Features from November 2020
Public- and private-land deer hunting can be tough in November. Here are some tips from an expert hunter on avoiding the ‘November lull.’
Spinning-wing decoys are no longer a novelty among duck hunters, who understand how and why they attract ducks to decoy spreads.
Look shallow for shad schools and the bass that are following them. It might seem bass-ackwards, but it make sense.
Former LSU football player Matt Branch preaches hunter safety less than two years after accident that almost took his life.
The MRGO channel is one of southeast Louisiana’s top speckled trout-fishing destinations, because of the edges it creates.
Black-bellied whistling ducks are becoming a greater presence in Louisiana marshes. Here are some things to know about this big bird.
Columns - November 2020
- After processing alligators and trying a variety of dishes, Nathan Judice came up with the idea of making an “Alligator Roll."
- The Mischief Minnow’s difference-maker is a blade called a “Kilter Blade,” attached to the belly between two treble hooks.
- Speckled trout are inshore gamefish that are popular among recreational anglers along the Gulf Coast and the eastern seaboard.
- Speckled trout fishing looks to be in good shape entering Louisiana’s fall season. There isn’t a better time to be a speckled trout angler.
- It’s rare that Sammy Romano is surprised by how well a particular bow shoots. The Black Widow PCHII takedown recurve is a work of art.
- The success or failure of the deer management program is directly related to whatever work is or is not applied to the habitat and the herd.
- Artificial lures are all designed to act like something real, but none are ever better than the real thing.
Outdoor Updates - November 2020
- Cole Thurman caught a giant black grouper with Down the Bayou Charters that weighed 106.3 pounds, nearly doubling the state record.
- Dustin Clouatre killed a 10-point buck at his Mount Pleasant hunting club, a 3000 acre private lease in East Baton Rouge Parish.
- Matthew Hawkins dropped a 10-point buck and Brandon Winters killed an 11-point beauty on opening day of Louisiana’s archery season.
- Matthew Gantner and his father Tim shared a unique bonding experience recently — the two outdoorsmen each hauled in a trophy bass.
- Mike Chandler of Arcadia took this Lincoln Parish 8-point buck on the 2,500 acre Simsboro Hunting Club on Oct. 2.
- Hunters chasing specklebelly geese will now have the opportunity to take up to three per person, up from the longtime daily limit of two.
- The 2020 Louisiana teal season is in the books, and while many hunters struggled, others were able to put together a decent season.
- On a September trip with Down the Bayou Charters, Lisa Schlitzkus hooked a 20-pound mutton snapper, the potential No. 2 in the state.
- John Solari explains how he caught his 2020 STAR champion 29-inch long, 8.27 pound speckled trout off Calcasieu Point.
- Chris Felder of Ethel killed a massive 10-point velvet buck with his bow on October 1, 2020 in West Feliciana Parish.
Hot Spots - November 2020
- Cooler weather bunches up baitfish at Bussey Brake, which gets bass fired up in November. Daron Bonz Goyne gives his fishing tips.
- The flounder run on Calcasieu Lake starts about mid-October, and the big fish will show up more in November.
- Capt. Chris Mowad of Whoo Dat Sportfishing talks about how he’ll be targeting cobia in Grand Isle in November.
- Capt. Marc Fradella said inside fishing for redfish and speckled trout should be outstanding because of a continual influx of saltier water.
- The key word to putting Toledo Bend bass in the boat this month is transition. Spend more time on the upper half of the lake in November.
- For anglers who target big speckled trout at Calcasieu Lake, aka Big Lake, it is officially wading season this month.
- Drawdown shouldn’t hurt sac-a-lait fishing at Henderson Lake. November is a prime time for sac-a-lait fishing at Henderson Lake.
Field Notes - November 2020
- So you’ve killed a monster buck. Now what? Take pictures that really capture that special memory. Here are some tips to take better photos.
- Here are three ways for inshore anglers to get out of their typical routine — and ultimately catch more fish.
- A list of items that are essential to success when deer hunting and to help ensure you have what you need during those long sits.
- Ruston’s Tyler Stewart picks up the 6th Sense Crush Magnum Flutterspoon to target November bass on Caney Lake.
- A Hack Attack spinnerbait with a big profile generally catches larger bass in November for Gonzales pro Greg Hackney.
- It takes a special bait to catch Randy Allen’s fancy in November. His go-to bass bait is the River2Seas Whopper Plopper.
- Brent Bonadona of Port Allen relies on Delta Lures Thunder Jig, bladed bait, when November bassing arrives.
- Finding rich food sources is of paramount importance as the opening of deer season approaches. Here are three opening day tips.