Video from Southeast Louisiana redfish trip

After 20 hrs of waiting for the it to load to YouTube (seriously), the video is done.  It covers my three days chasing redfish in the marsh with Kevin and Scott.  The trip was one of the best I have taken, lots of fish and great company.  Can't wait to get back down there and collaborate with Scott from Bayou Chronicles soon.  Here's his latest blog post, check it and you'll understand why!
https://www.bayouchronicles.com/bayou-chronicles/2017/11/17/hanging-with-the-jk-media-team-in-point-aux-chenes.

Here's the vid. Be sure to open it in YouTube and watch in 1080/60 for best viewing. 

And if you haven't read the blog post, you can check it out here:
https://looknfishy.blogspot.com/2017/11/going-with-flow-fly-fishing-in.html

Going with the Flow - Fly Fishing in Southeast Louisiana

Last weekend was a perfect example of why I don’t make formal plans in November or December.  My wife and her best friend planned to take the kids to the University of Arkansas Homecoming game.  I had her blessing to go do guy stuff like hiking, camping, wrestling alligators or whatever normal guys do when they have a weekend free.  Me, I can only think if one place I want to be in November.  

Pic: Scott Myers

FB post that Kevin saw.

As the weekend got closer, I continued to check the weather forecast.  That’s the one real deal breaker for me.  The week before, I was actually driving to Grand Isle, LA when I noticed the weather forecast changed from awesome to not happening.  I turned around and went home.  But as of Thursday afternoon, everything was looking almost perfect.  Seriously, conditions like the ones I saw over the next 4 days don’t happen often and when they do I’m the guy who will do anything to get free. 

Kevin stalking the marsh looking for redfish

Catch and Release

When you’re the guy who doesn’t plan anything, it’s hard to find other people that can tag along.  Not surprisingly, I had the next three days to fish but they would all be solo, which isn’t a big deal to me.  While setting in camp preparing my gear Friday evening, a buddy saw a post I made on Facebook and reached out to me.  The good thing about being the guy who never has a plan is I’m flexible.  We exchanged texts and after an hour, it was decided we would meet in the morning around 7am and Kevin would take me to his super-secret, no cameras allowed, it’s gonna be really messy combat launch to chase redfish.

Saw this guy crawling through the mud...check out the low tide

The morning started as expected, covered in mud and nearly dehydrated from combat launching two kayaks into the neighboring marsh.  But that’s the great thing about kayak fishing, if you’re open to a little work, access is open to interpretation.  It was a little too early for sight fishing so my fly of choice was a gurgler that I blind casted to fishy look'n spots.  The tide was falling slowly all day and it didn’t take long to find willing redfish.  However, they were only enthusiastic about the chase and only a few actually ate the fly.  Watching a red trailing your top water bug is exciting but the frustration of rejection is excruciating.  It's like expecting to have a Coosa FD in June but not getting it until October.  It wasn’t long before the sun was high enough to sight fish those heart breakers.  It’s amazing how fast time can go when you’re catching fish and how slow it passes when you’re not.  Five hours had passed without a thought.  Kevin found me in the back of a pond and let me know he was heading out.  I thought about hanging around for another hour but I didn’t want to deal with that launch solo. 

Full moon didn't hurt the fishing

Pic: Scott Myers

Much like the night before I was hanging around camp when I got a text from another buddy in New Orleans interested in driving down and doing some fishing.  Again, no plan was the plan.  We agreed to get in touch the next afternoon and work out the details.  I hung around the area on Sunday and the fishing was pretty great.  Time had again slipped past my recognition.  It wasn’t until my phone started buzzing that I remembered I told Scott we would work out the details that afternoon and it was now “that afternoon.” 

Southeast Louisiana sunrise - no filter needed

Back window makes for a convenient place to carry fully rigged fly rods

When I checked the dozen missed text messages, I realized the plan for tomorrow was in serious jeopardy.  Scotts motorized kayak hauler decided it needed some special attention.  He was headed to Grand Isle when the check engine light came on and noticed a burning smell coming from the engine.  The last message read was actually a picture and something about repairs costing $1,000.  At that point, I figured the trip wasn’t happening for him.  I put my phone away and went back to fishing.

Pic: Scott Myers - car getting some TLC

Scott made it to the marsh

An hour later, the phone starts acting crazy again.  When it starts going off like that it’s usually an emergency.  Turns out, it’s Scott and he’s got great news.  No one’s dead and he’s still coming down.  Less one AC belt that helps his kayak hauler turn hot air into cold air, but who needs AC in Southeast Louisiana?  Let’s fish man!

