath is all that’s needed. Make plenty of noise and hold on. The big “bulls” are there. the 4th of July celebrates America’s independence; the land of the free and the home of the brave. If you’re brave enough to fight the heat in Venice this month, you’ll be rewarded with a box of fish to celebrate with. Capt. Owen Langridge Big “O” Charters L.L.C. 225 978 1136 www.bigocharters.com