Fishing Reports by Captain Gene Dugas
About The Author: Captain
Company: Rather Be Fishing
Area Reporting: Hopedale, LA
Bio: My name is Capt. Gene Dugas. I am a native-born Louisianan and have fished the waters of southeastern Louisiana all my life. I am one of the most consistently successful New Orleans fishing guides in the area. On our "adventure", I will gladly show you some of the techniques and tricks specific to these waters that are acquired with years of fishing experience. I will personally take the time to show you and your group what is necessary to ensure a successful fishing trip and a good time.
985.640.0569
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain
LOG JAM! (7/01/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] 2 days of AWESOME FISHING with Log sized trout and REDFISH
[Hopedale,LA] 2 days of AWESOME FISHING with Log sized trout and REDFISH
Fun Day and Big Hopedale Trout (6/26/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Slow and steady bite today butquality trout make it worth the wait
[Hopedale,LA] Slow and steady bite today butquality trout make it worth the wait
Trout Train Rolling (6/24/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] The weather has stabilized and the train is rolling
[Hopedale,LA] The weather has stabilized and the train is rolling
LAST FEW DAY'S REPORT (6/20/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] CHANGING WEATHER AND WINDS HAVE KEPT ME CHANGING FISHING STYLES EACH DAY TO STAY UP WITH THE BITE.
[Hopedale,LA] CHANGING WEATHER AND WINDS HAVE KEPT ME CHANGING FISHING STYLES EACH DAY TO STAY UP WITH THE BITE.
Persisitance Pays (6/13/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Stiff NW wind made the trout hard to find but we stayed at it and built a good box of fish by noon.
[Hopedale,LA] Stiff NW wind made the trout hard to find but we stayed at it and built a good box of fish by noon.
FISHING KAOS (6/11/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Today was awesome I had a blast watching these two 8 yr old boys catching fish.
[Hopedale,LA] Today was awesome I had a blast watching these two 8 yr old boys catching fish.
WINDY WINDY (6/02/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] The wind just will not stop. It has been blowing the last 3 month's, But te Rather Be Fishing Team is still catching them.
[Hopedale,LA] The wind just will not stop. It has been blowing the last 3 month's, But te Rather Be Fishing Team is still catching them.
Catchin Up! (5/31/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] A run down from the last week or so. I have been so busy i have not had time to sit down and post. But the fishing is great and will only get better with live shrimp available this week
[Hopedale,LA] A run down from the last week or so. I have been so busy i have not had time to sit down and post. But the fishing is great and will only get better with live shrimp available this week
Back Yard Redfish (5/15/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Stayed real close today but worked up a limit of nice redfish
[Hopedale,LA] Stayed real close today but worked up a limit of nice redfish
Big Trout today! (5/10/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Finally got some live croaker and the mule trout loved them.
[Hopedale,LA] Finally got some live croaker and the mule trout loved them.
30 mph redfish (5/08/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] The wind blew so hard today it would move you around the boat,needless to say we saw no ther boats out today.
[Hopedale,LA] The wind blew so hard today it would move you around the boat,needless to say we saw no ther boats out today.
Fog Bank Trout and Reds (5/06/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] What a difference a day makes Friday was storming rain and 30 mph wind, Toady Beautiful
[Hopedale,LA] What a difference a day makes Friday was storming rain and 30 mph wind, Toady Beautiful
Slow fishing but a great day (5/04/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] fish were a little slow you had to work for the bites.
[Hopedale,LA] fish were a little slow you had to work for the bites.
LONG TIME COMING (5/04/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Got to fish with a good friend today after along time off due to Katrina
[Hopedale,LA] Got to fish with a good friend today after along time off due to Katrina
Windy Reds (4/25/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Took the men that I grew up hunting and fishing with today from my old neighborhood in New orleans.
[Hopedale,LA] Took the men that I grew up hunting and fishing with today from my old neighborhood in New orleans.
WINDY AGAIN! (4/22/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] The wind kept us from getting to the trout ion the open water, but the shallow protected ponds were full of reds eager to take our baits.
[Hopedale,LA] The wind kept us from getting to the trout ion the open water, but the shallow protected ponds were full of reds eager to take our baits.
Late Morning trip (4/20/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Did a little scouting and got some fish for the table too with my big broter Gary and good friend Cisco.
[Hopedale,LA] Did a little scouting and got some fish for the table too with my big broter Gary and good friend Cisco.