 

Pic: Scott Myers

The next day was easily one of the best ever.  The conditions were excellent and we lost count of the total number of slot redfish we sight fished.  At one point, I was creeping down an island talking to Scott when I saw a big red swimming at me.  The fly actually landed a little long and snagged on some grass.  I was sure it was going to spook when I pulled it free.  The fish was already too close for a second shot so I left it.  I could hear Scott’s voice in the background as it closed the distance but my mind had refocused.  Time and sound became hazy but the ambush point was clear.  When the red was in range I pulled the fly off the grass and gave it a quick strip.  It was instantly torpedoed.  It must have been the fish gods rewarding us for sticking it out. 

I had a great time fishing fellow bloggers Kevin and Scott.  You can read more about this trip and others on their blogs.  Links to this trip below:

Bayou Chronicles - I'm Going Fishing, Dammit!

Fall Fishing in Southeast Louisiana

Streamers in the swamp

My local water is one of those places you'll never see many people.  Lets not even talk about the chance of seeing another person throwing a fly.  I'm sure it happens but the refuge is 65k acres and there's a few cypress trees to block the view.

But those trees and the isolation are what make it special.  So much water to fish.  And you never know what you'll catch.  It's a maze and obstacle course, that make fly fishing from a kayak exciting.  Here's a short video that better illustrates what I'm trying to explain.

Kayak Bass Fishing

It's been a awhile since I chased bass with conventional tackle.  My recent knee surgery has made standing and fly fishing for extended periods of time out of the question.  But I can sit and fish all day.  Last week, the knee felt stronger so I was able to stand up and fish for a few hours.  One day was frustrating but the other was fantastic.  Here's a short video that sums up the two days.  On a side not; I'm enjoying the conventional side again.

A great week of fishing and surgery.

I'm going to make a long story short.  In June, just after returning from Wisconsin I was running beside my kids riding their bicycles when I felt a burning sensation in my knee.  After a few weeks of limping around and everyone in my family telling me to go see a Doctor I did.  The diagnosis was a sprained ______ ______ tendon (can't remember the name but it was painful) and a torn meniscus.  Surgery was scheduled in August.

For the rest of the summer I limped around and fished as often as possible.  Actually I went out daily just to exercise.  I wasn't able to run but having a kayak got me outside to exercise.  The week before school started was really great because I had 6 hours each day to go paddle and fish.  Spent a few of those days chasing bass and two of the them chasing carp.  Here's a short video I made during my first week after surgery.  Had to do something fishing related that week to keep from going insane.  Hope you guys enjoy it.  I have some other collaborations coming in the future.

VaCajuning in Grand Isle, LA

Every year in May just before school gets out for the summer, my wife gets out her calendar and starts looking at possible week-long travel destinations.  It took a few summers before I learned if I didn’t find something first, I’d end up walking around in the Houston Zoo in June or sitting on a bench at the Butterfly Museum in Branson, MO in August. 

This year, I pitched Southeast Louisiana before the drama could unfold.  The delivery was key and I made sure to highlight the things they would enjoy on our vacation before mentioning what I wanted to do. 

My wife and kids love the beach, Café-Du-Monde, riding the trolley, the Aquarium in New Orleans and air condition.  I like redfish.  So, we rented a house on the beach in Grand Isle, LA for a few days then spent two days in New Orleans.  It was arguably, one the best ideas I’ve ever had!   

Each morning, I would get up and carry what they needed to the beach.  Then I would take my kayak to the marsh and fish until around lunch.  We all agreed, Southeast Louisiana is a great place to vacation because it has something for everyone.  

Grass Carp fly pattern - One of my favorites.

Over the last few months I've gotten a lot of questions about the what fly I use.  Here's one that I've had some success using.  It's a simple leech pattern (took me longer to type this post than tie the fly) that I've talked about before.  It's not much different than any other leech pattern except I add a foam head to either keep it floating or slow the fall down.  This allows me to drop it right in front of a feeding grass carp and it slowly falls right in front of their face.  They can't resist that slow fall.

Materials
sz 6 Gama SL45 Bonefish hook
Black or whatever color head you want craft foam.  Cut to less than hook gap and 1.5 inches long.
UTC 70 thread or whatever you have.
Black Marabou (or any color you prefer) I do these in olive also.
Black Rabbit strip.
Saddle Hackle
Black Crystal flash - optional

Secure the hook in the vise. I pinch the barb on mine but forgot to do it for this post.

 
Put down a thread base.  Then tie on the rabbit strip.

 Tie in the foam.  Leave enough room at the eye to fold back and build a small head.

 Next up is the marabou

Matched to the same length or slightly less than the rabbit strip...couple lose raps then pull to the length you desire.  

 More marabou on the bottom.  Measured at about half of the rabbit strip.

Add some flash.  Tie in on one side then cross over and down the other side.  I avoid the loud or obnoxious flash.  I skip this step at times.

Tie in the saddle hackle by the tip.  Only 3-4 wraps.  I don't want the longer fibers found at the base.

 Here you can see it's just enough to give it a buggy look but not too much.

For the head just fold the foam back to the desired size you want.  I make them in a few different sizes.  Bigger they'll float at or on the surface.  Smaller they'll sink head up.

