[RyanValentino]

I believe #1 is called Unknown Pass – other’s jump in – the local pass names are something I’ve been wanting to confirm.

Definitely worth trying in a bass boat. Record the water level at the Rigolets gauge when you pass through for your future reference. I scraped the windshield of my bay boat at that pass on one of those east wind days when the rigolets gauge was between 2.7 and 2.8′. If memory serves, #2 has a little bit less clearance with a low pipe hanging from the bridge, but I was still able to get under in a flat boat during normal water conditions.

You should have that pass in your back pocket as an alternative to Chef or Rigolets as running St Catherine is much nicer if wind kicks up than Pontchartrain or Borgne.

EDIT: Lol – watched Shooter’s video after original post. Don’t know unless you try. I found the limit in both boats too lol.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 4 weeks ago by  RyanValentino.

[RyanValentino]

Sounds awesome! Highly interested but doubtful I can make it after taking this week off from work. Will see how things at work look on Tuesday and report back. Don’t hold a spot for me though. Thanks for the tag and coordination regardless!

• This reply was modified 2 months ago by  RyanValentino.

[RyanValentino]

“The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” -John Buchan

That quote sums up the primary reason to keep going back.

There is also a competitive aspect – self vs nature, self vs other, etc – that plays into it. Testing and finding your own limitations. Making decisions and living the implications.

Experiencing nature is a major aspect though there are less costly ways to experience it.

I’ve thought about this a lot while duck hunting, especially while sitting in freezing rain. The hope of “could today be the day” keeps me going back. The fulfillment of success based on choices I made when hunting public land versus a private spot is ultimately the motivator though. Think fishing wide open water versus the neighborhood pond. The pond is a nice-to-do; the open water is a calling/urge.

[RyanValentino]

Fingers crossed they stay away! Make sure you have a spare maintenance kit (or at least oil and oil filter) on hand for the Generac.

[RyanValentino]

Already seeing multiple opinions on different features, so you’ll clearly have to weigh out pros and cons for the different choices.

I was interested to see Devin’s comment about production model aluminum boats having issues after 3-5 years. When I get my next boat, I’d be thinking seriously about aluminum (Avid, Xpress, Excel, G3, etc.) because I feel a lot more confident running around unplanned in my flat bottom aluminum boat than my fiberglass bay boat (though admittedly the gatortail versus traditional outboard has a lot to do with that too).

The primary thing that I’d add to what has already been discussed – look CLOSELY at maintenance access and risks. I stay a little puckered running around in my 2010 bay boat due to its something like 8 plastic thru hole fittings with no valves, and the bilge area is a PITA to access for any type of work.

[RyanValentino]

[RyanValentino]

Haven’t tried, but very interested to hear about your results if you try it out. Keep us posted please!

[RyanValentino]

One thing I’ve wondered about is difference in cadence you see in accomplished fishermen: think the differences between Devin, Chas Champagne, and Marsh Man Masson. Marsh man in particular seems to use a much slower pull than pop. I’ll try different stuff at a single location – once in a while, they’ll be keyed on one presentation over another (e.g. a slower drag on the bottom). Agreed – gotta KNOW you’re hitting bottom.

[RyanValentino]

Great trip! Well done getting away from the crowd and finding the fish – I’m sure that was nice. Thanks for the report!

[RyanValentino]

Interesting; thanks for reporting. Did fish continue to bite after?

[RyanValentino]

Dang! Wish things would have cooperated better for you. Thanks for posting. I’ll be looking to sight fish from the Rigolets before too long here, so it’s helpful info.

[RyanValentino]

Great trip and report! I’ve given that area a good bit of time and can usually count on a red or two but have yet to hit a limit there – well done!

[RyanValentino]

I haven’t done ANY research on jack crevalle so just a thought for others to weigh in on. Known for being in the lake late summer? Why? Because that’s when the water is warm and salty. I think of jacks as a beachfront type species. With the lake being basically fresh right now (see rigolets usgs salinity gauge), I wouldn’t bother looking for them in the lake.

If you want to get your line tugged, big fish are still close to the dock though – look for deep water and current, slap on a chunk of dead fish, cracked crab, etc., and you’ve got a shot at bull reds, drum, big gar, maybe bull sharks. The rigolets itself can be a spot for this depending on tide (want movement but not screaming).

[RyanValentino]

My vote is no on the T-top. With Rigolets as a primary fishery for you, you have multiple bridges to contend with. And having a casting obstruction is a pain in itself. I agree with the earlier comment – if you want some shade for family during the heat of summer, invest in a bimini that you can take on/off as needed.

[RyanValentino]

I stand corrected. Thanks for chiming in McLovin. Maybe just the warm part rather than the salty part.

I looked back through some photos and best I can figure is mid-July 2023 is the last time I ran across some near the rigolets. Salinity was ranging from 3-8ppt at that time. Water temp 86-91F.

Current temp ~88. Sounding worth a go.