Fishing Charters

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Hot Spots For Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter 2009 tu

Sunday,July 25,2010

Fishing has returned to our enchanted island! Even though we are fighting thru the BP oil spill disaster-we are now cleared to fish our fertile waters once again. Speckled trout, white trout,redfish,sheepshead and flounder are plentiful and hitting both plastic and live bait hard and fast. Uncle Irv Magri urges you to use extreme caution until the passage of Tropical Depression Bonnie. Irv suggests the following hot spots for your fishing enjoyment:

1.Independence Island- North-29.18.610,West 89.57.351-Some beautiful specks and a few reds are in this area. You can use sparkel beatles or live bait. Please remember because of the heat try to fish very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Keep plenty of water and sunscreen on hand for your safety and health. GOOD LUCK!!!

SATURDAY,FEBRUARY 27,2010

O.K. saltwater fishermen and fisherwomen-Spring is near! Take Uncle Irv Magri's sound and proven advice-puppy drum and huge black drum (cousin of the red drum or redfish are ready to make their March debut in mid-March. If you want some real great fun in Caminada Bay,use some medium to heavy tackle,fish the bottom with either dead shrimp,cracked crab or live croaker and get ready for summer spring fun!

Uncle Irv's favorite spots include the oyster reefs behing Mr.Joe Arnona's Gulf Stream Marina. This spot is about 5-8 minutes at the most from Gulf Streams dock and back-down. Uncle Irv strongly suggests fighting these fish and releasing the really big boys as they are often filled with worms. Although the worms won't hurt you or your family these large black drum are just too tough to consume. However,the "puppy drum" (usually under 5lbs) are quite good table fare and should be either fried,broiled or Uncle Irv's favorite baked with tons of garlic,olive oil and pure butter!!!

Uncle Irv Magri,the former founder and host of "Sportsman Paradise" on Channel 4 in New Orleans (34 years ago) also recommends trying  "Old Bird Reef" near 29.19.560N and 89.57.222W on your friendly GPS. This favorite spot is known to produce large back drum,speckled and white trout,flounder and reds. Try this spot and give Uncle Irv a call at 985-242-4364 (Grand Isle Real Estate and Notary) or his call at 504-270-7513 and let him know how your party did at his favortite spots.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009

Reds, Speckled Trout and Flounders are often known as the "Cajun Grand Slam" of fishing!  "Cajun Grand Slams" are now becoming common in Grand Isle waters.  After fishing Grand Isle waters for the past 60+ years (beginning as a small  child) Irv Magri will share some "fishing hot spots" with his faithful readers.  Please do not hestitate to call Irv Magri and/or Grand Isle Real Estate which Irv owns and give him an update on your fishing successes so he made be able to assist other fishermen in their quest of the "Cajun Grand Slam". 

Below listed are some of Irv's all time favorites as it relates to Grand Isle waters including, but not limited to  Caminada Bay, Barataria Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico.  Here are a few of Irv Magri's favorites: 

1)  Tresor Isle - 29 25.420 North Latitude and 89 51.850 West Longitude - This hot spot is well known to area fishermen.  The "natives" sometimes call this Paradise Island.  By what ever name you choose this spot produces large Speckled Trout, nice Reds, includes Rat Reds as well as "doormat" size Flounders.  Sheepheads are also taking here.  Try live shrimp and/or minnows underneath a popping cork or some Gulp baits for best results. 

2) Flat or Plat Isle - 29 24.995 North Latitude and 90 00.275 West Longitude - This well known hot spot is near Hackberry Bay and  Bayou Cholas.  Be certain to watch for shallow water and certain underwater obstructions.  Irv Magri personally caught some Specks in 2003 that weighed between 2 1/2 to 4 lbs. on live shrimp and live croakers.  Please remember what Irv Magri often tells his friends and his listening audience in both radio and his "old" fishing show - and that is that big Speckled Trout love, love, love  live croakers.  Why?  It's really very simple.  Croakers love Speckled Trout eggs.  Hence, Speckled Trout will kill live croakers even if they are not hungry in order to protect their young.  So even when a large, yellow mouth Speckled Trout has it's belly full, it will still "snatch up" any croaker that it can find. 

