Hefty bass stringers still possible after Atchafalaya Basin fishing regulations changes

There was fear among some in the tournament community that sizable bass would be hard to come by after the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission removed the 14-inch minimum length limit in 2013 and increased the daily creel to 10 bass this June 8 for all waters within the Atchafalay Basin and the Lake Verret system.

But last October, Winston Michel and Sandy Gaudet put together a five-fish stringer topping 15 pounds — respectable by anyone’s standards.

And the anglers said the fall is a great time to get multiple bites.

“Fall fishing on both sides of the levee is the best time for numbers,” Michel said. “Squirrel hunting and bowhunting for deer will have many anglers off the waters, so there’s at least a little less pressure on the fish.”

Gaudet said the cool weather also plays a part.

“The conditions are much better in the fall for fishing, as well,” Gaudet said. “The water temperatures begin getting a little cooler and the fish get more active.”

But it’s not just a numbers game.

“Bass sizes on good stringers will range 2 ½ to 3 ½ pounds,” Michel said. “Anglers will occasionally catch 5- and 6-pounders, and any fish larger than that is a rarity.

“I have taken one 7-pounder out of Verrett in the fall and another weighing 8 pounds near Stephensville — but that’s extremely unusual.”

A patient angler, though can build a solid tournament limit.

“Bass anglers can expect winning stringers ranging between 15 and 20 pounds in the fall,” Michel said.

About Chris Berzas 368 Articles
Chris Berzas has fished and hunted in the Bayou State ever since he could hold a rod and shoot a shotgun. Berzas has been a freelancer featured in newspapers, magazines, television and DVDs since 1989.