Keith Lusher 08.21.24
In terms of 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 check even essentially the most seasoned fishermen. Nonetheless, the Mississippi River is precisely the place Nick Liebel of Belle Chasse, LA, honed his bass fishing abilities. “I’ve been fishing this river for over 30 years,” he mentioned. Liebel usually fishes in Venice, LA, a spot locals seek advice from as “the top 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 under 4 toes, it’s going to supply fish as a result of the water is cleaner,” he defined. Not solely is the water clearer, but it surely additionally prevents the bass from shifting 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 Move, the again of Mary Bowers, Important Move, and Delta Duck,” Liebel mentioned. “Typically I see boats working up and down the river. I’ll camp out and fish the drains off Important Move and simply destroy the bass.”
When fishing in August, Liebel suggests focusing 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 count on 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 observed 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 pink colour. 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 once I’m bumping it,” he mentioned.
Whereas August is a major month for bass fishing in Venice, Liebel believes the chunk will stay robust during November, till the arduous chilly fronts begin passing by means of.