3) Fish Isle - 29 27.364 North Latitude and 89 55.699 West Longitude - Another Grand Isle favorite!  This spot usually produces great eating "Rat Reds", Sheepheads, Flounders  and Speckled Trout.  Once again, watch your water depth and since Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav have struck this area hard, you must be mindful of watching intently for underwater obstructions.  If you have difficulty finding this area without a GPS as a navigational aid it is located just outside of the Wilkinson Canal (just to the east).   

4)  St. Mary's Point - 29 25.651 North Latitude and 89 56.501 West Longitude - This is definitely one of Irv Magri's all time favorite spots.  "Topped" only by "Governor's Reef"  which is within a stones throw of this  location.  Irv and his long time buddies including Francis "Butty" Bonura of St. Rose, LA have often "limited out" on Speckled Trout and Redfish.  It was actually Irv's old and dear friend Butty Bonura that acquainted Irv several decades ago with this very hot spot.  Large Speckled Trout, Reds, White Trout, Sheephead and Flounder are taken in an abundance at Old St. Mary's Point.   The best live baits are live croakers, live shrimp and live minnows.  If fishing with autoficial baits, try the DOA shrimp, the mirror lures or even an old sidewinder or the old standard "Mr. Champ".  Many an enjoyable morning and afternoon was had by Butty Bonura, Irv Magri and their fishing buddies at this great location in Plaquemines Parish waters.  Please don't forget to call Irv Magri at either 985-242-4364, 985-787-2477 or his cell at 504-270-7513 and let him know how you did at this great saltwater location. 

5)   El Cid area - 29 19.888 North Latitude and 89 58.191 West Longitude - This favorite hot spot is near a platform and provides great fishing entertainment for you and the entire family.  Bring your lunch and plenty of water and soft drinks as the whole family can enjoy catching fish of all varieties at this old and well established location!  Speckled Trout, White Trout, Redfish, Sheephead and Flounder abound in this area.  Once again try using live bait if possible such as (but not limited to) live croakers, live shrimp and live minnows. 

HAPPY FISHING!

Again, please remember to call Irv Magri with the results of your fishing trip so that he might share it with others.  Rember if you like fishing Grand Isle waters, you may wish to purchase a nice camp in the Grand Isle area from Irv Magri who has been a licensed Real Estate Agent and licensed Real Estate Broker since 1977.  Irv is also a licensed Notary Public since in 1979 and can handle all of your notarial needs such as transferring your boat, motor and trailer.  Grand Isle Real Estate and Notorial Services can be reached at 985-242-4364 or 985-787-2477 or Irv's cell at 504-270-7513.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16,2009

Irv Magri,the former host of the popular television show,"Sportsman Paradise" is offering you some of his favorite spots on your GPS. Irv urges you to try these "hot spots", don't litter, respect the limits and the environment. Have fun and catch some quality fish at these following spots that are well proven over the past five(5) decades!!!:

1. "Old" Andre Island-29  15.901 North Latitude and 90 02.528 West Longitude- Sometimes this is a very good spot for Speckled Trout,White Trout and Flounder. Lower your anchor very gently not to "spook" the fish,stir up the bottom and/or to disturb other fishermen. In the summer try a live shrimp under a poping cork in the morning or late afternoon hours. If you fish with your mother-in-law during the heat of the day,simply remove your cork,put on a very light lead (sinker) and fish on the bottom where the fish usually go when the Louisisana sun heats up the water.

