The Chain Pickerel Pickle - Paul's Bayou Washington Co. AL.

This trip finds us up the Mobile River way back in Pau's Bayou fishing. The date is October 28, 2023. There really is not a target species on this trip. Paul's Bayou is one of those places that I like to go back to and check out every so often. The tide had fallen out early in the morning and there wasn't much wind at all. So the water was unusually clear. I believe that clear water is what lead to catching a large number of Chain Pickerel. The lures used today were the Shimano World Pop 69F, Man EZ Tubez, and Shimano ArmaJoint 190SF

[@Jacemang_Outdoors]

Looked like a nice morning. Love fishing those flooded timber areas.

[@Eightmile_Drifter]

It was an action packed morning for sure. Yeah I like those flooded bottoms as well. Off of the Mobile river most of the sloughs turn into that if you take them far enough back. Do you have much of that kind of stuff where you are now in TX? I know LA has plenty of flooded swamps.

[@DpuckFishingandOutdoors]

I always seem to find myself in a pickerel pickle. Those bowfin are so darn cool.

[@Eightmile_Drifter]

Oh yeah they are a blast when nothing else is biting. The bowfin will make you think you have a 10lb bass on the line every time haha. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@jamiewalker3330]

Most people in that area call the Pickerel “Jacks”. Did you launch at Bates?

[@Eightmile_Drifter]

Yeah, I launched at Bates. It’s a bit of a paddle but as long as you leave before daylight it isn’t bad. I used to call them Jack fish also. Inshore saltwater fishing is what got me to switch to pickerel. Most people think of a Jack crevale when you say Jack closer to the coast.

[@scottsheffield2594]

Did you have a hard time paddling in the river to get to and from there? I’m trying to decide between a buying paddle or peddle kayak. You seem to do pretty good using a paddle kayak.

[@Eightmile_Drifter]

Depending on the tide and wind it can be a chore some days but for the most part it’s not bad. It took maybe an hour and 15 minutes to get into Paul’s bayou from Bates. If you do go the paddle route make sure you get a decent paddle to start with. The $125 and up price range is a good starting point. Those cheaper heavy paddles will wear you out. I used to fish out of a Hobie PA with the original 180 drive and would bend the metal rods in the fins regularly and have to work on the drive often with how shallow I fish. I think fishing from a paddle craft is quieter also. The pedal drives will keep you from getting fatigued as quickly, and can make fishing in open water when it’s windy easier. If you’re planning on doing mostly freshwater you could start with a paddle kayak and add a trolling motor to it if you see you need a little more oomph to get you out farther. Most bass tournaments allow them these days.

[@scottsheffield2594]

@@Eightmile_Drifter thanks for the information. I mainly fish for bass, bream and white perch. I'm wanting to start saltwater fishing some also. I sold my boat so I'm looking at getting a kayak to get back on the water. I enjoy your videos and the way you explain them. Keep it up. You should try Hastie Lake just North of Live Oak landing maybe about 500 yards or little more on the right. There is some good bass fishing in there. Start fishing it from the river and work your way in.

[@Eightmile_Drifter]

@@scottsheffield2594 glad you are enjoying the videos, I hope to keep them coming. Thanks for checking them out. If you get a kayak and want to make a trip let me know. I usually go most Saturdays. It’s been several years since I’ve been into Hastie. Thanks for that recommendation. I’ll try to make it a point to check that one out again.