Red, Red, Red, Red, Red, Red, Red, REDFISH

Continuing my search for a redfish on the fly rod took me back to Mississippi for a quick morning trip. I would only have a few hours to fish since the real purpose of the trip was to celebrate a friends 50th birthday.

Loaded up the Coosa and wife then hit the highway for a ten hour drive. Once in Louisiana we ended up getting stuck on the Atchafalaya Basin bridge due to three wrecks that had it locked down. The trip ended up being close to thirteen hours by the time we arrived.

After visiting with our hosts it was time to turn in and get a few hours of sleep. Not sure if I got much sleep with the anticipation of knocking a redfish off my list. Sliding the kayak into the water and noticing the incoming tide and movement of bait brought a smile to my face.

Reaching my destination I was greeted with a few tails feeding along the bank and began fan casting the area with a weighted shrimp pattern fly. Three casts into the day and the line draws tight and a strip set is applied. FISH ON...... and the first redfish on the fly rod is accomplished. Now the new goal is to land a larger one.

Here is the setup used. Loop Cross S1 8wt with Loop Opti reel and shrimp pattern fly.

While it was early it was still time to celebrate the feat.

Continuing to fish, some sounds of fish crashing the grass in the cuts were occurring so I made my way back into the maze of trails.

Spooked redfish upon entering and casted at every wake that I came across. Few follows but no takes. Then I was forced out of the area by a little gator that was looking for a handout. He didn't run me off, it was the prospect of a larger one being around that did it.

Headed back to clean up and take a quick nap before the surprise party began. When I woke up the house was crawling with people as we waited for the guest of honor to arrive.

A great time was had for such a short trip. Three days, 23hrs of driving, a small fortune in gas and food, ONE REDFISH. Success and well worth it.

First Fly Tournament

Driving towards Port Aransas had my attention filled with how I was going to be able to compete in a fly fishing tournament for redfish when I have a big zero on this species to date. If it wasn't benefiting a good cause (Casting For Recovery) I am not sure I would have fished the Lydia Ann Fly Masters tournament to begin with.

Arriving at Tarpon Shores Marina I was greeted with a strong gusting wind and high water as I waited to pay my entry fee. After talking to a few fisherman coming off the water and finding out that the fishing had been tough actually made me feel better. I tend to compete better under tough conditions because to me it levels the field. After dinner and checking into the hotel, I proceeded to get my gear sorted and tied on some new leaders for the next day. 4am was going to come soon so I hit the sack.

Having only fished this area twice before I had settled on fishing the Light House Lakes section. With its narrow trails and hidden lakes I figured the wind wouldn't bother me as much so I took my SUPerFISHal in order to navigate the area while standing and be able to see more fish.

Paddling to the back of the lakes and entering the trails, it didn't take long to start seeing reds cruising around. I was amazed at how many would come up to the fly and then turn away without inhaling it. Pretty frustrating but that's why they call it fishing.

A good effort was given and although the results weren't good it was still fun to do. The weigh in showed proof to how tough of a day it was with a lot of skilled saltwater fisherman drawing blanks as well. Listening to conversations made me feel better about my approach as many people saw and casted to fish with the same results that I had throughout the day.

This was only the third time to use the hybrid paddleboard but it wont be the last. Really enjoyed the ability to stand and cast to the fish that were easier to see because of this. It's not the fastest but it is very stable and a great platform to fly fish from. For the long paddles I just take a seat from my kayak and lay it on the deck to sit on while paddling. When the destination is reached, it is just put behind the cooler to clear the deck area for standing and poling around.

The cooler I use on it is a K2 Cube. At 30 quarts it makes a great seat to rest on and a good poling platform. It also left me with a cold drink after three days of one bag of ice in 100 plus degree weather.
Hopefully the tournament is offered again next year, i'll be back.

Mississippi Mayhem

Taking my redfish quest to Mississippi for a few days I was greeted with thunderstorms while driving through Louisiana. Rain had been scattered throughout the area for a few days and it would continue during my stay.

The morning greeted me with some decent weather as the brackish water was flat and the sky cloudy. Slid the kayak into the canal and made the paddle to try out some of the grassy cuts. This trip was all about catching a redfish on a fly rod and I was well equipped for the task.

Lightning would end up running me off the water as the storms increased. Since there was a craving for some mudbugs the opportunity presented itself and many would be eaten.

Heavy storms rolled through the area overnight and the morning was no different. Waited for the bigger ones to pass then headed out to try my luck in the muddy water.

After about an hour another storm blew in and ran me off. Guess it was time to head to the Big Easy and see some sights.
Had to stop by Café Du Monde and grab a snack.

Had to stop by and visit Uptown Angler and check out their fly assortment and fly shop. Nice place.

The evening was spent shooting pool and just relaxing.

Last day, last chance. Again rain and lightning is in the area and I have to wait it out.

After watching the last Batman movie and with some of the bigger storms rolling out with lightning in the distance, the kayak is slid into the water.

The tide had fallen and this was the first time for me to see any fish activity in three days of trying to fish. Casting a fly that resembled a shrimp into every cut and grass line I am still fishless. About 40 yards from me in a small cut, I see a wake come out and baitfish scatter. Being as quiet as possible I approached and laid a cast into the cut with no takers. Studying the bank and making a cast to the clump of grass on the point the fly laid down and was met with a take. Setting the hook and the kayak being turned from the bank to deeper water, I took it easy and let the drag do its job. Pulling out the net and trying to turn the red around it happened, the line went limp as the tippet came loose from the leader. So much for celebrating that first red on the fly. This would be my only take of the trip and the fight was well worth all of the frustration that the weather presented. As I paddle back the sky cleared and the wind was gone which made for a beautiful sunset.

Waking up in the morning I could only shake my head as the road back to Texas would be wet. Sure wish I could take some home with me.

Wading the Llano

Having never been on the Llano river and seeing pictures of its beauty that friends have taken on their visits. I had to go find out first hand and all I can say is the pictures don't do it justice.

Hiking down the worn trail a glimpse of the river came into view. Never had I seen water so clear and a carved limestone bottom like this river bed before. The grooves under my feet worn through the rock by many years of flowing water and the granite boulders everywhere just added to its beauty.

Easing into the water and casting a Matthews 5wt with a wooly bugger tied to the lightweight tippet, it didn't take long for a bluegill to add a tug to the end of the line.

Heading further downriver to explore some, I was greeted with a first for me as a freshwater drum came to hand. I have seen them on other rivers and tried to catch them before with no luck so a grin came to my face when it was released back into the water.

Many drum were seen throughout the day and a couple followed the fly, but not another one landed. The day was also filled with many species of fish found including gar, bass, and carp. With the water so clear the fish definitely have the advantage here.

When the opportunity is presents itself you take advantage of it, guess that's what was going through his mind when he tried to eat the fly.

Although none were seen, apparently they exist here.

Looking forward to the next visit........................