2. Eric or "Big Jaw" Isle-29 15.177 North Latitude and  90 03.124 West Longitude- This often productive spot is a "good cast" only from,"Old Andre Island." Try both of these often good producing spots and remember that live bait usually works best in this area although experienced anglers will use artificials when they can. HAPPY FISHING!!!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

We apologize for not updating our "fishing hotspot report" since June 2, 2009 however, Irv Magri has just returned to duty.

Speckled trout and redfish are extremely abundant everywhere near Grand Isle. Trout are being caught in the surf on top water lures early in the morning before the sun heats up the shallow waters, in Caminada Bay especially on the oyster reefs using live shrimp or live cocahoe minnows or croakers which usually produce larger trout. The reason that croakers are GREAT BAIT, is that speckled trout eggs are eaten in large numbers by croakers and hence the trout hate croakers and will eat them even after they are full. Some of the largest speckled trout that Irv Magri, the former host of the television show, "Sportsman's Paradise" has ever caught in his 60+ years of saltwater fishing in Louisiana waters has been caught using small to medium size croakers. If you are fishing in midday (usually not Irv's favorite time to fish in the hot Louisiana summer sun) you might try your live croakers and/or cocahoe's minnows on the bottom on a "Carolina Rig" which allows the live bait to swim around while the sinker sits on the bottom of the sea floor. You should usually give your live bait between 12 to 24 inches to swim to attrack your fish. This type of live bait will attrack large speckled trout, redfish (red drum), black drum, shark, spainish mackrel, etc. 

Please don't forget to fish the beaches of Elmers Island just to the west of Grand Isle near Caminada Pass, as the fishing action has been extremely good especiall in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Additionally, don't forget to fish on the East end of Grand Isle near Fort Livingston on Grand Terre Island. Large bull reds are being taken in that area up to 45 pounds! Don't forget to use heavy tackle, live bait and steel leaders. Try fishing near to the protective rocks that encompass the old Fort on Barataria Pass for reds, speckled and white trout, sheepshead, as well as spainish mackrel. Please remember to respect the creel limits and keep Grand Isle and her waters clean.

Happy fishing!!!

June 2, 2009

Thanks again for visiting our "Fishing Tips" feature on our website.  Grand Isle Real Estate is dedicated to giving you honest, factual information as it relates to fishing on and around our enchanted island.  Irv Magri, who hosted "Sportsmans Paradise" in the 1970's on local New Orleans television would like to give you some of his "old" fishing hot spots.  Now remember Irv Magri would deeply appreciate you emailing him your fishing results (both good and not so good) so that he may share this with his readers.  His email address is irvmagri@yahoo.com and the fax number 985-787-2477.  Here are some very reliable and well proven fishing hot spots for your fishing pleasure and enjoyment: 

   1. Independence Island - 29 18.610 North Latitude and 89 56.169 West Longitude - This has long been a favorite of Louisiana fisherman in the Grand Isle area.  It is known for producing large speckled and white trout as well as red fish and an occasional flounder or two. 

   2. Queen Bess Island - 29 18.211 North Latitude and 89 57.350 West Longitude - Yet another Grand Isle all time favorite for catching speckled and white trout, flounders and redfish.

  3. Bird Island - 29 19.549 North Latitude and 89 57.252 West Longitude - Take the entire family (including your mother-in-law) to this very picturesque and different setting.  This island is the nesting place for our Official State Bird - The Eastern Brown Pelican.  I cannot adequately describe the emense excitement of seeing nesting pelicans in their natural habitat.  The pelican has made a dramatic come back in Louisiana and this nesting spot is one of the major areas in continuing this population boom.  Bring your cameras and video equipment and be prepared for an exciting adventure.  Also as an extra bonus our Official Salt Water Fish also resides in these waters - The Speckled Trout!  Try casting a live shrimp, live croaker or live cockhoe minnow underneath a popping cork to bring one of these to the dinner table!  Now please remember to send your emails, photo's and fishing comments to Irv Magri at 985-242-4364 or to his email irvmagri@yahoo.com so that we may share this information with others.

