Newbie here with a question

[BR Bandit]

Hello all I've been watching the forum about a week now and am impressed with the knowledge and information you guys possess. I've been boatless for a while but have decided it's time to get back to fishing. I'm originally from st Mary parish and know the area fairly well, I now live in Baton Rouge and am curious about fishing the henderson area (closest I've been is the bridge passing over) is there anything I should be watching for around area stumps fields etc.... that may be a hazard to an outsider? Any help/info would be greatly appreciated.

[Fish on Line]

In Months past there have been Posts about River Guages and the Atachafillia... That info tells locals the water depth and if it is rising or falling and if they can get into areas safely. Someone Help him out which Corps of Engineers Gauges and the Pool level For the area. Also welcome to CDC and Louisiana Forum. Dont forget to get the CDC Decal from Slab to put on your Boat when you find one you want

[prefers shiners]

BR Bandit......first, you need to get a map from Academy, BPS, or Cabellas like this one......

http://www.aerialcharts.com/servlet/...nderson/Detail

next, go to "google earth" and become familiar with the area....

next, read all the posts in this thread "Henderson Features Names"......our guys have put maps there and have labeled the names of the most familiar places......

it is here:..... http://www.crappie.com/crappie/showt...Features-Names

next, look at post #84 in that thread and you will see areas that are labeled "North Flats" and "South Flats"....those are the most stumpy areas....you cannot run in those areas....right now with the Henderson water level at about 13 ft those areas are anywhere from 2 to 5 ft deep...

most of the water outside the flats is OK to run if you stay in the middle of the waterway but there is always the possibility of hitting a submerged stump.....many of those stumps are underwater right now and you have to go when the water level is around 8 to 9 ft to learn where they are.....I have hit a few....also, you have to constantly be on the lookout for floating logs and sticks....

A good way to learn the boat lanes is get there early and follow boats around to see where they are running....

there are two main boat lanes running East/West.....one is under the interstate between the bridges....the other is about 150 yards north of the interstate on the South side of the power lines....

hope this gets you started and good luck.....if you ever see my charcoal Triton fish & ski out there, flag me down ....you can't miss it, I have CDC stickers all over it.....

[prefers shiners]

In Months past there have been Posts about River Guages and the Atachafillia... That info tells locals the water depth and if it is rising or falling and if they can get into areas safely. Someone Help him out which Corps of Engineers Gauges and the Pool level For the area. Also welcome to CDC and Louisiana Forum. Dont forget to get the CDC Decal from Slab to put on your Boat when you find one you want

good point FOL.....this the link to the Pelba gage located near the launch.....

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/u...02020091435700

[trobin]

"A good way to learn the boat lanes is get there early and follow boats around to see where they are running...."

A few trips and you'll have the majority down. It's almost entirely man made so check your google maps and watch other boaters that look experienced.

[BR Bandit]

I have printed the google image of henderson in quadrants and labeled with the info found on this site in anticipation of getting out on the water. I was unaware that the flats were stump fields and thats the valuable info I was seeking. I intend on fishing midweek when able and will most likely be alone at those times. Just didn't want to get into a stump field unaware. I thank you guys for the help and do hope to see you all on the water, I'll be sure to say hello. No crappie.com sticker on the boat but I'm working on it.

Thanks again

[BR Bandit]

I have an grey 18ft Xpress with 115 about to get its 10hr service.
Haven't put a fish in it yet and you can tell, but am ready to start, say hi if you see me.

[SlabJiggin]

.....These guys have pretty muched summed it up!

[prefers shiners]

I have printed the google image of henderson in quadrants and labeled with the info found on this site in anticipation of getting out on the water. I was unaware that the flats were stump fields and thats the valuable info I was seeking. I intend on fishing midweek when able and will most likely be alone at those times. Just didn't want to get into a stump field unaware. I thank you guys for the help and do hope to see you all on the water, I'll be sure to say hello. No crappie.com sticker on the boat but I'm working on it.

Thanks again

I am retired and prefer to go during the week....I will look for you...

[BR Bandit]

Yes sir I work out of town and will not be back in until the May 2nd but hope to see you