First Fishing (4/13/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Family fishing today faters and sons, many more to come
[Hopedale,LA] Family fishing today faters and sons, many more to come
Greg and the boy's (4/12/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Greg Meier took some young men on a awesome fishing trip today.
[Hopedale,LA] Greg Meier took some young men on a awesome fishing trip today.
March Report (4/11/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Tough weather and the fish in transition mode but still catching.
[Hopedale,LA] Tough weather and the fish in transition mode but still catching.
Romero Gang Invades Hopedale (3/13/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] The weather was perfect and the fishing was great, nonstop action all morning.
[Hopedale,LA] The weather was perfect and the fishing was great, nonstop action all morning.
Trout Scout (3/08/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Went on a search for some new area's today and found the fish hungry.
[Hopedale,LA] Went on a search for some new area's today and found the fish hungry.
Silver Bullet's (3/03/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Tough conditions but lot's of fun and fish too.
[Hopedale,LA] Tough conditions but lot's of fun and fish too.
Good Weather Turns On the Bite! (2/23/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Finally some nice weather and water clarity turns into a great day on the water
[Hopedale,LA] Finally some nice weather and water clarity turns into a great day on the water
TROUT-N-STUFF (2/12/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] WINY DAY ADY WITH THE POOLS-N-STUFF GANG FOR SOME SPECKLE DTROUT ACTION
[Hopedale,LA] WINY DAY ADY WITH THE POOLS-N-STUFF GANG FOR SOME SPECKLE DTROUT ACTION
Slow + Steady = Limits (2/09/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] No tide movement ment we had to keep moving to stay in the fish
[Hopedale,LA] No tide movement ment we had to keep moving to stay in the fish
Sunny Side Up (2/07/2007)
[Hopedale,LA] Finally the sun was shinning and the fish were in the mood. The temps were still cool and the water around 50 degree's perfect for doing the BUMP in the deep passes for speckled trout. Headed straight to the area I caught in a few days ago and Lady Luck was smiling and Paul had one in the boat first cast.
[Hopedale,LA] Finally the sun was shinning and the fish were in the mood. The temps were still cool and the water around 50 degree's perfect for doing the BUMP in the deep passes for speckled trout. Headed straight to the area I caught in a few days ago and Lady Luck was smiling and Paul had one in the boat first cast.
After xmas Reds and Trout (12/27/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Cold water temps and no tide made no difference today the fish were turned on
[Hopedale,LA] Cold water temps and no tide made no difference today the fish were turned on
Nice and Steady today! (12/20/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] These guys were able to move their trip up a few days to avoid the bad weathger later this week and good thing they did.
[Hopedale,LA] These guys were able to move their trip up a few days to avoid the bad weathger later this week and good thing they did.
By myself Today! (12/18/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] My charter pulled a no show so I went to enjoy the morning alone for a change. had a NO SHOW this morning so I went out to do a little fishing by myself for a change. Before long I had a fat trout on ice, awhile-later 22 of his companions were with him. All nice 2 lb trout.
[Hopedale,LA] My charter pulled a no show so I went to enjoy the morning alone for a change. had a NO SHOW this morning so I went out to do a little fishing by myself for a change. Before long I had a fat trout on ice, awhile-later 22 of his companions were with him. All nice 2 lb trout.
Foggy Fishing! (12/14/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Thick fog this morning and thick with fish too. We got right on the fish the trout were flying in the boat for 30 min nonstop then they quit. However, all we had to do was keep moving up and down the same area on the troll motor to stay in the action.
[Hopedale,LA] Thick fog this morning and thick with fish too. We got right on the fish the trout were flying in the boat for 30 min nonstop then they quit. However, all we had to do was keep moving up and down the same area on the troll motor to stay in the action.
Redfish Riot! (12/13/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] RED fish were on today along with some pretty trout. Don Luedke brought his son Evan and grandson Zack down to sample some Louisiana REDFISH and SPECKLED TROUT action. Well the foggy conditions had the guy's driving form Miss a little late but no problem.
[Hopedale,LA] RED fish were on today along with some pretty trout. Don Luedke brought his son Evan and grandson Zack down to sample some Louisiana REDFISH and SPECKLED TROUT action. Well the foggy conditions had the guy's driving form Miss a little late but no problem.
Slow But Steady Bite Today (12/13/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Cold water did for as slow start but things heated up later in the morning. Troy Brignac, Adolph, Stanley, and Old Stump were on board today. Stated out slow the water was cold got few trout but the bite would not start up.