June1, 2009

Mr. Joe Arnona, owner/operator of the Gulfstream Marina (985-787-3566) on Grand Isle reports that the oyster reefs in Caminada Bay, approximately 3/4 miles behind "The Crack" which is at the end of E. Central Ave. on Chenier in Caminada Bay is producing large speckled trout and some white trout.  Once again, live shrimp, live croakers and live cockhoe minnows are producing tremendous results.  Early morning hours and late afternoon hours seemed to be the most productive periods according to "Mr. Joe".  He also states that the rocks in front of the island, in the surf, are also producing both speckled and white trout in amazing numbers.  Fish Grand Isle and load up your limit on speckled trout!

May 30, 2009

Mr. Henry Bennett reports of catching 15 speckled trout on the oyster reef in Caminada Bay approximately 3/4 of a mile behind "The Crack" which is a pass at the end of E. Central Ave. on Chenier.  He and his party caught these beautiful speckled trout on live shrimp underneath a "popping cork".  The trout ranged from 1-2 1/2 pounds and gave excitement to the entire party.  Bottom fishing was less productive yielding several large sting rays and large hard head catfish.  The lesson here is to fish mostly on the "top" using a popping cork and light tackle for the maximum fishing enjoyment.

May 23 & 24, 2009

Mr. Edmund Carmadelle, a well respected Grand Isle resident and avid fisherman reports of catching 61 speckled trout with his party off of Elmer's Island.  These trout were between 2-4 pounds each and were caught on cockhoe minnows.  To reach this particular spot simply go out of Caminada Pass and head west along the beach of Elmer's Island and cast into the surf.  The action was fast and furious for Edmund Carmadelle and his fishing buddies.  Cockhoe minnows can be purchased at most of the marinas on the island, including Joe Arnona's Gulf Stream Marina, 985-787-3566.  "Mr. Joe" as he is commonly referred to sells live shrimp, live cockhoe minnows, live croakers and fresh dead shrimp.  The marina store (Gulfstream Marina) also sells all types of fishing tackle and supplies, including but not limited to ice, frozen mullet, rods and reels, fishing line, lures, corks, area maps, traps, etc. 

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2008 Fishing Tips

Bull Redfish are in the passes! Strong reports of limited out catches of Redfish are being reported in both Caminada Pass and Barataria Pass. Fishermen are reporting that cracked crab, cut mullet, and live pinfish are the very best baits at this time. Also, the specks seem to be moving a little further north into the bays just north of Grand Isle and south of Lafitte. Flounders are also starting to show up with shrimp, minnows, and jigs being the best baits at this time.

January 5, 2008

Flounders, Reds, and even some Speckled Trout are being caught along Hwy.1 at the "snake pit" which is directly north of the first bridge leading to Grand Isle where it states "Jefferson Parish" ( a small green sign on the bridge itself). These fish are being taken on both live bait and artificial lures usually on a rising or falling tide. Minnows (live) are very effective as well as dead shrimp fished on the bottom. Flounders are stricking artificial plastics prefferably white with a red dot or a shad rig either in white or yellow colors. This action can be fast and furious especially when the tide is moving well. 

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2007 Fishing Tips

December 28, 2007

Julie Magri Savoie, Thomas Savoie and Irv Magri report of catching a 33 inch, 22 pound redfish at the "crack" in Caminada Bay with dead shrimp. Channel Mullett were also caught on dead shrimp in the same basic area. Anglers should try the second set of rocks to your left as you are coming through the crack on your left hand side. Use your depth finder to locate the very deep hole at the end of the second set of rocks, on the outside of the rocks in Caminada Bay. The depth of this hole is approximately 22 feet deep at high tide. Attempt to fish on either a rise or falling tide for best fishing results. Additionally, large black drum as well as bullreds are abundant in this area. You may wish to use a strong metal leader and atleast a 30 lbs. test line while fishing for these large black drum and bullreds. Congratulations to my 12 year old grandson Thomas J. Savoie III for landing this beautiful bullred.

