post

Tips for Catching Monster Catfish Near the Mississippi River

Catching Monster Catfish Near the Mississippi River

While there are many folks who feel the largemouth bass is the premier sports fish because of its high-jumping and hard-hitting abilities, the local, in and around New Orleans  Louisiana area know that the catfish is king when it comes to bending those fishing poles. Many Louisiana charter boat fishing captains will tell you that huge catfish are being reeled in on a daily basis in a number of key spots along the Mississippi River – especially around Venice LA.

 

If you’re looking for a challenge, and you want to haul in a record-size catfish, the following tips will help you land a monster of your own. Here are a few tips for catching a monster catfish near the mouth of the Mississippi River.

 

Using the Right Type Catfish Bait

When you use the wrong bait, you not only catch the smaller catfish, you wind up attracting other species who will take the bait right off the hook before the giant catfish have a chance to show up. If you are looking to haul in a catfish over 10 pounds, you’ll need to be using fish bait. Goldfish and minnows can be purchased at any number of local bait shops that dot the Mississippi coastline. To catch a monster, you want to consider using suckers, herring, or shad, due to their oily nature.

 

To catch the really big fish, go with sunfish, goldeyes, or carp. While most catfish prefer the fish to be live, if they’re hungry enough, they’ll eat just about anything. Good rule of thumb, the smaller the catfish, the less particular they are about their diet.

 

Leaving the Hook Points Exposed

A popular complaint among avid catfish hunters is that they get frustrated when the catfish that bite don’t take the hook,

big ass catfish

big ass catfish

however, there is a very simple solution. Start fishing with the barb of the hook exposed instead of it being hidden. There is no truth to the stories of catfish avoiding the line if they see the hook. These fish are not smart enough to even know what a hook is, especially when they are hungry. When you hide the hook the barbed end must first penetrate through your bait before the catfish, giving them time to steal your bait and escape.

 

Simply thread your hook through your bait choice three times and leave the point exposed, you may lose a hook or two, but the monster catfish you catch will make it all worthwhile.

 

Fishing for Catfish Year-Round

There is a belief in this region that the big catfish only bite in the summer. Perhaps this may have been started by local fishermen hoping to keep others from hitting the area other times of year, regardless, it is not true. Although summer is a productive time to go catfishing, you could do just as well if not better by fishing in winter, spring, and fall as well. Some catfish in the Mississippi River basin bite all year long, even when the temperatures in the water approach freezing which is rare in this part of the country. While some breeds of catfish do slow down as the water gets colder, they need to put on the pounds in late fall and early spring.

Huge Mississippi Catfish

In fact, if catfish are spawning in the summer, it could be the worst time to try and lure in a male who is busy guarding the nest.

 

Sitting, Waiting, Hooking and Catching

To catch the real monster catfish in the Louisiana area, you need to develop the skill of being extremely patient. It really doesn’t matter the weather conditions or time of year, Louisiana  fishing for catfish is certainly a sit-and-wait type game. What you will need to do is get your bait as close to the bottom as possible, then sit quietly as you wait for a monster catfish to find it. This

can be done on the back of a charter boat, or still-fish from a spot on the banks. One tip to catch bigger catfish from the shore, set your bait where the action is increased. The best places are the areas right below a river dam, it helps to channel the fish right to your bait.

 

Setting up at the junction of two rivers is idea because it forces the fish to a smaller swimming area and the motion of the rushing waters creates the perfect camouflage.

 

Fishing on the Morning Shift

mississippi river catfish

Mississippi river catfish

If you are fishing in discolored or muddy waters, the catfish will find your bait both night and day. The trouble is that many new fishermen to the area do the same in clear water, and wonder why the catfish don’t bite. When the sun is higher in the sky, the catfish leave the clear waters for the safety of deeper and darker places. When you are fishing the clear waters in the morning, you will certainly catch an abundance of bigger catfish. The catfish are usually filling up their bellies right before the sun comes up, then they go searching for a dark place to sit and hide for the day. With the sun in the sky, these fish now have better vision, and your movements on the shore or in a boat could frighten them away.

 

The catfish use their heightened sense of smell and taste to find food before the sun comes up, the perfect time to put your bait on the bottom and wait. The catfish should start going after your live bait an hour before dawn and last only an hour or two tops after that.

