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Welcome to episode 1 of the Louisiana Delta Fishing Report, the first podcast to bring you the local fishing report from New Orleans, Venice, Grand Isle, and all points in between, whether it’s good, bad, or ugly. Host Andre’ Savoie checks in with three local captains to break down what February conditions are doing to the bite and how anglers can stay on fish right now: Capt. Louis “Rok” Rossignol (Venice), Dr. Chris Faler of Southern Outdoor Bowfishing (Hopedale/Delacroix), and Capt. T Wagoner of Geaux Fishing Charters (Grand Isle).
Conditions Recap
Late-winter on the Louisiana coast is all about adapting to low water, hard north winds, and rapid temperature swings. Across the delta, fish are stacking where they can stay comfortable and where food funnels to them.
In Venice, low water can actually concentrate fish into deeper channels and holes, and the bite stays strong even when other areas struggle to launch. In the Hopedale/Delacroix marsh, low water pulls fish toward major shorelines and edges, and clear water can make shots and presentations more challenging but rewarding. Down in Grand Isle, nearshore structure and rocks can produce steady action, with February and early March offering excellent opportunities for pompano and big sheepshead.
Venice Report: Capt. Lewis “Rok” Rossignol, Venice Guide Service
Venice continues to be a year-round fishery, and Rok’s winter game plan is simple: find dependable depth and let low water work in your favor. His “magic number” in winter is 12 feet—when the delta drains out, reds and other species stack into the deeper channels and holes because they have nowhere else to go.
He’s targeting redfish with a straightforward jig-and-plastic setup, leaning on a half-ounce jig head and a green-and-white plastic tipped with scent when needed. Even in tough conditions, the goal is to put together quick limits and then upgrade the trip with bonus species like flounder and sheepshead, which can be thick on certain spots.
Safety note from Rok: Venice fog is no joke. If you’re running the river, radar is a must.
Hopedale / Delacroix Report: Dr. Chris Baylor, Southern Outdoor Bowfishing
Out of Hopedale and Delacroix, Chris says low water is a playground for bowfishing because fish are forced out of the shallow pockets and along major shorelines and edges. When it gets extremely cold, fish slide into deeper holes, but as temps rebound into the 40s and 50s, they start easing back toward the lake edges and marsh transitions.
Chris also breaks down what makes a quality bowfishing trip: professional operation, reliable equipment, and a setup designed for guests (lighting, boat safety, and well-maintained bows and rigs). For visitors, he recommends the popular combo trip—spend a few hours in the afternoon with rod and reel, then roll straight into the bowfishing session after dark.
Bowfishing tip: because of refraction, aim low—where the fish looks like it is isn’t where it actually is.
Grand Isle Report: Capt. T Wagoner, Geaux Fishing Charters
Grand Isle shines in February, especially when you lean into what the season does best. Capt. T highlights pompano and big sheepshead as prime targets right now, often on nearshore structure in around 30 feet of water. He also notes how rocks and semi-submerged structure can hold heat, pulling bait—and therefore fish—closer even when the air temps are miserable.
If sharks show up, his best advice is simple: move. He also likes starting with live bait when possible because it can help avoid lazy “easy meal” shark bites.
Capt. T’s mission is affordable offshore fishing for families, keeping trips efficient and close enough to stay cost-friendly while still delivering a legit Gulf experience.