November 17, 2007

Bull reds are invading the eastern end of Grand Isle and the western end of Grand Terre!   Beau & Joanna Baisier of Metairie, Louisiana report of catching large bull reds and black drum in the Barataria Pass area.  These two anglers limited out on both reds and black drum (which is the redfish's first cousin).  Try your luck with cut mullet, cracked crab and live pin fish.  Jennifer Magri-Madona also accompanied this couple and once again caught her legal limit of reds and drum. 

October 20, 2007 - 6:00PM

The first annual Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Tournament is now history.  A very large and beautiful crowd was on hand at Bridgeside Marina to cheer on the participants.  We are very pleased to announce that Irv Magri's daughter, Jennifer Magri-Madona, won second place in the redfish category.  Jennifer caught her 28 pound redfish in what is commonly referred to as "the crack" in Caminada Bay near the end of Central Ave. where the old Icehouse Restaurant was located prior to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Jennifer is a dedicated fisherman who catches her own bait with a castnet and also harvests crabs for redfishing purposes.  This winning fish was caught at approximately 2:00AM on cracked crab.  Congratulations to all the participants in this very exciting ladies only rodeo.  We look forward to the second annual rodeo next October, 2008.  KEEP FISHING!!!October 18, 2007

ATTENTION ALL LADY ANGLERS -

The First Annual Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo will kick off on October 19, 2007, at Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle, Louisiana. The kick-off begins at 6:00 PM on Friday night, with food and refreshments.  The scales will be open for weighing of fish on Saturday, October 20, 2007, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Bridge Side Marina. Categories of eligible fish will be redfish, speckle trout, flounder, mangrove and red snapper, cobia (lemon fish), drum, and sheepshead. The entrance fee is only $20 per lady and you receive a free cap or sun visor for entering the rodeo. There are many door prizes and of course, trophies for the winners. This rodeo benefits the American Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Awareness. Let's all turn out and make this First Annual Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo a big success !!!  Tickets can be purchased at any Grand Isle marina, such as Gulf Stream Marina, Bridge Side Marina, or the Sand Dollar Marina. Additionally, tickets can be purchased at the Grand Isle Tourist Office, which is located next to the Butterfly Dome.  See you at the rodeo !   

October 15, 2007

BULL REDS ARE IN ATTACK MODE!!! 

Mario and Vernell Green, along with Jennifer M. Madona, report of catching their legal limit of bull reds on Sunday, October 14, 2007. These "monsters of the pass" were primarily caught on cut mullet in both Caminada Pass near the rocks and in Barataria Pass.  Once again, all an angler needs to do is to either cast-net for fresh mullet or purchase frozen mullet from any of the Grand Isle marinas, and place the mullet on a "Carolina Rig" using at least a 25 pound test line with a steel leader. Look for a moving tide either incoming or outgoing for best results. You may consult Grand Isle Real Estate's Tide Chart on this website. We have had lots of inquiries from this website regarding fishing on Grand Isle and we welcome your comments at www.grandislerealestate.com.  If you have a "hot spot" that you would wish to share with our readers, please e-mail us and we will be glad to post same on our website. You may use your full name if you wish, or simply a nick name if you wish to remain anynomous.  Please be as specific as possible when describing your "hot spot" on or around the Grand Isle/Grand Terre/Coup Abel/Four Bayou/Port Fourchon and Belle Pass area.  Remember, your courtesy in helping others enjoy Grand Isle waters is deeply appreciated by Irv Magri and his staff. Our goal is to have our visitors and friends enjoy the fertile fishing waters of one of the greatest salt water destinations in North America - Grand Isle !  Keep writing us with your fishing tips and "hot spots". 

