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Beginner fisherman of Sabine Lake - Off bank

Posted on 6/12/14 at 1:04 pm
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43456 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 1:04 pm
So I am stuck working in Port Arthur, TX for the next 1+ yrs so I decided to join the locals in their obsession with fishing. I have fished lakes for catfish and bream type stuff, done Grand Isle redfishing, and gone into the gulf a couple times for deep sea fishing.

However, this is my first time wanting to fish off the bank for reds, spec trout, mackerel, flounder, etc. I live in Port Arthur but I was probably gonna head to Bridge City and fish over there on the Sabine Lake. I have a fishing pole that will be fine (reviews said people had pulled in 40lb fish with it). Have basic hooks, weights, and such.

Just wanted some basic tips that could help me enjoy this new hobby. My plan was to go after work a day or two a week from 5:30-8 (or whenever sunset is).

Any advise or help would be greatly appreciated. Nothing is too basic or too technical. Just would like to hear what TD's best outdoorsmen have to say on the subject.

TIA!
This post was edited on 6/12/14 at 3:59 pm
Posted by convertedtiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2010
2786 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 1:32 pm to
If you live in Port Arthur, go to Pleasure Island and fish the pier at the causeway. That's the south end of the lake. The pier is right at the edge of the channel so you have a variety of fish going through. You can also fish the revetment wall on the north end of the island at the marina. The rocks all along the north and south levee road are good as. You can just drive along and look for birds working or bait jumping. PM me if you have any more specific questions.
Posted by kennypowers816
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2010
2446 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 1:39 pm to
quote:

Pleasure Island


I agree.

I have a coworker that has a little camp on Pleasure Island, and we did some night fishing off her pier one night. We hooked a pretty decent number of fish for a bunch of drunks who were just throwing out lines in the dark and not really paying much attention. She said they do really well off the pier during the summer and especially at night under their lights.
Posted by convertedtiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2010
2786 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 1:42 pm to
The night fishing hasn't been as good as before the pier was rebuilt but it is still my go to night spot. They replaced the big 1000 watt Halogens with some weak 500watt that don't even shine in the water very well.
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43456 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 1:45 pm to
I thought of going to Pleasure Island. I think it's probably closer to where I live than Bridge City.

I'm guessing you would use Shrimp? Is it something that I should throw and reel in or should I throw and let it sit at a certain depth?
Posted by LSUsuperfresh
Member since Oct 2010
8331 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 2:43 pm to
I've been fishing at the Walter Umphrey Pier on Pleasure Island. We've just been catching tiny hardheads and baby drumfish. We've been using shrimp with no bobber. Me and my roommates are definitely beginners though.

ETA: An operator just told me to try fishing out there at night with small (1.5") artificial shrimp with dual leaders. He said he's caught plenty of specks out there around midnight
This post was edited on 6/12/14 at 2:52 pm
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43456 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 2:46 pm to
quote:

LSUsuperfresh


quote:

Port Arthur, TX.. prayers received


Exactly how I feel.

I kept my house in BR so I go home every weekend so I don't feel as stuck.


quote:

Walter Umphrey Pier on Pleasure Island


This is where I was thinking about going.
This post was edited on 6/12/14 at 2:48 pm
Posted by LSUsuperfresh
Member since Oct 2010
8331 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 2:57 pm to
I go back to my apartment in Baton Rouge about every other weekend. Fishing is about all I've found to do on the weekends I stay around here. I'm thinking about trying that pier further south on hwy 82 that someone mentioned earlier in this thread.
Posted by convertedtiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2010
2786 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 2:58 pm to
Its still a bit early for the major spec action on the pier. The weather has done a number on lake. The lake is really dirty at the moment. If it will clear a bit, the bite will be much better. When the specs are biting, you can't beat live shrimp free lined with just a small split shot about 18" up the line. You cast up current and let it drift back through the light. Your very best bet is to ask the locals that are fishing there. Also, The Causeway Bait & Tackle shop right by the bridge is a good place to bait up. If Dimitri is there, she can tell you what's biting where and what the current hot color and bait is.

ETA: several 8 to 10lb gator trout have been pulled off the rocks along the north and South levee road.
This post was edited on 6/12/14 at 3:01 pm
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43456 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:03 pm to
quote:

Its still a bit early for the major spec action on the pier. The weather has done a number on lake. The lake is really dirty at the moment. If it will clear a bit, the bite will be much better. When the specs are biting, you can't beat live shrimp free lined with just a small split shot about 18" up the line. You cast up current and let it drift back through the light. Your very best bet is to ask the locals that are fishing there. Also, The Causeway Bait & Tackle shop right by the bridge is a good place to bait up. If Dimitri is there, she can tell you what's biting where and what the current hot color and bait is.

