Bubonic Hussein Soetoro is 'supposed' to be coming to Louisiana on Tuesday...as IF the Flood Waters weren't BAD ENOUGH...now we've got to go back and start disinfecting EVERYTHING all over again

Friends, I gotta tell ya, I thoroughly enjoyed geaux'n fishing this past Saturday in the Atchafalaya Basin. The water had dropped from two weeks ago and put the water levels back within the banks in most places.

I was fortunate to be able to tag along with my new fishing buddy, Will, in his boat. We started fishing just after first good light and were tight-line fishing with graphite jig poles armed with a Black 1/32 oz Slater's Jig. Using this technique, we were able to 'place' that tiny Slater's Jig directly next to the Stumps, Cypress Trees, Logs, Cypress Knees and into very small openings in Grass Mats...and it was the TICKET for some bone-jarring Goggle-Eye hammering that Slater's Jig.

We caught a mess of Goggle-Eye, several small Bass, some Bream and a couple of Catfish too. I even hung into 'something' that swirled the water and left headed to Detroit. We caught roughly double the numbers from two weeks ago.

There's nothing quite like that jolt of adrenaline when your senses get jarred by the sudden sensation of a Goggle-Eye on the end of light tackle. On top of the fishing, the scenery was breathtaking.

Find the time to take someone fishing while the Atchafalaya Basin is reaching its lowest levels all year. Bring a kid fishing...and plenty of water.

Best of Luck to All

Tommy

Friends, I had the opportunity to tag along on a Fishing adventure into the Atchafalaya Basin this past Saturday after a FOUR YEAR hiatus from being able to fish due to an Automobile Accident. I have had a hankering to soak a Slater's Jig into the lair of a voracious Goggle-Eye for some time...but back issues and surgery prevented me from doing what I like to do best...Perch Jerk!.

After posting here on Louisiana Sportsman, I joined up with my new Fishing Buddy, Will, and we headed to the Bayou Pigeon Landing early Saturday morning. We motored back to my old fishing haunts, dropped the trolling motor and began fishing. My new Fishing Buddy, Will, had not done much Jig Fishing especially 'targeting' Goggle-Eye. But after a short while and some helpful hints, Ole Will was ON 'EM!

Friends, there's really nothing like that BANG when a Goggle-Eye slams onto your Jig when fishing with a Graphite Jig Pole and 'tight-lining' with no cork. It felt FANTASTIC to be back out on the water in the Atchafalaya Basin, enjoying the view, absorbing the sounds of birds, bullfrogs and critters.

Although the water was still up a foot or so into the woods in places, we managed to catch and keep a good 30 or so Goggle-Eye. Ole Will even caught a nice Sac-a-lait and we both caught some small bass that we threw back.

Overall, the Fishing Trip was a HUGE success. For one, it successfully 'scratched' an 'itch' that has been haunting me for FOUR YEARS; secondly, I found a new Fishing Buddy right here on Louisiana Sportsman...one whom I'm sure we'll enjoy many more successful fishing trips in the future.

Take the time to invite someone Fishing...bring a kid and enjoy the wonderful bounty of the Atchafalaya Basin.

Goggle-Eye King

Tommy

I haven't been able to Geaux Fish'n'nin for Four Years due to an Automobile Accident...had major back surgery last April 2015. I'm 'Back Together Again' as they say of Humpty Dumpty, released with a FULL recovery and would really like to Geaux Fish'n'nin in the Atchafalaya Basin. I would like to Geaux Fish'n'nin 'with' someone 'with' a Boat. My Boat(s) have 'sat-up' for Four Years and need work before I can put them back in the water...and I don't have time to do that now when I 'could' be Fish'n'nin. I am not a Bass Fisherman...more of a Pan Fisherman. I know some really good Honey Holes where one can catch plenty of Bream, lots of Big Goggle-Eye, some Sacalait, perhaps even a few bass...using a Jig Pole and 'hair' jig. Its been a while...and I have the 'ITCH'. Anyone 'with' a Boat that could offer a 'Buddy-Up' tag-along...I'd most certainly appreciate the opportunity to Geaux. The Atchafalaya Basin is on FIRE right now...and its only a matter of boating in, dropping the Trolling Motor in the water and 'wetting' a hook before it gets TOO HOT. Thanks in advance for your consideration. Tommy

SCAMS are one thing...but to try to run a SCAM using a 'so-called' Military 'cover' is reprehensible.