September 16, 2007

Pier Fishing on Caminada Bay

Jennifer M.Madona reports of catching her legal limits of speckled trout and white trout almost every night for the past 30 days at night on a pier on Grand Isle on Caminada Bay. Jennifer,a very experienced fisherman who owns property on the island states that she uses sparkle beatles,as well as live cockahoe minnows and live shrimp. Double beatles usually means catching two(2) fish at a time under the lights. Of course it is best to have a god tide range and movement So try your luck at night on some lucky pier and fill up your ice chest!

September 10, 2007 

The redfish are moving in!!! Caminda Pass (29 11.78N, 90 02.49W), " The Crack ", Barataria Pass(29 16.13N, 89 56.72W), Coupable (29 18.02N, 89 54.07W), and Four Bayou Pass (29 18.65N, 89 51.40W) are all "hot spots" for bullreds. Redfish in the range of 30-43 pounds and even larger are being caught in the passes on cut mullet, crab and live pinfish, and live croaker. Fish these "big boys" on the bottom with a heavyweight on a Carolina rig. Be prepared for a very strong and good fight with these "tackle busting" bullreds. Also remember that the 44th Annual Caminada Redfish Rodeo is scheduled for Friday, September 28-Sunday, September 30 with headquarters at the Sand Dollar Marina. This is the last large scheduled rodeo on Grand Isle and should be a spectacular one to say the least. Furthermore, many of my fishing buddies are advising me that very large blackdrum are also being taken alongside the bullreds on the same types of bait. Remember, most fishermen including yours truly usually release all bullreds and large blackdrum to keep the stock well-supplied and because both bullreds and very large blackdrum are not as desireable as the smaller redfish and puppydrum. If you wish to keep one large bullred over 27", it might be best prepared either placing it on the grill with lots of butter, lemon, and garlic (or to your individual tatse) with the scale side down. Grilled redfish is delishes and healthy. If grilling the redfish is not your style, then you may wish to bake it in your oven. Remember, the legal size for redfish are between 16-27" with each person having a maximum of five redfish per day. You may keep only one redfish over 27" per person per day. Smaller redfish are delicious and can be pan fried, baked, etc. with the proper seasoning as well as smaller drum. Also for crab lovers, the crabs continue to be plentiful and can be caught either in the surf or in Caminada Bay. Good Luck in the upcoming Caminada Redfish Rodeo to all that read our fishing tips on this website.

August 13, 2007

Good size speckled trout along with white trout and a few rat reds are being caught almost every morning (weather permitting) at the rock jetties on the eastern end of Grand Isle in the front of the State Park. The best bait for the trout are live shrimp under a cork or small croakers on the bottom. It is adviseable to be in your fishing spot at this location as early as possible as the fishing activity starts slowing down at around 10:00 a.m. You will usually see a large amount of boats fishing these protectie rock jetties as well as surf fishermen waiting out into the surf.

August 1, 2007

Caminada Pass - Proceed to the mouth of Caminada Pass and look on the left side as you are heading towards the Gulf of Mexico. You will see rocks lining and protecting the extreme western end of Grand Isle. Anchor your boat securely (weather permitting) and cast with either live shrimp, live croakers, or live cockahoe minnnows near the rocks. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon fish underneath a cork with your live bait and also be sure to put at least two or more rods out with a "carolina rig" with either a live croaker, mulllet, or cut mullet, or cracked crab. Bottom fishing at this location may produce bull reds, shark, jacks, etc. Fishing underneath a cork at this location, early in the morning or late in the afternoon will usually produce speckle trout, white trout, or sheepshead. Be sure to fish the old oily wooden beacon at the end of the rocks.

Irv strongly suggests that you use caution as the current can be swift and the wave action heavy. All fishermen should have adequate life jackets, emergency flairs, a working bilge pump, a weather radio, a good first aid kit, paddles, and at least one god strong anchor in their boat at all times.

More fishing spots will follow later this week to help visiting fishermen to catch their legal limits! Good luck fishing in one of the greatest saltwater spots on this planet - Grand Isle!