hi !!! frank, this has nothing to do with fishing. you did a show on
physically/mentally challenged adults collecting carnival beads. i have beads i want to give them. please tell me how to get in contact with them.
thank you,
sonja j young
DEAR SONJA...THE NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION IS ST. MICHAELS SPECIAL SCHOOL. THEIR ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER IS LISTED IN THE NEW ORLEANS DIRECTORY. ---FRANK D

Hello Frank....after living away I just started fishing in Lake Pontchartrain and am having no luck. Live in Covington, have a boat, but am spinning my wheels. You talk about the railroad bridge at Slidell, but after the storm I don't know where to launch and get bait. Can you help get me on the right track??

FIRST, LOOK UP MY FULL TRIP ACCOUNTS ON OUR CHANNEL 4 WEBSITE. SIMPLY GO TO WWW.WWLTV.COM AND CLICK ON FRANK DAVIS. THEN CLICK ON THE FISHING GAME REPORT. IN FULL CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER YOU'LL FIND A LISTING OF THE FISHING SHOWS I'VE RECENTLY DONE PLUS ALL THE INSIDE SKINNY THAT YOU'LL NEED IN ODER TO CATCH FISH AT THOSE PLACES.
BUT. . .TO CUT RIGHT TO THE SPECIFICS AND TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. THE FISH RIGHT NOW ARE HOLDING UP ON THE SOUTH END OF THE RAILROAD TRESTLE, PRIMARILY ON THE EASTERN SIDE, ABOUT 30 YARDS OFF THE TRESTLE RIP-RAP. START FISHING THERE AND WORK YOUR WAY OUT TO MIDDLE LAKE. THEN LOOP AROUND AND MAKE PASS AFTER PASS AND PICK UP A FISH HERE AND A FISH THERE ALL ALONG THE STRETCH OIF TRESTLE.
TOP BAIT IS THE HYBRID MAGIC MINNOW WITH A TAIL DIPPED IN CHARTREUSE DYE. RIG IT ON A FULL HALF-OUNCE LEADHEAD JIG AND FISH IT OFF THE BOTTOM DEAD SLOW AND EASY, ALMOST LIKE YOU WERE FINESSING FOR BASS.
A NUMBER OF FISHERMEN STILL TRY TO USE THE OLD BACKDOWN RAMP AT WHAT USED TO BE TITE'S PLACE ON US HWY 11, BUT MOST OF THEM NOW GO DOWN RAT'S NEST ROAD (LAKESHORE DRIVE) AND TURN INTO THE DOCK MARINA AT THE END OF THE ROAD. THEY HAVE A PRETTY DECENT BACKDOWN.
FRANK D

May 9, 2007

Dear Mr. Davis,

I am a special education teacher who is working with teenage boys with behavior/emotional problems at St. Francis Academy in Picayune, Ms.

We have a small lake that feeds into other large streams. Our lake has a lot of bass. Most seem to be large mouth but we do have some small mouth bass as well. We do have some good sized bass. Several five pound big mouth bass and one seven pound was caught.

I am the science teacher and would like to teach the boys to use science in their fishing. Right now, many of them don't even use bait and just cast in the middle of the lake all the time.

I have done some fishing, but not much and it was a long time ago. Could you suggest any good books with pictures on how to cast a fishing rod, and any suggestions on any artifical baits or lures for bass. I am trying to stay away from live bait as I don't remember how to put live bait on a hook. We do have some blue gill, so any suggestions about them would be appreciated. I can't put too much money into it, so I am just looking for real basic stuff.

I would really appreciate any help you can give us.

Sincerely yours,

Robert Whittaker

Thank you very much. Very informative.

Hi Frank,
Love everything you do at WWL. I lived in Chalmette and used to go down the road and fish from the side of the highway. We also would go out to the lake and fish off of your pier. I'm glad to see that the fixed that up again. I am now in Denham Springs, have no boat and would like to know the closest place for salt water fishing in this area. We need to catch some specks and reds. Wish we were back in da parish. There's no place like home!!
Thanks in advance. Keep up the good work.

Jan R.

