LAFB Elite | Inshore Fishing Courses Designed For Louisiana › Forums › Fishing Reports › Advice for Hopedale Redfish Feb 1-2 › Reply To: Advice for Hopedale Redfish Feb 1-2
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“In general I’d like to get a grasp on what pattern I should be considering when planning my trip on GED….but I’m unsure if I should expect the water to be low enough to experience success this way.”
Well, do what I said in that course and 101: look at the predicted conditions. What’s the wind going to do? From what direction will it blow and how hard? How will that affect water levels and the predicted tide?
“My boat is a 12×48 flat boat with a 20hp outboard and I can go about 20 mph”
That’s plenty. What else about your boat? How much fuel? Trolling motor? What kind? Drift sock? Cajun anchor?
I like your idea of where you want to go, but going into the marsh north of St. Malo is probably an unnecessarily long run. The marsh along the Spoil Canal right across from Hopedale Marina is a great place to start. Did you see the recent report someone posted saying someone else caught a bunch of fish back there? That’s a clue.
“I also have no electronics so I typically check depth the old fashioned way.”
Don’t need ’em. Completely unnecessary if you’re just getting started. You’ll do fine without sonar.
After that, where are you getting your forecast from? Because what I’m seeing for Shell Beach Windfinder is way different from what you’re reporting. See attached.
Given that forecast, you’re probably gonna have low water, maybe even “normal” water levels. That will depend on how the wind plays out.
After that, it’s warm and it’s gonna be warm. I’d still fish deep holes but look for fish to get out onto flats, ponds, rocks, etc.
Honestly, if I were you, I’d consider going to the south side of the Rock Dam and fishing different spots along the way.