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

The Fly Roadtrip

The last two years my family has agreed to keep the kids for two weeks while they attend an art camp in Little Rock, AR.  It’s a really great experience for everyone.  The kids get away from the parents.  The family gets the kids without parent oversight.  And I get to sneak away for a two week fly fishing road trip.  The real challenge was deciding where to go.  

There are some obvious obstacles with weather and cost being the primary ones.  This was a solo trip so there’s no splitting the bill.  I camp and cook my meals to save money.   I make several game plans but don’t pick the first destination until a few days beforehand.  It’s completely based on the weather forecast.  This year the trip started in Southeast Louisiana and ended in Wisconsin.  The beauty of a road trip is, as long as you’re still moving, you’re doing it right.  Don’t know how many miles I traveled but I caught fish in 5 states and camped the entire trip.  There were several challenges over those 14 days.  Rain, lightning storms, cell phone being locked (carrier thought it was lost/stolen) and equipment failures that tried to rain on my parade but those are what made it an adventure.   

There's not much that gets the heart racing like chasing redfish through the marshes of Southeast Louisiana.  However, Tropical Storm Colin tried to put a damper on my fun.  It traveled over Florida but impacted the Louisiana coast.  I arrived Monday afternoon to rain.  Luckily, the 15-20 mph winds pushed that through quickly enough.  What never crossed my mind was the tidal impact.  The tidal surge kept the tides really high while I was there.  The worst part was the water clarity.  It resembled coffee more that chocolate milk.

Zero visibility

If given the choice, I'd rather sightfish reds in the marsh.  Surprisingly, this technique works best when you see them first.  Not as productive when they spot you first.  At one point, I was polling along and looked down to see a 30 inch red swimming in the shadow of my kayak.  I was losing 10 lbs of water a minute through excessive perspiration so I'm guessing he was cooling off in the shade.  I briefly considered pouncing on it.  I knew how that would go.

If you're a parent you've probably experienced something similar.  That time you were sitting on the couch playing with your child on the floor.  When they suddenly jumped up and into your chin.  It's nothing like that.   Putting your hands on a red while it's green is like getting punched in the face by an airbag.  I had no interest in MMAing this trip so I passed on the opportunity.

The same scene played out each day.  Start at sunrise.  Paddle a few miles into the marsh.  Stand up and scan the area around me for movement.  Seeing a copper colored red swimming in coffee was futile.  I'm not sure how many reds I spooked over those three days.  It was like trying to find a rogue peanut in a jar of creamy peanut butter.

But sightfishing is much more than actually seeing fish.  It's a hunt and hunters use all their senses.  I'm not a hunter so I just used my ears.  If you can't see them, listen for them chasing and crashing bait.  Reds are known for their aggressive behavior.  Over the next three days I covered miles of water listening for the distinct toilet flushing sound a red makes when it eats.  Watching for any movement of bait or those distinct "V" wakes they make when they zero in on a target.  When one was found it was almost always a guaranteed eat.  Unless you folly the presentation and then it's almost always rejection.  I experienced my share of both everyday.  

After three days I was exhausted.  I hadn't planned on MMAing this trip but big reds come ready to battle.  The heat, winds, and miles of paddling had added up.  I tapped out and started driving to the Ozarks.  Stowed the big sticks and packed the dry bags.
Read part 2 here:http://looknfishy.blogspot.com/2016/07/timing-fly-roadtrip-part-2-ozarks.html

The Video post if you haven't seen it:
http://looknfishy.blogspot.com/2016/06/my-2-week-journey-on-fly.html

Best viewed on YouTube here:
https://youtu.be/GQzgJh8psGk

Lesson learned (Grand Isle, LA TR)

So today I was cleaning up from the last 3 weeks and I ran across something that reminded me of the day of fishing I endured while in Grand Isle, LA.  In all the travel, fun, and upcoming travel planning, I had forgotten something really important...a lesson learned if you will.

The set-up:
The day I picked to fish, there wasn't much tidal movement and the weather was not ideal, scattered thunderstorms every morning.  I kept it pretty casual, I ate breakfast, made coffee, packed a light lunch...that's casual by my standards!  Didn't get moving until after I got the family set for hang'n on the beach while I was gone.  When I made it to the water at 9, the weather was just getting kicked up.  Clouds were building and the wind was swirling.  Headed out...