This LA Sportsman profile, premierassetmgmt1, posted a Classified Ad for 2000 bass tracker pro team 175 Bass Boat For Sale in Lafayette.

I sent a response as follows: I would like to 'see' this boat. Where can I go to 'see' it? Thanks

The response I received was: -----Original Message-----
From: JEFFERY MARVIN
To: tommydbatonrouge
Sent: Tue, Apr 26, 2016 4:47 am
Subject: 2010 Bass Tracker Pro 170TX

The 2010 Bass Tracker Pro 170TX is still for sale. I'm currently stationed in Great Lakes, IL but i could fly back home to arrange pick up or delivery as soon as a deal is secured. I will also list it on ebay with a buy it now option and whoever wins it will be the next owner. I'm sorry but I just want to sell it as soon as possible and I don't have any preferences to whom.

If you're still interested don't hesitate to email me back with any questions you may have. No trades please and final price is the one listed 3,500.

Semper Fi,

I sent another request as follows: I would like to 'see' this boat. Where can I go to 'see' it? Thanks

I received this response: My name is Jeffery Marvin and I am stationed at Naval Base Great Lakes.The boat is home in Baton Rouge and is in great condition inside, outside and mechanically. Clear title. Two weeks ago somebody wanted to see it, inspect it. I came all the way home and he didn't even show up. That's why I choose to use ebay to reserve the boat for who wants to buy it. You will deposit the money to them and the boat will be reserved for you and after you will come and inspect it you must contact them to release the money to me.If something is not ok with the boat,the deposit is 100% refundable so you will receive your money back.

This last response contained a bunch of pictures of the boat...with mountains in the background.

**********************

Isn't it a DAMN SHAME that SCAMS are just common-place on Louisiana Sportsman? The real tip-off is when the Profile was just created shortly before the Classified was placed...and then the ambiguous responses.

Count me as FED UP

For many years we have experienced relatively mild winters. Invasive aquatic growth like hyacinths returned each spring with a vengence.

In my opinion, recent cold weather with several days below freezing and actual freezing precipitation were needed to have a significant impact on invasive aquatic plants. Perhaps enough impact to clear areas that were essentially impassable or obstructed from fishing.

We'll see the results this spring once the Mississippi River rise has subsided and the Atchafalaya Basin is primed for some great fishing again.

Anyone elses thoughts on this issue...

With reported record snowfall across the upper Mississippi watershed (some as much as TRIPLE amount of snowfall), this doesn't bode well with upcoming spring thaw flooding. The US Army Corps of Engineers likes to 'experiment' with 'controlling' the Lower Mississippi River which is restricted between a man-made levee system. Their 'experimentation' and failure to open the Morganza Spillway until floodwater had over-topped levees in Baton Rouge two years ago almost lead to tragedy. What lies ahead for those protected by levees this spring remains to be seen but watch river levels closely; especially those that are held at artificially high levels to generate electricity by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority). What will it take for beaurocrats to understand that you can't keep playing roulette with people's lives? Let us hope that 2014 won't be remembered for a flood of biblical proportions.

With reported record snowfall across the upper Mississippi watershed (some as much as TRIPLE amount of snowfall), this doesn't bode well with upcoming spring thaw flooding. The US Army Corps of Engineers likes to 'experiment' with 'controlling' the Lower Mississippi River which is restricted between a man-made levee system. Their 'experimentation' and failure to open the Morganza Spillway until floodwater had over-topped levees in Baton Rouge two years ago almost lead to tragedy. What lies ahead for those protected by levees this spring remains to be seen but watch river levels closely; especially those that are held at artificially high levels to generate electricity by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority). What will it take for beaurocrats to understand that you can't keep playing roulette with people's lives? Let us hope that 2014 won't be remembered for a flood of biblical proportions.