ETA: several 8 to 10lb gator trout have been pulled off the rocks along the north and South levee road.


Really good advise. Thanks!

quote:

I'm thinking about trying that pier further south on hwy 82 that someone mentioned earlier in this thread.


Is it in Louisiana waters? I have a TX fishing license but not a La license.
This post was edited on 6/12/14 at 3:05 pm
Posted by LSUsuperfresh
Member since Oct 2010
8331 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:11 pm to
I just looked at it on google maps and it looks like its on the Texas side of the hwy 82 bridge.
Posted by convertedtiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2010
2786 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:14 pm to
Any time. I grew up fishing that lake and it is my favorite spot. The 2 1/2 hour drive there is more worth it to me than the three hour drive to GI. Some nights, you can catch till your arms are tired. If they are a bunch of little 14" specs( Texas limit is 15"-25" with only 1 being over 25" per day. 10 per day bag limit) , we switch to ultra light tackle and have a ball. Tandem rigs of baby flukes works wonders.
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43456 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:18 pm to
quote:

Any time. I grew up fishing that lake and it is my favorite spot. The 2 1/2 hour drive there is more worth it to me than the three hour drive to GI. Some nights, you can catch till your arms are tired. If they are a bunch of little 14" specs( Texas limit is 15"-25" with only 1 being over 25" per day. 10 per day bag limit) , we switch to ultra light tackle and have a ball. Tandem rigs of baby flukes works wonders.


Yea I've been doing my research on limits and such so I have that writtten down on phone. Am I gonna need to buy a net? Still trying to figure out tackle.
Posted by convertedtiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2010
2786 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:30 pm to
quote:

I just looked at it on google maps and it looks like its on the Texas side of the hwy 82 bridge.


Correct. You can fish off the pier with a LA license though because of the reciprocal agreement between Texas and LA. You just have to follow Texas limits. Your best bet is to get a Texas license though. That way you are free to move about the lake with no worries.
Posted by convertedtiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2010
2786 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:37 pm to
quote:

Am I gonna need to buy a net?


If you are on the pier, a pier landing net is a good idea in case you get a big sow. Generally, we just reel them to the edge and flip them over the rail. Once you get the hang of it, you will lose very few fish. We use 7' medium action rods most of the time for the backbone to heave them over the rail. Its a good spot for flounder and reds as well. Most nights will see at least a couple bull reds reeled in and some bull black drum as well coming out of the channel.
Posted by kennypowers816
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2010
2446 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:42 pm to
quote:

You can fish off the pier with a LA license though because of the reciprocal agreement between Texas and LA. You just have to follow Texas limits.


Is this the whole lake? My friend has a private camp/pier on the TX side of the lake. It's on 82, just a mile or two north of the bridge. I have a LA lifetime license, but I assumed I had to buy a TX license to fish from her pier.

I'm a TX resident so it doesn't cost me a lot to get a TX license, but if its my only fishing trip in TX waters the whole year, then I suppose I might be able to save myself a few bucks?
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43456 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:42 pm to
quote:

We use 7' medium action rods most of the time


That's what I bought.

Im definitely gonna try this pier down 82. I just have to find it.
This post was edited on 6/12/14 at 3:45 pm
Posted by convertedtiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2010
2786 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:47 pm to
quote:

I just have to find it


Its very hard to miss at night. Its on the right as you get to the end of Pleasure Island. Just before you hit the causeway bridge.
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43456 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:50 pm to
quote:

Its very hard to miss at night. Its on the right as you get to the end of Pleasure Island. Just before you hit the causeway bridge.


Thanks. I get off work at 5:20 and I am at a plant on Twin City Hwy so I should get there pretty quickly. I'll just fish till I feel like leaving and head home. Just trying to find a way to get out of my apartment for a few hours every once in a while.
Posted by convertedtiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2010
2786 posts
Posted on 6/12/14 at 3:55 pm to
quote:

Is this the whole lake


This has been a subject of controversy for many years. Its so muddled these days, I just buy both. lol. BUT, you are supposed to be able to fish from the Texas side, if you are fishing into the main lake. Texas residents cannot fish past an imaginary line at the mouths of LA bayous and LA residents can't fish up Cow Bayou or into the Intercostal. Now, since you are land bound, I'll leave it at that. Once you hop into a boat, there is a ton more to the rules. That's why I carry both.
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