 

Speak to any Louisiana charter boat fishing captain about the best spots for catching catfish, they’ll get you to where you need to be. Now you know the techniques to help you find and land the biggest catfish hiding in those muddy waters just out of sight. Keep these tips in mind and you could be on pace to breaking the record for the biggest catfish caught in the waters near Louisiana.

 

post

Looking To Buy A Home In Lakeview New Orleans?

LAKEVIEW HOMES

Before Lakeview, New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina; it was an idyllic neighborhood that was filled with beautiful homes and a hard working and appropriately educated community.
After the destruction of  Hurricane Katrina, the arduous endeavored residents decided to rebuild this community and has since reformed to be one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the New Orleans area.  Lakeview was made famous by many videos and pictures on national television after the flood.  With the area of Lakeview not requiring flood insurance, this neighborhood became the centerpiece of the debate on if everyone should have flood insurance.

Things  Now

 As at the moment, the average price of a Lakeview home has gone up to a stunning 46 percent. This comes few years after the destruction that were experienced as a result of the hurricane Katrina. The heated real estate market in Lakeview New Orleans has continued to accelerate with the average price per square foot in the last few months increasing by almost 9 percent.
The average selling price per square foot of a house was ranging at over $120, which is a 6% increase since the hurricane hit the area and an 18.6 percent rise over the past ten years.  This has created a challenge for first time home buyers.

New Trend in Lakeview Homes

Just a decade ago, homes that were ranch-styled were undesirable, but it now appears that they are coming back in popularity. They are currently selling at top prices in Lakeview, New Orleans. Lakeview real estate has really grown in the wake of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina.  The rise in home values in Lakeview have outpaced that of other New Orleans homes.

Determining The Future

To determine whether this growth in Lakeview real estate industry will be able to be sustained relies mainly on two major factors. The first one is how the gas and oil layoffs will influence the local neighborhood. The second factor is the time that the Federal Reserve will again raise the interest rates, since higher interest rates impact home sales substantially.

The Challenges

homes in lakeview new orleansA monthly mortgage has become cheaper that actually renting within the city. One thing that may dampen the market is the gradual increase in the rates of interests. Lakeview homeowners who might have taken advantage of low rates in the past years might have to hold their dreams of moving to a new home because of a higher rate.
But the rise in price for Lakeview homes for sale has also benefited the whole region of New Orleans. Compared to other southern cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Jacksonville, New Orleans currently has a sustained employment growth. All this is courtesy of the growth in the Lakeview real estate.
post

Local SEO

local seo

Local SEO

Google mobile searchLocal SEO is important for any new or existing commercial entity. Whether via client testimonials or reviews, you are able to establish a strong local presence at the grassroots level. Local SEO is designed to help with bricks and mortar style businesses which take walk-in customers.  Upon searching a term such as “Best Burrito” you will get a variety of local restaurants.  The results will usually contain a button to call the restaurant, a button to launch the navigation within your phone to get to the restaurant and any reviews that may be on Yelp or other business directory websites.  Local SEO differs from traditional Search Engine Optimization that just focuses on local businesses. For instance, if you were to Google New Orleans SEO the result for that would simply be the websites that Google feels give the best results.  The results found under that search won’t have implicit directions (may not have a storefront), the won’t show on the Local SEO map result either.   No matter the industry or niche, an SEO company can help enhance any geo-specific SEO or online marketing campaign. This is done via strategic plans, including content creation, blogging, social media integration, and especially mobile readiness. With Google’s recent updates and changes to algorithms, all sites must now be optimized for mobile viewing and have some type of local presence.

Citations

In many instances, Local SEO is driven by what is called “citations”.  Citations are reviews that are derived from websites that specialize in providing local reviews.  One very popular example would be Yelp.  That being said, if you have many great reviews on Yelp, it will substantially help your Local SEO.  In addition to the directory websites, Citations from a Google+ account are extremely powerful too.  Google now has a program called Google My Business which will help you rank for Local SEO.  Upon signing up for an account, you will be mailed a postcard to insure you are the true proprietor of the storefront location you are claiming.  Claiming your Google My Business account should be the very first thing you do to start establishing a Local SEO presence.  Then you should focus on creating the citations on sites such as Yelp and Yellow Pages.

