Grand Isle Fishing

[johdavlang]

Planning my first trip to the big island this wknd and next week. We plan on inshore fishing for spec's and reds, but if seas are favorable I'd like to take the BW offshore for some mangroves. I fish VB so we generally need to go offshore 20+ miles out in order to get into decent water depth to fish mangroves. Approx how far out of GI does one need to go out in order to get in mangrove territory? And what area is better, GI blocks or West Delta blocks?
As for inshore fishing: Is there any area's that I should know about that I should take extra caution (Shallow reefs, wrecks, under water danger). Thanks in advance for any advice and pointers you may feel like sharing.

[meaux fishing]

There are lots of underwater rocks on the south side of east timbalier island. And lots of submerged trash on the north side of it. Most of the rigs 7+miles will have mangroves most of barataria and caminada are free of underwater hazards

[Visco]

looking at doing the same on Saturday, the wind looks good for staying close (within 14 miles). targeting specs, but if it is not to crowed gona go for the mangroves at the rigs, staying with live bait and wishing for the best. Good luck, I stay on channel 16 and my call sign is "Visco" if you need anything.

[meaux fishing]

Get some croakers for the mangroves. Hook them through the back right in front of the dorsal fin with a snelled circle hook

[kcinnick]

Next weekend is going to be a cluster.

[Visco]

I heard poggies were the key for getting the big mangroves to bite. I will have both and see what happens

[biggun]

Bridge side will be hosting a one day rodeo that I'm fishing Aug. 1... Will have over 50 or so boats.

It will be packed.. Live bait and ice etc is promised to this rodeo and guides using this launch first..

[eman]

guides always get their bait at bridge side. Don't know if he still does but buggie used to have a couple a tanks that were just for the guides. can't argue about taking care of the guides first. they buy bait every day.

[kcinnick]

Here now, we set up on the beach. No boat, will try the bridge tonight. Any suggestions would be great. Really just hanging out and letting the kids play and run some crab trout lines. Didn't stop me from bringing everything from Matrix shad, doa shrimp, mirrolures, sand eels, sparkle beetles, and who knows what else. Oh, and a couple cast nets, bait is free every night if you need to resort to live.

[keakar]

I would suggest you post in the offshore section for advice on the offshore options, they might be able to put you on some hot spots at the right rigs rather then searching

[johdavlang]

Thx for all the advice and suggestions! Especially all the PMs. Wife an I arrived today 10 am, explored the island and fell in love with this place. Its a fishmens paradise and the beach is 10x's better than what we expected. The beach water today was what I would call Florida quaility water. Laid back atmosphere and very relaxing. Unloaded supplies at the camp around noon then docked the boat at bridge side around 1 pm. Rented a slip for 5 days for only $15 per day. We then explored the island from the water and tried to find some fish. Spec and reds were hard to find inshore and around the island, but I'm sure it takes time to learn here. But I'm not really here foe specs because tiger shoals has turned on and the freezer is stocked. Time for mangroves. Headed out a whopping 8 miles and found the sweat meat.
Again thanks for all the advice!! Back at the camp by 7 to grill my wife a phenomenal fish anniversary meal. Day one.......only 4 left!

[johdavlang]

GI day 1

[Mako19]

Glad that you are having a good time! What did the mangroves end up eating? Did you have to search for them long or cull through any red snappers to find them?

[johdavlang]

Crockers, no reds just a couple jacks & sharks

[ragincajun]

HOw many yall ended up catching?