Hurricane Gustav Hits West Of New Orleans: Fly Fishing Will Get Good

Posted under fly fishing news by Will Benson

At 5:00pm last night I spoke with Capt. Gregg Arnold who lives in Uptown New Orleans.  He told me that he had sent his wife Nancy out of the city, secured his Hell’s Bay skiff and planned on staying at home.  He told me the City was silent, and only a handful of his neighbors remained behind.  Fortunately for those who live New Orleans it appears that the levees will hold, and thanks to local government efforts, most citizens have evacuated the area.  Hurricane Gustav officially made landfall at 10:30am in Cocodrie, La.  Unfortunately it looks as though Terrabone Bay, Port Fourchon, Grand Isle and north to Houma, Morgan City and Lafayette will be taking the brunt of the storm.  The question is, what will happen to the fishing? Well, It will depend entirely on how much erosion occurs.  Because the storm is moving relatively fast, and it’s occurring during the incoming tide, the surge will be fast and high.  This might actually help to protect the marsh.  The grasses will be underwater quickly which may make them a bit less susceptible to prolonged wave action. Hopefully, all of this happens very quickly to minimize the damage.  The fishing grounds of Cocodrie to Venice including all of Barataria Bay will be most effected by the Storm.  I know Brian Carter, my old boss at the Uptown Angler, Rich Waldner and Kirby LaCour who all fish these waters.  I wish them the best in getting back on the water and on with life after this storm.  Other areas such as the Biloxi Marsh may be less effected.  Although the storm is not a good thing at all, I bet that in the immediate aftermath the fishing will be great!  There will be significant saltwater intrusion which is terrible for the fresh water bass fishing, but I have a feeling that the redfishing is going to explode.  Assuming that the city of New Orleans survives somewhat unscathed and tourism can return as normal, the fishing should get really good.  And the guides will certainly be appreciative of the business.  There will certainly be destruction to the west of New Orleans, we can only hope it’s minimal compared to Katrina.  We will keep you posted with a fishing report just as soon as we dodge this next one… Hanna.