I made another trip to Bayou Pigeon this past Saturday. There was a line a trucks on the gravel road leading to the parking area. Once over the levee, each vehicle in front of me stopped, prepared their boat for launch and patiently waited in line for their turn to launch. I was four trucks back, waiting in line to launch, when a pickup truck came over the levee, stopped on the levee slope, put his wife in the boat at the controls then raced up in front of a long line of 20 or more others waiting their turn and cutoff the next person who was trying to pull forward to launch. There was an immediate reaction from the many others who waiting patiently for their turn...but it made no difference. The offender proceeded to curse and back up crazily in and out of other vehicles that were trying to pull back up the ramp after launching their boats. This was BEFORE 6am...so I got there early. There is now a Iberville Sheriff's Deputy that sits at the elevated platform from 6am to 6pm. I just wish that he had been there when this mule-headed profane idiot cut in front of 20 or so others like the boat ramp belonged to him. Other than that, was a wonderful day on the water...had a great time, caught plenty of fish and the cooler temperature and early overcast made for an enjoyable experience.

I made a trip to the Atchafalaya Basin this past Saturday (yes, even with knowledge of high water and the torrential rains early Saturday morning). I chose to go to the Bayou Pigeon Landing to scout some of the areas that I go fishing once the Basin returns back to normal pool. Right now the water is roughly five feet (5') higher on the Bayou Sorrell gauge for optimum fishing...but from the forecasts, is predicted to fall over the next several weeks.

There were a number of boats at the landing; each patiently awaiting their turn to launch...EXCEPT the commercial fishermen. Commercial crawfishermen would pull up straight to the ramp and start backing down the ramp ahead of others who patiently waited their turn. Then, these highly impatient commercial crawfishermen even parked their vehicles immediately along side the boat ramp and in the Handicap parking areas. One even backed his boat trailer all the way up to the access walkway that leads down to the floating dock. And to add insult to injury, commercial crawfishermen had made a public dump out of the trash bins along side the Bayou Pigeon boat ramp...the large paper crawfish bait bags, dead crawfish and garbage stunk to high heavens.

Don't get me wrong, commercial fishermen have every right to the same access...just not MORE rights over everyone else nor the right to turn a public ramp into their private dumping ground.

I hear that LADWLF and/or Sheriff Deputies are writing tickets for boat trailer inspections...perhaps they need to write some tickets for DUMPING and parking in Handicap Parking areas too.

FYI - Crawfish are everywhere you look in the Basin. On bushes, trees, stumps, along the banks...its a bonanza of crawfish.

The screen name Lisa Bonety is a SCAM

I sent a reply to the obviously fake SCAM:

My response to Lisa Bonety post:
Congratulations, you've just opened the Hell-Fire virus. It is completely undetectable...Until Enjoy your Hell

Here's the SCAM response:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding my Skis and trailer. The skis are in perfect condition - like new!, there's not even a scratch or any dents on them. Everything about them is in perfect condition. I have clear titles for them, no liens or loans. The Skis are priced to sell quickly and the final price that I'm asking for them is $2,700 including shipping and handling costs. My husband died in Iraq 2 months ago and me and my daughter decided to sell the house and move to my sister's. The Skis&trailer reminds us very much of my husband but we finally understood that we have to move on with our lives. Although my husband will have his place in our hearts forever. I can't afford to take days off my work for this sale so i'm trying to sell them online.If you are really interested in purchasing the Skis&trailer please reply to this email and i will provide further instructions regarding payment and delivery. Regards!

P.S.: Below you will a full description for this sale. Please take a closer look before you decide.

