Keith Lusher 08.21.24
Relating to bass fishing, the “Mighty Mississippi” isn’t the primary place that involves thoughts for many anglers. The river’s difficult currents and muddy waters can take a look at even probably the most seasoned fishermen. Nevertheless, the Mississippi River is precisely the place Nick Liebel of Belle Chasse, LA, honed his bass fishing expertise. “I’ve been fishing this river for over 30 years,” he mentioned. Liebel typically fishes in Venice, LA, a spot locals consult with as “the tip of the world” as a result of it’s positioned on the finish of Freeway 23, which stretches 74 miles down the southern tip of the state.
Liebel says August is his favourite time to fish the river due to its low ranges. “Anytime the river drops beneath 4 toes, it’s going to supply fish as a result of the water is cleaner,” he defined. Not solely is the water clearer, however it additionally prevents the bass from transferring deep into the roseau cane. These canes resemble sugar cane however are thinner. “When the river is excessive, the water floods into the cane and it will get robust to fish. However when the water drops in August, it’s sport on!” he mentioned. Liebel recommends fishing the passes this month.
“I prefer to fish areas like Tauphine Go, the again of Mary Bowers, Important Go, and Delta Duck,” Liebel mentioned. “Generally I see boats operating up and down the river. I’ll camp out and fish the drains off Important Go and simply destroy the bass.”
When fishing in August, Liebel suggests concentrating on the again half of a falling tide. This permits the water to empty out of the cane, pushing the fish to the sting. “That’s when the fishing will get silly,” he mentioned.
Fishing in Venice is extra about amount than high quality. Liebel cautions to not anticipate fish over 4 kilos however notes that day by day catches can attain as much as 50 fish. “There have been journeys the place I’ve caught 60 bass in 5 hours fishing the again half of a falling tide,” he mentioned.
When bass fishing in Venice, Liebel makes use of a 7-foot G. Loomis rod paired with 30-pound Tremendous Slick Braid made by PowerPro. On the finish of the braid, he ties on a 3-foot fluoro chief. He says he’s seen a considerable distinction since he began utilizing a pacesetter as a substitute of tying the braid on to his lure. “I’ve fished with guys utilizing braid solely and I’ve caught 5 fish to their one,” he mentioned.
As for reels, Liebel’s go-to baitcasters are the Shimano Chronarch and Daiwa Coastal. “I’ve about 5 – 6 of every,” he mentioned.
In August, Liebel’s confidence lure is a Magic Pace Craw within the watermelon crimson coloration. He makes use of an Proprietor hook with a 3/16-ounce bullet weight. “I like the three/16 as a result of it permits me to really feel the underside after I’m bumping it,” he mentioned.
Whereas August is a primary month for bass fishing in Venice, Liebel believes the chunk will stay sturdy all over November, till the laborious chilly fronts begin passing by means of.