SORRY, JAN, BUT THERE'S NO SALTWATER NEAR DENHAM SPRINGS (AT LEAST, NOT YET--COASTAL EROSION HASN'T REACHED YOU GUYS YET!). YOU WILL HAVE TO HEAD SOUTH--ASIDE FROM THE HOUMA AREA, LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN IS PROBABLY YOUR CLOSEST SPOT. Frank Davis

hows the fishing in venice? dont hear nothing about venice area on that fishing report on tv. its like people pass over venice. so hows the fishing in venice?

ROLAND,
I FISHED VENICE WITH CAPT. DAVE BALLAY AND CAPT. MIKE FRENETTE FOR WELL OVER 20 YEARS. BUT VENICE WILL ALWAYS BE VENICE. BECAUSE IT SITS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE GULF OF MEXICO AND BECAUSE IT OFFERS GOOD TROUT FISHING AT THE SPILLWAYS, GOOD REDFISH AT SOUTH PASS, AND PHENOMENAL OFFSHORE FISHING--FROM KING MACKEREL TO YELLOWFIN TUNA--OUT AT THE MULTITUDE OF RIGS, VENICE REMAINS A SPECIAL PLACE TO A SPECIAL CADRE OF FOLKS. IT ISN'T FOR EVERYONE. VENICE IS FOR THE ADVENTURIST, FOR THE BIG-BOATER, AND FOR THE DEEP-SEA ANGLER. AND UNLESS YOU'RE PART OF THAT IN-CROWD, THE MAJORITY OF FISHERMEN WOULD MUCH RATHER FISH (AND ARE MORE EQUIPPED TO FISH) THE COASTLINE AT GRAND ISLE AND BELOW COCODRIE, AND ALL THE COASTAL INSIDE LAKES, BAYS, AND MARSHES. --Frank Davis

Frank,

Where is the best place to take young kids to get asure catch. I have a 5 year old that loves to go. I've been taking him to city park thinking the perch would be a sure thing. I've struck out twice now using live worms, a small hook and a cork. He's quickly losing patience, as any 5 y/o would. Where can I take him, without a bout for a sure thing. We're not trophy hunters, I just want to put him on a fish. Any suggestions on tackle and bait would be appreciated.
Thanks,
MIke Kennedy

DEAR MIKE,
THERE IS NO "SURE" PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS TO CATCH FISH IF YOU'RE FISHING FROM THE BANK--YOU'RE COMPLETELY LIMITED TO VERY SMALL AREA TO FISH IN. I'VE SEEN FOLKS CATCHING FISH CONSISTENTLY OFF MY PIER UNDER THE SEABROOK BRIDGE, BUT IT'S ALWAYS SUPER CROWDED. THE ONLY REAL WAY FOR YOU TO MAKE SURE YOUR 5 YEAR OLD CATCHES FISH IS TO TAKE HIM ON A CHARTER TRIP WHERE THE CAPTAIN HEADS OFF AND ACTUALLY FINDS THE FISH, WHEREVER THEY'RE HIDING, EVEN IF HE HAS TO BURN 50 GALLONS OF GASOLINE TO JUMP AROUND THE MARSH TO DO IT. THAT'S YOUR ONLY SURE-FIRE WAY. FRANK D

Frank,

Thanks for the tips, luckily we are both off the hook, so to speak. Dean landed a 6.5oz catfish off the seawall at the Lake. Not to shabby!!!! Thanks again,

Mike

hi frank,

i ues to live in chalmette until katrina now i am in covington and i don't have a boat. I was just wondering if you knew where any good fishin is around here. I appericiate it.
Thanks,
Ryan

BANKFISHING SPOTS ARE HARD TO COME BY...MOST OF THE GOOD ONES HAVE BEEN TURNED INTO GARBAGE DUMPS (BUT DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THAT). IN THE MEANTIME, YOU CAN CALL GAIL GUIDRY AT THE TV STATION AT 504-529-6431 AND REQUEST A WHOLE LIST OF BANKFISHING PLACES I'VE COMPILED. SEE IF ANY OF THEM APPEAL TO YOU.---FRANK D

I am a 28 year old father of a 2 year old boy and I want to start fishing with him, problem is, I have no experience. All I need is a few tips, type of lure for lake Marepaus and Lake Ponchatrain, maybe a hot spot etc. I usually lauch at the mouth of the Tchefuncte or the Tickfaw River. Please help, I would love to fish with my son. I'm even open to fishing the rivers. But I have no idea where to begin. I look forward to your reply, thanks.