GENERAL INFORMATION

hours 61.3 and 83,4 pair ski
Insurance Get an Insurance Quote
Manufacturer Sea-Doo
Model Year 2001
Model GTX DI
DIMENSIONS
Length 124.1' (315cm)
Height 41' (104cm)
Width 48.1 (122cm)
Weight 681 lbs. (309kgs)
ENGINE
Engine Two-stroke, Twin-Cylinder Rotaxâ„¢, Orbital Direct Injection, R.A.V.E. exhaust
Horsepower 130hp
Displacement 951cc
Bore x Stroke 88mm x 78.2mm
Compression Ratio 6.1:1
Carburetion (2)Orbital Automotive 46mm Throttle Bodies
Fuel Capacity 15.0 gal. (56.5L) (91 Octane minimum)
Ignition Digital Inductive
Starter Electric, 12-volt
Lubrication Variable Rate Oil Injection
Oil Capacity 1.6 gal. (6L)
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission Direct drive, forward/neutral/reverse
Propulsion System Bombardier Formula water jet pump
Impeller Stainless steel
Intake Reed Valve
Pump Axial flow, single stage, large hub
BODY
Hull Material Fiberglass
Hull Type Deep Vee
Storage 23.4 gal. (88.6L)

Another SCAM...despite repeatedly clicking to report as SCAM, its still there. These scammers create an account then immediately post their SCAM. This one had only posted after creating an empty profile in 11 minutes.

2001 Two Jet Ski's 2001 Sea Doo gtx di With Trailer - $2,700.00
TWO 2001 GTX DI - Technical Specifications DIMENSIONS Length 124.1 in. (315 cm)Width 48.1 in. (122 cm) Height 41.0 in. (104 cm) Weight (dry)681 lbs. (309 Kg) Rider Capacity 1, 2 or 3 Fuel |Capacity (incl. Reserve)15.0 US gallons (56.5 liters) Oil Capacity 1.6 US gallons (6 liters) Storage Capacity 23.4 US gallons (88.6 liters)|ENGINE Type Two stroke, Twin cylinder Rotax.

The same SCAM gets posted REPEATEDLY on Louisiana Sportsman. Each time that I try to report the SCAM it takes multiple clicks to report...then the same SCAM still appears over and over and over again despite reporting it to webmaster.

2007 Honda Foreman - $1,800.00
I am Selling my Two 2007 Honda Foreman 500 4x4 ATV’s in excellent condition, garage kept, aluminum trailer, low hours and mileage. I unfortunately do not have the time to ride them anymore. I am selling them as a package but will consider separating them. Please contact me for further information. Thanks for looking. CONTACT: angeparker96@gmail.com

There is a constant attempt by some piece-of-filth to SCAM readers of Louisiana Sportsman's online classifieds. Almost daily, this same SCAM artist posts a pair of ATV's on a trailer with a ridiculously low price. There should be some way to TRACK the IP address of this SCAMMER.

Here's the SCAM:
2007 Honda Foreman - $1,800.00

I am Selling my Two 2007 Honda Foreman 500 4x4 ATV’s in excellent condition, garage kept, aluminum trailer, low hours and mileage. I unfortunately do not have the time to ride them anymore. I am selling them as a package but will consider separating them. Please contact me for further information. Thanks for looking. CONTACT: angeparker96@gmail.com

Why can't the moderators or server reject any and ALL posts that contain 'angeparker96@yahoo.com'???

Planning a trip Saturday to the Basin in the Bayou Pigeon area...can't wait; there will be cooler temperatures forecasted to be around 60 degrees Saturday morning with a FULL moon for this coming Monday. The bream and goggle-eye should be going back into their spawning beds and the sac-a-lait should be more aggressively biting with the cooler temperatures.

Hope to wet a hook and snag my first fish at first light...if the good Lord's willing and says the same.

I had the opportunity to take another LA Sportsman reader fishing this past Saturday after only exchanging information here on LA Sportsman forum. I took a young man who was eager to learn how to catch more fish and had a great day of fishing.