SEO Services

Local SEO services are designed to help clients establish brand recognition as well as drive direct traffic to their front door. This helps them remain competitively viable in their respective industry, while targeting niche, mass, or core audiences with relevant products and services. Geo-specific campaigns can also include traditional marketing techniques, including mailing lists and direct mail pieces. As the world’s largest and most popular search engine, Google has also become a central hub for SEO tools and services. No truer is this then when it comes to strategic keywords, promotional videos, business ads, and other vital SEO services. As part of Google’s recent changes, sites with high-quality content will be rewarded with higher visibility and page rankings. As a result, your site must be optimized for SEO, mobile readiness, and have a strong local and social media presence.

Non-Geo Specific SEO

Non-geo specific SEO services are also designed to foster brand growth and expansion. Unlike geo-specific campaigns, however, these ventures are targeted at mass audiences. In fact, they are essential in securing higher visibility on a national and international basis – whereas geo-specific SEO targets local and regional audiences. No matter which type of SEO you need, area companies will truly meet your needs within time and budget. With years of extensive industry experience, local SEO firms have the tools and expertise to achieve your desired results. This includes higher rankings on Google, along with site development, content creation, social media posts, blogging, and profiles. One phone call or e-mail is all you need to secure a complimentary consultation. This will allow them to put your ideas into fruition and propel your brand to new heights.

 

post

Rehab – Knowing when Enough is Enough

Rehab – Knowing when Enough is Enough

There is nothing to be ashamed of if considering rehab for your drug or alcohol dependencies. In fact, if you feel that you’ve lost control over your life due to substance abuse; rehab is truly the way to do. Whether for drug rehab or alcohol addiction, detox centers feature helpful staff, nurses, physicians and mental care experts.  There can be a silver lining to drug addiction. They never judge anyone because of their addictions, and truly offer unsurpassed support and assistance for anyone and everyone during drug and alcohol rehabilitation. This includes proper nutritional guidance, moral support, personal counseling, group counseling, group activities, and medicines that help the body and mind recover from substance and alcohol abuse.

Drug Dependencies in New Orleans

New Orleans is knows for its libations and good times.  In some instances, The New Orleans lifestyle can get the better of you.  With New Orleans representing everything in excess, whether it be eating, music or visiting the world famous Bourbon Street, it is understandable by New Orleanians seem to have more drug and alcohol issues than the rest of the country.

How to know when enough is Enough?

We all tend to hit rock bottom at least once in our lives. This can be due to work or family related problems, stress, financial issues, health issues or other problems. Unless you are strong-minded and do not need substances to get you through the trials and tribulations of life there is no concern for addiction. However, many people are not that strong and tend to rely on alcohol, tobacco, and other substances to temporarily escape from their problems. This can lead to addiction especially if you rely on these substances every day. You are actually training the mind and body to depend on these crutches and it can be difficult to stop them on your own. No truer is this then if you base your entire life on alcohol or drugs, which can result in the following:

  • Loss of job or income due to being dependent on drugs or alcohol.
  • Depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation and that the world is out to get you.
  • Avoiding family, friends, loved ones, and normal and healthy relations with people.
  • Family and friends losing trust in you due to your addiction you may be stealing from loved ones and friends to support your addiction.
  • Addiction can result in physical health issues as well, including weight loss, weight gain, respiratory problems, liver issues and much more.

These are but a few problems you can encounter due to addiction. However, drug detox and rehabilitation center services can help get your life back. Whether you check in on your own or your family requests it you are guaranteed to get your mental and physical well-being back. Like anything in life, you must have trust and believe in the professionals that will help you eradicate your addiction and get back on the right path to happiness and addiction relief.

Rehabilitation Centers What to Expect?

the road to recoveryNot all rehabilitation centers are the same in terms of the programs and activities they offer. However, one constant remains the same that is to help anyone dealing with drug, tobacco, or alcohol addictions overcome their addictions and live a substance-free life. In order to make the most out of your stay in rehab, it is best to follow the directions and plans that will be laid out by your doctor. This may include individual sessions where you can discuss anything and everything with your physician without the fear of being judged. Mental health experts will also help you understand why and how your addiction happened, and the best ways to overcome it and live life to its fullest. Nutritionists also help in recovery by formulating healthy eating habits for you while group sessions and activities help you see that you are not alone in your struggle. Remember, just going to rehab is already 50% of the battle. It takes a strong person to admit when he or she has lost control over their lives due to drugs or alcohol. You are a lot stronger than you feel or give yourself credit for and with professional help you will be able to get your life back in no time at all.

Family Support

Family will also be on your side during your stay at rehab. In fact, the detox center always stays in touch with family and friends if you need that. If not, your privacy is always respected at any center you choose to get help in.