Trevor Huval, an Erath angler, reveals his secret to a successful fishing trip at Lake Arthur, a hidden gem in Southwest Louisiana. But it's not just about the destination; it's his unique approach that makes all the difference.
As the waterfowl hunting season concludes each winter, Huval's passion shifts to angling, specifically targeting sac-a-lait and bass. With a lifetime of experience fishing the region, including the Mermentau River, he offers valuable insights for fellow anglers seeking a rewarding February fishing adventure.
The Lure of Lures: Huval's arsenal includes two standout artificial lures. One is a hair jig crafted by local expert Daniel Mire, owner of D&M Custom Jigs. This black and chartreuse creation is fished about a foot below a cork, strategically placed around the base of cypress knees. But here's where it gets interesting: he also drops it alongside cypress knees, a technique that seems to defy conventional wisdom.
His other go-to is a soft plastic minnow-type bait, the Bobby Garland Baby Shad, in a monkey milk color. He raves about its effectiveness, especially when tightlining without a cork. This versatility in lure choice is key to his success.
The Timing is Everything: According to Huval, February is prime time for sac-a-lait fishing. As the water temperature reaches 65-68 degrees, female sac-a-lait, full of eggs, become more active. He's had remarkable success, catching up to 25 fish in just 10 minutes at a single tree. But the key is consistency, and he's learned that heavy rain can disrupt their behavior.
Canal Secrets: Huval's go-to spots are the canals on the south end of the lake, particularly cypress tree-lined points near the canal mouths. These areas, along with drains and houseboats, create the perfect habitat for sac-a-lait. And while he's confident in finding clear water, his experience also warns of muddy waters, especially in the Mermentau River.
Controversial Waters: The Mermentau River, known for its consistently muddy waters, is often overlooked by anglers. But Huval disagrees, having caught his biggest sac-a-lait there, a 2-pound, 8-ounce trophy. He believes the fish are accustomed to the conditions, and it's the anglers who need to adjust their expectations. This raises an intriguing question: Is it the water that affects the fishing, or is it the angler's mindset?
Fresh Finds: In a surprising twist, Huval reveals that newer deadfalls, or laydowns, along the riverbank yield more fish. He targets these areas with his trusted black/chartreuse D&M Jigs and monkey milk-colored Bobby Garland Baby Shads. And for bass enthusiasts, Lake Arthur doesn't disappoint, with Texas-rigged black/blue Senkos being a proven winner.
Lake Arthur and the Mermentau River offer a unique fishing experience, and Huval's techniques provide a fascinating insight into the world of angling. But the real question is, are you ready to challenge your own fishing beliefs and explore these lesser-known waters? The fish are biting, and the adventure awaits!
