Pot of Gold

I could begin this post with the details of the huge red below.  But that's no fun.  Instead, lets back this story up a month or 2.  I have been trying to get down to SELA since October.  My last trip was in June.  I never go that long between trips.  That's the beauty of living in SEAR, basically on the LA/AR border.  I'm 5-6 hours drive to great kayak fishing water...fresh and salt.

In October the weather becomes more kayak angler friendly in SELA.  Less melting of people while sitting in plastic boats.  From that month until December it just gets better for both, catching and angler comfort.  Unfortunately, there just wasn't a great time to go in October or November.  The weather was either terrible or it was Thanksgiving and my wife had that look that said, "I dare you!"  

But finally it all lined out.  The conditions looked awesome for sightfishing reds in the marsh.  Honestly, anytime is great for chasing reds in SELA if you just want to blind cast and work the marsh.  I prefer to find a target and test my kayak ninja skills.  There are specific conditions I look for when I decide to drive 6 hours.  So you can imagine my excitement when I saw a forecast for nothing but sun and no wind!  That excitement got supercharged when I watched a video about sightfishing colossal reds in the marsh.  http://www.saltstrong.com/louisiana-winter-redfish/  Like I needed help.  

Sorry for the terrible camera video, screen shot photo

I closed my eyes Sunday night and pretended to sleep while the images of colossal reds danced in my head.  Monday morning took forever to arrive.  When it finally did I was sitting in my truck at the road side access.    

After that the day was just insane.  I had a solid day of catching and covered many miles of water.  I was exhausted from not sleeping and fighting upper slot reds all day.  I stopped for lunch and considered turning around and heading for the truck.  As I was resting I noticed schools of bait going crazy in the incoming tide.  The flow was evident and a current line was very obvious.  I know a fishy sight when I see it.  

I decided to stay and fish that hole.  But nothing was happening.  Now I'm done...but I can see another marsh choke point.  I convince myself to go investigate that one.  As I'm getting closer, I can see the same signs of bait activity.  Expecting the same ending, I consider turning around again. Just as I'm about to leave, I see a huge flash of gold!  The feeling that went over me was somewhere between sheer panic, like when you skipped school for the 1st time and you're trying to get home and intercept the schools phone call (maybe that's me).  And...I just saw a freaking leprechaun and his shinny "pot of gold!"

Each feeling carries a specific amount of clumsiness and expected increase in tension.  Which means failure is the only possible outcome.  I always got caught skipping class and the only leprechaun I ever see is on a marshmallowless box of Luck Charms (why do kids just eat the charms).  That's what I was dealing with as I came up with a game plan for getting a fly in front of that red.  I pushed polled up to with in 30 ft, watching as the beast would torpedo through the school and disappear.  Then moments later it would reappear from another direction.  It wasn't being cautious but it's path was nearly impossible to predict.  I knew just blindly slinging fly line across the school was sure doom...so I waited.  I watched for a few minutes until I could see it coming from an angle I could work with.  I placed the fly a few feet out from its course and started stripping.  Not for cash...

Fully clothed, buffed out ninja mode, I watched as the red turned away.  Failure, ball game, walk of shame, basses loaded 2 out and you fouled out.  You name the emotion and that's how I felt.  But wait...it's back up.  I have a chance to be a hero again.  Center your yoga chi and get back in the game dude!  Put the mess of fur back in the water.  Start stripping again.  Not for cash...

See the "V" and line goes tight...game on!  Then it was just hang on and enjoy the ride. We checked the left side of the mash before turning around and checking the right side of the marsh.  When those sides were deemed unsuitable for grip-n-grins.  He decided to show me this "other" spot on the far side of the marsh.  He was so excited about the hero shot that he showed me my backing several times running to get there.  It was a long fight, my forearms were on fire.  Eventually, he wore down.  I beached the kayak and landed him on an island to speed up the release.  Quick picture and rushed measurement before reviving him.  He swam away strong.

Tuesday started like Monday.  Except the conditions were nearly perfect.  I say nearly, but I can't imagine anything better.  It's just hard to say anything is perfect.  I decided to paddle to where I left on Monday and fish from that spot on.  It was a long paddle but I arrived just when I knew the sun would be at the right angle to see reds in the water.  Caught a few slots reds before I made the decision to go bull hunting.  

At one point I watched as 2, 35-37" reds swam under my kayak.  I didn't breath until that were behind me.  Made a half back hand cast and watched one of them eat.  The exciting part of casting to a raging bull behind you is the balance after you hook into a VW bug on steroids.  Almost went swimming as he went real far real fast.  

Cool reflection off my paddle.

That's pretty much how Tuesday went.  Sight fished several bull reds in skinny water.  It was one of those days where the few that were lost to broken hooks didn't hurt so bad.  This was a trip for the books.  Hope I get to experience another like it.  If not, that's cool with me.  This one was a "pot of gold."  

   

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

Salt in my life - Day 1

Gonna keep this post really simple and full of fish pictures.  Not much to tell really, I have a very understanding wife who accepts my addiction.  She gave me the go ahead and I packed so fast (before she changed her mind) that I forgot my shoes...no joke.  Good thing I keep extras in my truck.

Monday the fishing was slow but steady.  The winds were pushing 20 mph and that made sight fishing difficult.  As such, I left the fly rod in the hull of my kayak.  Tide was high until about noon and then started falling.  Until that point, I was sighting a fish every 30 mins it seemed but only managed to catch about 6.

Around 2pm, the tide fell out and they were forced to the edges of the grass.  A few were cruising back and forth weaving through the grass.  If you have kids, and ever visited a corn maze, you'll understand what I'm about to say.

I would spot a red, it would vanish into the grass, come out 5 ft away, back in, back out...but 10 ft in the opposite direction...this went on forever it seemed and I kept chasing!  I would stop, and wait, scanning in every direction, hoping for it to reappear...just like when your kids run off in the corn maze and you're running after them trying to cut them off.

Eventually, I intercepted a few but most just ghosted out on me.  All the reds I caught were upper slot or baby bulls.  Nothing under 23"s.  So it was absolutely a great day.  I don't like to keep reds over 22"s but after releasing about 5 before lunch I had to start keeping a few...or explain to my wife, why I choose to catch and release, while she took care of the kids and worked all day.  No thanks!

Day 1 in a nutshell...worked really hard fighting the wind, covered a bunch of water and caught some large reds.  Loved every minute of it.  Day 2 (next post), all about the fly and even bigger reds...last 2 hours was on epic levels!

Day 2 link