An hour later, I was listening to ESPN on the radio waiting out the 1st round of storms.  Everything was look'n good at 10:45, so back out I paddled.  I must have had a big flashing sign on my head that read "this dude wants to cut you", b/c every red I saw spooked before I could lay the paddle down...seriously, reds that were 2 ponds over were bailing, like drunk drivers jumping from cars, at a sobriety check point.  I started questioning everything I was doing, how I was fishing...what I needed to change.  Redlining the brain function, it gave me my answer in one word, HAT!

Today I ran across the Beach hat (left), fishing hat (right)

I had left my fishing hat in the van!  I'm not, or wasn't superstitious...I'm not sure now.  I didn't head back right away, not wanting to believe it could be the big wide brim hat I was wearing.  But another round of storms moved in.  Having been in NWARK a few weeks prior, during this trip, when I guy was struck and killed by lightening on Beaver Lake.

Got caught in the same lightening storms while I was in the Ozarks...it wasn't fun.

I headed back to the van at the first sight of lightening.  As it stood, I had caught exactly 2 reds.  Easily my worst fishing trip in SELA.  30 minutes later, I headed back out for a 3rd time, armed with my fishing hat (not calling it lucky...just my fishing hat) and spinning gear.  I decided to pack up the fly rod.  With the wind, the clouds, and the schizophrenic reds, it just wasn't happening from a kayak.

Tide is OUT!

The little tidal fall that was going to happen, was due to arrive any minute.  I had a feeling, that change would save the day, if anything could.  I started to hear reds crashing bait...finally!  The sweet sounds of feeding fish.  It's amazing, I had crossed the same area 2 other times heading for refuge in the van, but on the 3rd trip back out...the fish had moved in.

At one point, I saw a group of reds swimming.  Made a cast, hooked/netted a red.  I watched as the group continued to circle the yak.  So close, I could almost hear them hollering, "marco", waiting for the return "polo".  Instead, I offered them the same gold spoon...near double on same bait.  At times, it can be that good in SELA, especially if your wearing a fishing hat.

Good eats

I fished the same area until 2, when I got the, "are you headed back yet", call from my wife.  My response..."of course, I left 5 minutes ago" (what would you say).  Dropped everything and started paddling!  Make your own call about the hat...but I'm only fishing in my fishing hat.  Lesson learned!

Salt in my life - Day 2

Woke up bright and early to the sound or rain and thunder, it was 4:30 am.  I hadn't planned to get up that early b/c the bite on day 1, really didn't happen until lunch.  But, with nothing better to do, I hit the road around 5:15.  When I got to my planned starting point, I could see storms building north of me.  I sat and waited until the rain passed.

My plan was to head into the wind, just in case the forecast of 5 mph SE winds became 20 mph, like the previous day.  At least, I would have the wind at my back...unlike the day before.

Getting right to the point, I paddled about 2 miles out.  Stood up, and realized the tide was really high.  The reds had to be way up in the grass.  I suspected, I wasn't going to fool any with artificials in the AM hours.  I tried anyway and confirmed my thoughts.  Not a bite for hours. Started to think, this might be my first skunk redfishing.

Didn't see any reds.  Didn't hear bait being crashed.  Not sight or sound of any activity.  After a few hours, I decided to set down and just wait them out.  I knew the tide would fall around 3pm.  I had a few hours to kill.

Killing time

After eating lunch and checking in with my family, I decided to go exploring.  I wasn't expecting to catch anything.  But, I don't get down here very often, so I wasn't setting on the sidelines any longer.

I stood up and started polling around.  Didn't get far and saw a red.  1st red of the day on the fly. Skunk avoided...but I know it'll happen eventually (especially now that I said it).

Saw a wake and some bait dancing on the surface.  Made a presentation and caught a speck.  That wasn't expected...did it again...and another speck.  Awesome!

I stayed put and caught several more...most were under size but I was catching.  So I kept doing it, until I saw a really big shadow....looked like a huge 3' bull red but was blackish.

I decided to make a presentation...as my fly was traveling towards the shadow, it surfaced and I saw a dorsal fin.  My clouser landed a few feet away, it turned and I saw the gills plates flare...crap!  Don't take my fly, plz don't eat...saltwater is the only place I've ever, NOT wanted something to eat my bait.  I guess it released it or just missed but I kept my fly!!

When they eat...they EAT!

Figured that area was ruined since there was a black tip mucking up everything, I moved on.  Found a shallow area and could tell the tide was flowing out...then I saw a nice red cruising in and out of the grass.  NOT again...corn maze game all over.

But this time I played with the fly rod.  Here's how it went...in, out, back in and out, reversed.  I get a shot...foul on grass.  Don't move...start pleading with the red, to go back in the maze.  Eventually he did.  I shake free.  Anticipate where he'll be next and present.  He came out right where I expected...I strip...he chased, ate, and missed...but in the excitement, I set and the fly came at me.  Instantly, I put it back down beside the red.  He ate and missed again.  Now, he looks like a dog chasing it's tail, searching for my fly, that I kept putting down, and pulling back out.  Trying to get it in front of him....but he won't stop turning.  Finally, he locates the fly swimming and torpedoes it.  Success after a 10-15 minute stalking!

The day was shaping up to be a workout and test of perseverance.  I considered packing it in
several times, but kept telling myself, "wait for the fallout".  It'll be worth it, I hoped.  Just be patient.

And then it happened, the water started to drop, and I located fish.  They weren't very active but a few were cruising the grass line.  I managed to fool several and considered the day to be a success.

It's about 5 pm, and I'm exhausted so I started heading home.  Not expecting much to change.  I happen upon a wind blown point and saw 2 really big reds, setting in "I got your back formation"...each facing in opposite directions.  I slowly stop the kayak, grab my stake out pole (broom stick) and stake the scupper.  Put the paddle down softly, replaced it with my fly rod.

The question was, how to present to 1, w/o spooking the other.  The red not facing me is the larger of the 2...maybe 34"s and I really want it.  So I present, with a side arm cast hoping to wrap the fly line around the smaller red and not line it.  Probably could have just made a regular cast b/c I'm not that good...but somehow it worked and I had a perfect presentation.  I slowly stripped to the red and inhaled it.  At that moment, he went completely loco!  He put me into my backing within seconds.  I was scrambling to turn my kayak toward his run but had to unstake first.  I was using my hand to apply drag to the reel and as I stopped to remove the stake, he ran again!  Another 25' gone.  Stake removed, I started the chase, enjoying the sleigh ride.

Anyone who's caught a big red knows, a red that big isn't done after a couple runs...gone again, and again!  When I get him close, he dives under the kayak, and bulldogs the bottom.  After what seemed like 20 minutes, I try to net him...nope.  That's not going to happen.  Get the grips and pull him into the kayak.  Awesome!  Quick pic, and spent some time reviving him beside the yak.

Went back to the point, hoping to see that other red...I'm not that lucky, it wasn't around.   Discovered the point was also the entrance to a pond.  Of course, I decided to check it out.  Just as I got into the cut, I spooked a big red and it ran out (that's my kinda luck), waking the cuda, as it swam underneath me.

But now, I'm on alert and moving at a snails pace.  Stalking and scanning every inch of this pond.  Sure enough, I spot another big red guarding another entrance to the pond.  I'm in the pond so he's facing away from me.  Just need to not line him.  Make a good presentation, he eats, and goes ballistic...I've never seen a red jump so far out of the water.  Half his body was above the water line.  I'm certain his weight kept him from tail walking like a bass.  Another lucky break (you'll see why in a second)...since he was facing out...he ran out of the pond and I was right along with him.  Another lengthy fight, and I spent some time reviving him.

 I repeat this same scenario a few more times.  I can't believe they are still in that pond.  But, they were all facing out and as luck would have it, each time I hooked up they would run out the front door!  And the fight would happen in open water, 30 yards away from the pond.

Went back into the pond but didn't see anymore reds.  That's how the day ended.  Stayed and played the game to conclusion.  Rewarded with big reds on the fly, for sticking it out.