[Hopedale,LA] Cold water did for as slow start but things heated up later in the morning. Troy Brignac, Adolph, Stanley, and Old Stump were on board today. Stated out slow the water was cold got few trout but the bite would not start up.
Ice Fishing In Hopedale LA! (12/08/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Super cold conditions had the day looking bleek but started late and got things going. Charles Johnson and brother in law Steve from Natchitoches la come with me every winter and usually limit out every time but the only day they could come down I could not make it, So I called on Capt Kerry to get the guy's out on the water and catch some fish.
[Hopedale,LA] Super cold conditions had the day looking bleek but started late and got things going. Charles Johnson and brother in law Steve from Natchitoches la come with me every winter and usually limit out every time but the only day they could come down I could not make it, So I called on Capt Kerry to get the guy's out on the water and catch some fish.
High Wind and High Fives! (11/30/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Super windy conditions and high winds still could not stop this crew. Mike Whigham brought along Matt and Scott Cassidy from the Mobile area down to Hopedale to sample some of the Awesome LOUIANA SPECKLED TROUT and REDFISH action we have been this fall.
[Hopedale,LA] Super windy conditions and high winds still could not stop this crew. Mike Whigham brought along Matt and Scott Cassidy from the Mobile area down to Hopedale to sample some of the Awesome LOUIANA SPECKLED TROUT and REDFISH action we have been this fall.
TEAM MAZERAT (11/29/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Jody and the girls put a whipping on the fish in some windy conditions today. Jody brought Joanna and Judy down to Hopedale today for some fishing action and boy did they get it. I went to where I left the trout yesterday but there was no tide-moving toady.
[Hopedale,LA] Jody and the girls put a whipping on the fish in some windy conditions today. Jody brought Joanna and Judy down to Hopedale today for some fishing action and boy did they get it. I went to where I left the trout yesterday but there was no tide-moving toady.
Guy's Day Out (11/29/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] This crew always seems to catch a good mess pf fish and today was no different. Charlie brought along Emanuel and Gene today for some fall trout and reds. We stared off with the reds first to satisfy Gene's appetite he loves the reds. After putting a few on ice we went in search of trout.
[Hopedale,LA] This crew always seems to catch a good mess pf fish and today was no different. Charlie brought along Emanuel and Gene today for some fall trout and reds. We stared off with the reds first to satisfy Gene's appetite he loves the reds. After putting a few on ice we went in search of trout.
Trout and Redfish Hunting! (11/14/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Brezzy conditions and no tide movement made for a catch a few here and there day but we caught them all day.
[Hopedale,LA] Brezzy conditions and no tide movement made for a catch a few here and there day but we caught them all day.
Cold Front Trout (11/12/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Short time and windy conditions could not stop this father son team from Tennesse from catching a limit of Speckled Trout.
[Hopedale,LA] Short time and windy conditions could not stop this father son team from Tennesse from catching a limit of Speckled Trout.
Super Windy Trout (11/11/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] High winds and cold temps did not matter to this crew. Allen Daniels and crew braved some super gusty winds the other day to catch a good box of trout. Met Allen at the dock with super windy and possible rain discussed the option of rescheduling NO WAY these guys were ready to brave the weather and fish, ALL RIGHT WE ARE ON!
[Hopedale,LA] High winds and cold temps did not matter to this crew. Allen Daniels and crew braved some super gusty winds the other day to catch a good box of trout. Met Allen at the dock with super windy and possible rain discussed the option of rescheduling NO WAY these guys were ready to brave the weather and fish, ALL RIGHT WE ARE ON!
Late Strat No Problem (11/11/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Got alate start and had some wind to deal with but we still got'em
[Hopedale,LA] Got alate start and had some wind to deal with but we still got'em
Super Windy Trout Fishing In Hopedale LA (11/08/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] I thought the wind was bad yesterday. It was Howling this morning, But no matter we still caught some.
[Hopedale,LA] I thought the wind was bad yesterday. It was Howling this morning, But no matter we still caught some.
Blown Away! High Winds Didnt Stop Us With The Trout (11/04/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] High winds and cold temps could not stop these veterans from catching a box full of trout. Dennis, Eddie, and Richard were aboard my boat along 2 tag along boats today. These guys fish with me every fall and know the area but had not been out since the storm. We headed out into 20 mph NE winds BLOWING to say the least. Found some birds diving and got on some trout but not a whole lot real slow.
[Hopedale,LA] High winds and cold temps could not stop these veterans from catching a box full of trout. Dennis, Eddie, and Richard were aboard my boat along 2 tag along boats today. These guys fish with me every fall and know the area but had not been out since the storm. We headed out into 20 mph NE winds BLOWING to say the least. Found some birds diving and got on some trout but not a whole lot real slow.
