Calendar

Trip Name: Chicot Day Trip

Trip Date: Apr 3, 2010

Skill Level: Beginner  

Leader:  Greg Engelsman & Greg Sonnier, cell phone 337-654-1227, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Fishing Time7:00a.m. till 3:00p.m. 

Meeting Place: Sunrise is about 6:30 am.  We will meet at the North landing between 6-6:30 am.  We will fish until 3 pm.  The group will congregate afterwards at the launch to swap fish stories.  For those that wish to caravan we will leave the Lowe’s on Gloria Switch parking lot at 5 am.  You are welcome to stay longer, just be sure to notify the trip leader that you will be staying longer and where you will be.

Trip Description:  Chicot in April will be good for bass, with the frog atop duck weed the lure of choice.  People were crazy about the "ribbet" last year.  Cary's in Ville Platte will have whatever you need, along with advice.  I like the north landing, which is less heavily trafficked, and has access to some good kayak waters.  I haven't been to the south landing in years though.  I also have never fished south of the south landing, and there is a good bit of water down there.  I've also done well with jerk baits.  I throw a weightless trick worm with a 3/0-5/0 hook, and slowly bump it thru the grass, but sluggos and other stuff works too.  Of course, the ubiquitous white spinnerbait is everywhere, b/c it works.  The ski area, which is the open area near the north landing, is great for jerk baits in the grass-flukes, senkos, sluggos.  Also the shallow treed area adjacent to that for a battle with grinnell or jackfish.  If you hook grinnell up in the woods it could make for a bouncy sleigh ride. Also suggested brush hogs in the trees.  I'm partial to june bug on those type lakes.

Tackle To Bring/Bait: Ribbet frogs or equal, jerk baits, trick worms, sluggo/fluke, worms, jigs, spinnerbaits and brush hogs.

What to Watch For: Gnats/horse flies in the Spring, depending on the time of year so bring a head net and long clothing.  Calcasieu tides (can be hard to predict), the wind (under 15 kts), weather and temperature.  Dress appropriately, always wear your PFD.  Be prepared to renew your membership if it is due and to resign your waiver.

How to Get There: 3469 Chicot Park Rd Ville Platte, LA 70586-7587 (337) 363-2403.  From Lafayette head North on I-49.  Take exit 23 for US-167/LA-744 toward Ville Platte  0.3 mi.  Continue straight onto US-167 N  82 ft.  Turn left at LA-744 N/US-167 N.  Continue to follow US-167 N  16.9 mi.   Turn right at Mc Arthur Rd  0.4 mi.  Continue onto Chicot Park Rd/LA-3042.  Destination will be on the right  3.7 mi.  Once there you just go thru the entrance, take the first left and drive 5-6 miles to the end of the road, to get to the north landing.

How to Sign Up (Members):  It is preferred that you register for a login account on this website and then use the registration button below to have your name added.  You may also manually register by calling the trip leader (or sign up at a monthly meeting) and provide: name, email address, cell number, waiver.

Guest Participants:  Guests are welcome but must register as described above and must sign the guest waiver form and hand to the trip.  Waiver may be downloaded here- http://www.lafayettekayakfishing.com/images/stories/GuestWaiver.pdf.  Some members have spare kayaks for those without.  Your best bet is to post an inquiry on the “Let’s Fish” forum.

What to Pack/Bring:
VHF Radio or Cell Phone for communication and emergency contact

First Aid Kit

Dress Warm if cold, layer for warmth

Change of clothes

Waders, if cold or wading

Lunch, Water, snacks

Kayak Drift Sock

Stake Out Pole Anchor/Anchor

Sunscreen

Towel/Rag
Ice

Suspending Lures:  Corkys, MirrorLures, favorite tout tails

Recommended Reading: Google Earth

Recommended guidelines for participants:
Make sure trip leader or an officer has your emergency contact

Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns, including health issues

If inexperienced, then buddy up. Make sure the trip leader knows your experience level

Communicate with the trip leader, if you are unsure of your skill level required

Member dues are current

Guests are invited to participate (with signed waiver)

Have performed deep water entries

Carry a first aid kit

Wear a life jacket

Inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.

Sign in and sign out at the launch site. Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place or fishing past the listed end time.

Expenses/Fees:  Park Entry ($1?) Per Vehicle 

GPS Coordinates: