Saturday in Slidell

FINALLY got out on my yak Saturday after having shoulder surgery almost 3 months ago. Stayed local and went to the Hwy 11 canal by the train trestles in Slidell. Weather called for calm winds and few clouds early, but they lied! Main lake was WAY to rough to venture out in the Ascend 12T! So I paddled down the canal working docks and structure. TONS of bait fish everywhere, yet nothing busting them?? Found it odd. Anyways, managed 3 stupid ladyfish and 7 BABY rat reds (like 10-12in). Found them chasing the bait on my way back, but got pushed off the water by the big storms rolling in....go figure....just as I get on the bite. Anyways, good to get back on the water and even better not getting skunked! Tight lines!

Danno

I noticed that boat launch right by the mouth of the canal. Is that a public launch?

I hope so! I use it all the time. I see people use it all the time as well and the side of the road usually has a bunch of vehicles there that launched as well. Google maps lists it as a public launch. It's not the best and it's not maintained, but it will work for kayaks or smaller boats. There was a 16ft bass tracker launching after I did on Saturday.

No.
Years ago it was a boat launch named Tites.
Not sure who owns it now. This past year or two whoever owns it rebuilt a camp there. However, I have never seen them run anyone off or even try to prevent anyone from using it. It really upsets me when I launch there and see trash all over the place. I always try to make it a little cleaner than I found it when I go there. If people keep trashing the place I am pretty sure it will eventually become off limits.

Oh... Danno- congrats on getting back on the water. We need to hook up. I believe I still have your email. I'll shoot ya something next time I go. Actually went looking for Jacks in the Lake this morning. It was to rough and I never even launched.

Definitely need to hook up and slime up the yaks! I only have a little over a month left though so time is running out! lol. Retiring from the Marine Corps first week of October and moving to Colorado Springs (did what I said i'd never do and took a contractor job working for the government....after 20+ years of doing it....lol) Going to miss the fishing here for sure!!! Couldn't agree more with the trash at that launch either. A couple people ruin it for everyone else. I'm always picking up trash there as well. I'll admit, it does look better than a couple years ago when I first found it and started using it though! Still not good enough. Lazy people. Just take your trash home with you! Ok, enough of my soap box. Let me know when you want to try and get on the water.......if this weather will ever permit! I just researched the jacks this year actually! Wanted to do the same thing as I've never caught one. I thought it was July time frame though when they were in the lake?