DEAR RICHARD,
FIRST THING IS TO PICK UP A COPY OF MY LATEST BOOK, "THE FISHERMAN'S TACKLE BOX BIBLE," AND READ IT FROM COVER TO COVER. IT WILL PUT YOU WAY AHEAD OF THE GAME. THEN MAKE IT A HABIT TO WATCH MY FISHING SHOW EVERY THURSDAY EVENING AT 6. AND FINALLY, DON'T BE SHY ABOUT E-MAILING ME WITH QUESTIONS YOU HAVE. I'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM. OF COURSE, MAYBE LATER ON, YOU CAN EVEN JOIN A SPORTSMAN'S LEAGUE WHERE YOU CAN MEET AND PICK THE BRAINS OF VETERAN FISHERMEN. ALL MY BEST,
FRANK D

not to bother ya'll but where is the mandeville seawall

IN MANDEVILLE, ALONG THE SHORELINE OF LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN. HEAD TOWARD COVINGTON ON US 190...THEN WHEN YOU GET INTO MANDEVILLE, TAKE A LEFT ON ANY STREET AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE SEAWALL. --FRANK D

Hi FRANK,
I went fishing at the mandevile publick fishing pier this week i never got any bites or nothing but other people were catching some (trout, garfish) would you know what would be the best lure to use
THANKS
Ryan
RYAN...DON'T USE ANY "LURES." USE FRESH MARKET SHRIMP OR LIVE SHRIMP OR LIVE COCAHOE MINNOWS. IT'S WHAT JUST ABOUT EVERY FISH THAT SWIMS IS EATING RIGHT NOW. GO BACK TO THE PIER AGAIN (EARLY MORNING AND LATE EVENING IS BEST). THIS TIME FISH THOSE BAITS ON A CAROLINA RIG. YOU SHOULD DO WELL. --FRANK D

Hey Frank , is there a fishing almanac somewhere on the internet, i can look at before i go fishing , today i went to cocodrie to firs redfish and speck's but had no luck , i didn't catch anything , it was hot ,humid, little wind, every bait i tried i had no action ,is there something about the weather i'm missing? please help

THERE ARE LOTS OF FISHING ALMANACS AVAILABLE. SIMPLY GO TO WWW.GOOGLE.COM AND TYPE IN "FISHING ALMANAC" IN THE SEARCH BOX. THE CHOICES YOU COME UP WITH WILL DEPEND ON YOU.
FRANK D

Hey Frank,
thanks so much on the help with the fishing at the pier i went this morning and fish with the carolina rig and at the end of the liter i put on a shartrouse sparkle bettle lookin thing and put fresh market shrimp on it and i caught three croakers. I was wondering is croakers good eating and what is the limit on the fish out there
greatly appreciated
Ryan

Yep, Ryan...croakers are good eating. They belong to the redfish family. There is no limit on them. --Frank D

Hey Frank,

Since the storm myself and my cousin started fishing on our own, without our fathers and have little knowledge of waterways. can you suggest any prominant fishing spots by boat in lafitte that we can fish?

Go to C-Way Marina in Lafitte and head down the Barataria Waterway. But before you go buy a really good chart of Barataria (I recommend Standard Mapping Co.) and study it. No...memorize it! You'll find all kinds of places you'll want to fish.
--Frank D

Hi Frank ....Is there any bait shop near the Mandeville public fishing pier where i can get live bait
thanks
Ryan

None that I'm aware of, Ryan. And for me to refer you to any specific shop I'd need to know what you're lookng to buy "live." (cri kets, worms, Cocahoe minnows, shrimp, croakers, etc). --Frank D