Team Miramon Rides Again - Fishing Hopedale Marsh (11/03/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Late Start early finish with alimit of trout. TEAM MIRAMON Charlie, mike, and Clarence Goy some awesome weather conditions today calm winds. But the darn Captain was late getting to the boat. Charlie said don't worry he would not leave with out me. Well we hit the water at 8:00AM and got right to work putting trout in the boat.
[Hopedale,LA] Late Start early finish with alimit of trout. TEAM MIRAMON Charlie, mike, and Clarence Goy some awesome weather conditions today calm winds. But the darn Captain was late getting to the boat. Charlie said don't worry he would not leave with out me. Well we hit the water at 8:00AM and got right to work putting trout in the boat.
Afternoon Trout Fishing (10/31/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] With bad weather forecasted for the morning we decided to make ago in the afternoon. First stop picked up a few but not the bite I wanted. Moved around getting a few more. The East wind was strong and stopped the falling tide. The tide started to come I and that was the change we needed. Found the trout just off the ledge in 4 ft of water just out the current line. DOA and Bayside Shrimp along with the live stuff were doing the job.
[Hopedale,LA] With bad weather forecasted for the morning we decided to make ago in the afternoon. First stop picked up a few but not the bite I wanted. Moved around getting a few more. The East wind was strong and stopped the falling tide. The tide started to come I and that was the change we needed. Found the trout just off the ledge in 4 ft of water just out the current line. DOA and Bayside Shrimp along with the live stuff were doing the job.
Smoked'Em With My Big Brother (10/11/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Got to fish with my big brother today, it was like old times.
[Hopedale,LA] Got to fish with my big brother today, it was like old times.
Got Em Again (10/10/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Finally turned that corner and got on the fish. Bernie, Charlie, Joe and Cory were my guest today. I headed toward the outside to work the edges of Black bay to try for the bigger trout today. After few hours with only 17 in the box I turned back toward the marsh it was 9:30 and I was a little worried I may not find good bite this late.
[Hopedale,LA] Finally turned that corner and got on the fish. Bernie, Charlie, Joe and Cory were my guest today. I headed toward the outside to work the edges of Black bay to try for the bigger trout today. After few hours with only 17 in the box I turned back toward the marsh it was 9:30 and I was a little worried I may not find good bite this late.
Another Windy Day Of Fishing (10/08/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Had another windy day, but not a blow out. Had a 2 boat trip today with the guy's from Bellco Electric ready for some fishing action. Started off into windy conditions. Both boats headed to a protected area and found the birds diving and shrimp jumping and we all know what that means, Trout jumping in the boat. Got some in the box before moving on.
[Hopedale,LA] Had another windy day, but not a blow out. Had a 2 boat trip today with the guy's from Bellco Electric ready for some fishing action. Started off into windy conditions. Both boats headed to a protected area and found the birds diving and shrimp jumping and we all know what that means, Trout jumping in the boat. Got some in the box before moving on.
Hot Day Fishing October Hopedale (10/04/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] CPB crew got a good day of fihing inthe hot October Sun. Bubba, John, Rodney, and Biff down to Hopedale for a nice cool weather fall fishing trip. NOT well they got the fish but boy was it hot for Oct 3rd I think it got up to 90 today. We started off with a thick fog which kept us from running until about 8:00 AM. Went to where I left the trout only to find them not home.
[Hopedale,LA] CPB crew got a good day of fihing inthe hot October Sun. Bubba, John, Rodney, and Biff down to Hopedale for a nice cool weather fall fishing trip. NOT well they got the fish but boy was it hot for Oct 3rd I think it got up to 90 today. We started off with a thick fog which kept us from running until about 8:00 AM. Went to where I left the trout only to find them not home.
Reds and Trout turned On In Hopedale Marsh! (10/02/2006)
[Hopedale,LA] Limits of Trout and Reds in the Hopedale masrh today. Sal and Wife Evelyn had a knock down drag running day today. Started out with the speck's under the birds. Evelyn was flipping them in left and right she said she had not been fishing in over 10 years WOW I can't even imagine that.
[Hopedale,LA] Limits of Trout and Reds in the Hopedale masrh today. Sal and Wife Evelyn had a knock down drag running day today. Started out with the speck's under the birds. Evelyn was flipping them in left and right she said she had not been fishing in over 10 years WOW I can't even imagine that.