Missed part 1:
Part 1 here

....needs a pinch of salt (part 2)

I decided to sleep in on Tuesday.  The 6 hour drive, fishing, and making camp on Monday had me moving a little slow, but I wasn't lacking motivation.  I knew my fishing time was limited, only 2 days, so I prepared an extra cup of coffee Monday morning when I left home at 12am.  I left it in my truck all day and night.  It was cold but drinkable on Tuesday morning...that saved me at least 10 mins.  Grabbed a bagel, lunchable, water, some granola bars (nothing sexy...just calories) and I was driving out of the GI state park in 5 mins...almost, I got stopped by some friendly kayakers who I wanted to know where I caught my specks.  After a brief conversation, always willing to share my experiences with other friendly yakers, I was on the road and headed to a new spot, someplace I had no experience.

Started nice and sunny.  That changed.

I could see the clouds moving in fast and knew sight fishing would be limited today.  But within 10 mins I spotted a red crashing bait, it took 2 casts and fish in the net.  CPR'd and moving...

Clouds made it too dark to sight fish

Covered about a mile before I stopped at a fishylookn spot, it was too dark to sight cast, so I searched with a spinnerbait with TTF killer flats minnow.  Blind cast a point and hooked up.  I could tell it was a speck by the head shake.  Surprised by the result, I repeated, and agian...nice speck.  Time for an audible...can't sight fish and the specks are aggressive.

I must have got lost in the fish'n because all of a sudden I was surrounded my birds...not sure if I drifted into them or they converged on me.  But for the next 2 hours I caught about 2 limits of keeper specks...all 12-15".  Not many undersized, and it was cast after cast.  They only wanted the SB with flats minnow in purple/chart.  I tried jigging on the bottom and swimming in various colors.

The specks had these falling out of their mouths

Just a few of the birds and you can see the specks busting the top (top right in pic) 

At 9:30 they moved on and so did I.  Went look'n for reds in the dark.  It started really slow, I found a few but spooked them b/c I was sitting on them.  Like typical reds, they panic and torpedo my kayak...

It took an hour or so, but the clouds dispersed some and the sun made sight fishing an option.  I located a great flat that was almost void of water.  It had a canal running through it and I could see reds cruising it, searching for something to eat.  No worries I got what ya need...

What I'm look'n for as a sight fisherman

Didn't take long to get one in hand.  A few others followed.  It was turning out to be a great day.

30" baby bull

Found this baby bull crashing bait along a grass line.  I got really excited and accidentally put the spoon in the grass.  Knowing I only had 1 chance, I tried to slowly pull it free...BUT...it came out like a bullet...heading right at the big red...it landed and the red turned.  I expected to see the torpedo maneuver.  However, it torpedoed the spoon...I wasn't prepared and had to reel in my slack before I could set.  Again, despite my best effort, sometimes they just want to be caught.

High and Dry - He was mud wrestling some shrimp...not even sure he was in the water. 

As I was landing this guy.  My wife text me, reminding me to check in every once in a while.  I sometimes forget to do that...So I get the phone out and send the "I'm living them dream, thx for being awesome" reply.  I hear a sound behind be...think'n it's a red I turn to take it's pic b/c that seems cool, right?!  SURPRISE...he didn't stop there.  He kept getting closer and closer.  Not sure if he wanted a ride or the red.

Glad it wasn't a gator

Another baby bull

The day really changed when the sun came out.  I could clearly see the reds and they were feeding.

He was just hang'n out on the bottom, not moving...dorsal fin was high and dry.

I ran across the above red sitting in about 6"s of water (pic below).  I was cruising along looking for reds when I nearly torpedo'd him.  I had to rapidly and quietly deploy my poor man's power pole.

Poor man's power pole.  Just dig in and hold on.  Warning - blisters usually accompany multiple uses.

Stumbled upon another big red crashing bait.  I took my time and put the spoon way ahead of it and waited until it got about 2 ft from it.  I lifted it up and started swimming it...BAM...I guess I didn't see this little guy and he got there first.  The big red swam around my kayak a few times as I was releasing his little brother.  Not sure if he was waiting on him or mocking me.  Good times!!

  That was was it, last fish for the day.  It was another great trip in a special place.  On the way home I drove through Rayville, LA and was greeted by this:

Every utility pole in town had a flag - that's cool

Being a veteran, I certainly noticed.  Well done Rayville.