Frank, My wife is on me about these little white parasites or worms that we are finding in the trout and redfish. For years, I've never been concerned however it took me an extra hour to clean the fish. What's up and do we have to go to the extra trouble to get these out before cooking?
Thanks,
Bob

Dear Bob:
No, you don't have to remove the worms before you fry the fillets. The little buggers are called "spaghetti worms" and they're a subspecies of the tape worm. But they do not grow to maturity except in sharks, skates and rays.
So you can leave them in the meat and go ahead and fry them up. In fact, once the fillet hits the hot grease, they simply disappear!!!
Frank D

Hello Mr. Davis. I am originally from New Orleans but am in the Army in Iraq right now. I will be coming home in either Aug or Sept of 2008 for some much needed fishing. My question is where would you suggest fishing in Lake Ponchartrain in the summer months and what kind of bait would be best? Thank you for your time.

DEAR CHRIS,
FIRST AND FOREMOST, THANK YOU FOR THE SERVICE YOU'RE PERFORMING FOR OUR COUNTRY IN THAT STINKING RATHOLE! I, FOR ONE, DEEPLY APPRECIATE YOUR SACRIFICES.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT WHERE TO FIND FISH IN LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN IN AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER. YOU GET BACK HERE SAFELY AND I'LL MAKE DAMN SURE YOU GET PUT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE TROUT YOU WANT TO CATCH!!
FRANK D

i used to love to go fishing with my husband,but since Katrina Igot sick and now are unable to go. My point in writing to you is about the launching of boats out in Delacroix there is only one boat launch now which is a back down launch it is extremly steep and slippery it is also very crowed on weekends and it blocks cars and boats from passing and becomes very dangerous is there a way you could pass the word around so somebody else will open another boat launch in DELACROIX.louise

DEAR LOUISE,
LIONEL SERIGNE IS AWARE IF JUST HOW SLIPPERY THE BACKDOWN IS AND THERE'S TALK NOW THAT HE'LL RESURFACE IT WITH ROUGH TEXTURE TO ELIMINATE THE SLIPPERINESS. LAST I HEARD, THE RUMBLINGS WERE, LIKE, SOMETIME OVER THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS.
FRANK D

Frank,

I have a 90HP center console w/o trlling motor, I find myself getting stuck trying to get to the places where the fish are are said to be. Do I need a trolling motor? What's the closest launch to Baton Rouge with live shrimp? Thanks!

BRIAN,
YOU MOST DEFINITELY NEED A TROLLING MOTOR. YOU CAN'T DO THE KIND OF FISHING YOU DESCRIBE TO ME WITHOUT ONE! IT MIGHT NOT BE TOO LATE TO WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA. . .YA' THINK?
AND UNFORTUNATELY, THE ONLY PERMANENT LIVE BAIT LIVERIES ARE FAR FROM B.R. YOU GOT TO GET DOWN ONTO THE COASTAL FISHING GROUNDS TO FIND THEM. --Frank D

hey frank,
i recently purchased your fisherman's bible and i thought it was very informative. one topic not covered was trolling motors. i have a 16 foot carolina skiff dlx- do you have any recommdations for a decent trolling motor. i have started fishing lake st. catherine and the bridges but it is very difficult without one. question: foot pedal or tiller handle. which do you prefer? i don't want to spend a fortune. what do you fishing buddies use like kenny?

You have two excellent choices: Motorguide, or--more popular now days--MinnKota. I suggest you go to both of their websites to check out the manufacturer's recommendation for number of pounds of thrust required to properly propel your boat. It might even be considerably cheaper to buy on-line.

Hope this helps,
Frank D

Hi Frank,

I have a camp in Cocodrie where we were fishing from the boat shed under the full moon, Friday night. We caught three of what appeared to be a hybrid cross between Redfish and Black Drum. The fish had heads looking exactly like Black Drum, however the bodies were reddish in color with jagged edge balck spots on the body (maybe 2 or 3 spots on each side). One even had a faint black spot (again jagged in shape) on the tail.

Are there such thing as hybrid Redfish/Drum?

I've been fishing for over 30 years and have never seen or heard of anything like these.

Happy Days!

Joe