Whip finish over the foam.

 Finished and ready to fish.

I fish these either under a small pinch on indicator, as a dropper or alone.

Got questions post in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them.

New Grass Carp on the fly video. Went a different direction with this one.

This was a fun project.  I wanted to do something more cinematic with the latest video.  There's still some gopro footage included but most of the camera work was done with my DSLR.  Still learning but I like the way it came out.  Take a look and if you feel like commenting please do...always open to feedback.

For best viewing open the link in YouTube and watch in 1080/60.

Review - The New Bending Branches Angler Pro Kayak Fishing Paddle

One of the cool things about having a blog is every now and then I get the chance to do a product review.  A few months back, the crew at Bending Branches asked for feedback on their new 2017 Angler Pro kayak fishing paddle.  I purchased my first Bending Branches paddle in 2010 and it’s still in service today.  Naturally with that kind of durability, I was excited for the opportunity to give them honest feedback.  Especially after learning it's being sold at a lower price point.  Yep, they’ve made improvements without raising the price.  That never happens!

The new "Raptor" color.

One of the things I respect is that these paddles are made in the USA.  You can actually walk up and shake hands with the person who made your paddle…maybe not the actual person, but definitely someone from the factory.  In June, I did just that while traveling through Wisconsin.  I made a phone call first because, well, a random dude showing up outside your office makes people uncomfortable.  Also, while seeing the factory is cool, I really wanted someone to show me some good spots to fish. 

Not only was the fishing terrific that week (Read about it here), I also learned how the entire process works from start to finish.  Disclaimer, my wife explained it to me later because I was busy talking to Bill from Branches about the fishing.  However, I do remember seeing the three sweet color options available and something about “lean manufacturing” and how every Angler Pro is made to order.  Meaning when an order is placed, the paddle is made and shipped soon after.  There’s no standing inventory to pull from which is important because that new paddle you just purchased is literally a new paddle.  It hasn’t been sitting in a warehouse for a year waiting to be sold. 

Bill with the new "Radiant" color option.

The next afternoon, I put the new Angler Pro in my hands for the first time and was instantly impressed.  I didn’t have the specs at the time but I did have my earlier version of the same paddle to compare.  The prior version is 30 oz and the new version felt lighter.  You can see from the picture that the blade has also been redesigned.  Full specs are included below. 

The new Angler Pro is slightly shorter

Slightly wider

New ridge down the center creates rigidity and directs  water over the surface of the blade.

 I’m sure someone vaguely familiar with fluid dynamics can offer a better explanation but all I have is that the blade sliced through the water so easily and silently, I had to do the Aaron Rodgers “Discount Double Check” more than once to be sure it was actually in the water.  At least that’s how my kayak angler mind explained the feeling in my hands.  The new Angler Pro was a joy to paddle because it felt like I was moving water without the normal resistance or sound that happens when you pull a blunt object through water. 

Mile 7 on the Buffalo National River.  

Fatigue and discomfort are two things that can have a negative impact on your outing.  After a month of regular use, I’ve yet to experience any shoulder soreness or develop any blisters.  The Angler Pro comes with an oval shaped carbon fiber shaft that offers both, comfort and a solid grip.  It has just enough flex to be forgiving on the elbows and wrists but doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness.  Rest assured when you need to move water, it will move water.

Buffalo National River

It’s still offered in the Plus Ferrule and Snap-Button Ferrule designs.  I prefer the plus because it can be adjusted from 240 cm to 255 cm with infinite feathering options which allows me to use it with several different kayaks.  For example, I use it at 255 cm when in my Jackson Kayak (JK) MayFly but like it slightly shorter at 245 cm when I’m paddling my JK Cuda 12.  Another advantage for those with children is it will grow with your young paddlers as they grow and change kayaks. 

My daughters on one of many trips this summer

Recently my family paddled 9-miles on the Buffalo National River.  My 10-year-old daughter paddled her JK Skipper the entire trip using the new Angler Pro and never complained.  The ability to adjust the paddle length, the light weight and the over-all comfort provided her with a great experience.  It was a proud moment for me and I think the paddle made a big difference.  We’re both looking forward to more paddling adventures together.

Whether you’re paddling several miles between fishing holes or just trying to get your kids more involved in the sport, this paddle should be at the top of your list.  The award-winning features that made the Former Angler Pro, YakAngler’s Kayak Fishing Paddle of the year from 2013-2016, have been improved.  The quality and performance that I’ve come to expect from Bending Branches is undeniable in the new, 2017 Angler Pro. 

2017 Bending Branches Angler Pro

New, lower price points! $299.95 (Snap) $324.95 (Plus)

New patterns: Dorado, Radiant, and Raptor
New lower weight: 28.5 oz
New oversized blade shape and profile
Available in lengths from 230-260cm in 10cm increments and in the Plus ferrule, 230-245cm or 240-255cm