Waded the Tangipahoa 5/10/12

[scuba]

Fished for 2 1/2 hours Thursday morning. Caught seven spots, all on a spinnerbait. The largest three were about 13.5", most were about 12" though. I Waded up stream from the bridge closest to the town of Tangipahoa.

[bassyak]

Sounds like you did alright. How swift is the current there. Is it deep enough to paddle a kayak up and float back down to the bridge or is the current too much?

[scuba]

Bassyak

The current is pretty swift. I was wondering also how hard it would be to paddle against it in a yak. I've never been in one. I have floated the river in a two man canoe and we had to go upcurrent to get unhung and it was very difficult. Plenty enough depth to float a kayak or canoe though.

Sorry I didn't get back to ya sooner I just didn't realize I had a reply.

[kfischerman]

I grew up in BR and have fished the Tangipahoa. A kayak will navigate this river with ease. Get a good paddle and get after them. I find that on some days I catch more fish on the float back downstream. I like to throw topwater buzzbaits and Sammy's going up and crankbaits coming back down. The crankbaits are fished fast and I try to hit something solid on every cast.

[scuba]

kfischerman

So you paddle up stream and fish and fish on the way back down also? That is what I was wondering also if the paddle against the current was doable? If it is I'm getting a yak for sure.

Thanks in advance for the helpful info
Steve

[gnewton35]

I fish tangi from hwy190 to hwy22 and I've had to paddle upstream a few times to untangle a bait. I'm not saying its impossible, but I wouldn't want to paddle upstream too far and I'm a decently fit 22 yr old. I'd probably give up after 150 yrds or so. That's in a tarpon 120 yak. I understand the rivers a little smaller north of me so the current may not be pushing too much. Just don't attempt it after a big rain.

[kfischerman]

Going upstream in a kayak is the way to go when you have a short amount of time, can not find a partner so you can float a stretch, or prospecting. There are streams that are harder than others and the river conditions are always a factor. Learn to use the eddies to carry you upstream and get out and wade or drag through or around the fast water. If the Tangipahoa is so strong that you can only go 150 yards then find a smaller stream or try a different part of the river. I have fished a large creek that has class 2 and 3 rapids in the upper sections and had no problems in the lower part of the river. I agree that there are times when paddling up is not possible, but it can be done in a Coosa with a good paddle. A good kayak will go upstream on a wide variety of rivers and creeks. I fish streams in Tennessee that can be waded, but then there are holes that are too deep and many times have high rock bluffs. I am able to fish these holes and get further upstream to more water.