Even though the Basin is experiencing a slight rise and not ideal conditions of two weeks ago, we were able to catch 73 with mixed bunch of huge goggle-eye, bream, sac-a-lait and even one catfish. But more importantly, I was able to share a few techniques with a fellow LA Sportsman.

Not everyone has a boat or the means to go deep into the basin. So I would like to extend a challenge to LA Sportsman readers to take someone fishing. Better yet, why don't we as readers put together a date and time for a LA Sportsman 'Take a Fellow Sportsman Fishing' day...not a tournament...no trophies...no huge production...just helping others enjoy the our Sportsman's Paradise.

I had been hearing the reports coming from the Atchafalaya Basin but have been unable to go fishing for some time. That changed Sunday. My wife and I took the boat out to Bayou Pigeon. It was on!!! We fished for goggle-eye and bream. I fished with a 1/32 oz black Slater's jig while my wife fished with crickets. Those big goggle-eye were hammering everything put in front of them. You could literally 'smell' the fish they were so thick on their bedding areas.

Another boat with three bass fishermen around the bend from us were hooting and giggling...we were soon to find out why. They were tossing Baby Brushhogs to the bank and dragging them back over the top of the grass...catching HUGE goggle-eye on every cast.

We fished until mid-afternoon when the heat wore us both out but we caught many, many goggle-eye, bream, a few sac-a-lait and even a couple of catfish. ALL of them absolutely hammered my jig.

We could have filled the boat up but caught our share. If you have the chance, now is the time. Look for any likely sloping embankment at or near a point with cypress stumps, logs, etc...toss your favorite fishing bait and hold on!!!

I've made two trips to the Atchafalaya Basin to fish in the Bayou Pigeon area the last two weekends. Caught plenty of sacalait, goggle-eye, bream, bass and catfish on jigs. Threw back a lot of bass that were undersized.

I really enjoyed my time out on the water. But one thing that I saw that I did not like were groups of hunters in boats idling around with loaded guns shooting squirrels from their moving boats. These guys were so brazen that they turned around to go back after a fleeing squirrel in plain sight of my boat (less than 20 yards).

I heard plenty of squirrels barking back in the woods from where I was fishing, so any energetic sportsman could find plenty of brushytails to be taken legally.

I have made a couple of fishing trips to the Atchafalaya Basin; previously to Bayou Pigeon area and today to Adams Landing, Shell Cuts and Flat Lake.

The Atchafalaya Basin is becoming inundated with water hyacinths, hydrilla and duck moss. Many areas are now un-fishable as you can't get to the large cypress stumps/trees along the edges of the various waterways. In fact, the Shell Cuts are now almost totally blocked by water hyacinths.

The Bayou Pigeon Catfish Lake area has large matts of duck moss that make pan fishing next to impossible. Whereever you can find a small open patch next to a cypress tree, you can catch fish. The fish are still there...only in most places you simply can't get to them.

I saw a few places around the Shell Cuts where it appears perhaps the Oil Companies are spraying water hyacinths as there were large areas along main canals that were brown and dying.

Oh and I noticed some rafts of large floating vegetation...sort of looked like young cabbage...what next?

I would appreciate your comments, input, etc. Has anyone else noticed this? What will become of our once pristeen fishery if taken over by water hyacinths, hydrilla and duck moss?

Looking to go to the Lower Atchafalaya Basin this weekend to catch some gnarly goggle-eye. If you bass fishermen have been pestered with goggle-eye hitting your artificial bass lures, I have a solution for you. Just send me a private response with the rough location and I'll come and do my best to relieve you of your problem.

Have typically fished in the Bayou Pigeon area around Catfish Lake...but the duckseed, water hyacinth and hydrilla have overtaken the banks and stumps...can't get to the honey hole stumps, logs and underwater structure anymore.

Drop me a line and I'll do the same...only helping you with your problem goggle-eye.