Dec 14th December 14
It has been a slow few weeks for business here in the Lower Keys. The perfect excuse to get out of town. However, before I managed to escape, I spent a great day on the water with client Ryan Equale and his father-in-law to be Doug. We had a very pleasent day on the water. Cloudless skies and easy fishing, the fish found us all day. We fished only three flats all day and were lucky enough to catch two permit. No complaints here.
The next morning, my wife, daughter and I left for a week in New Orleans. While this was supposed to be a family vacation, I still managed to sneak away for a single day of fishing in the Louisiana marsh. It may have been only one day, but it was one I will never forget. I met Capt Gjuro Bruer (www.shallowwaterexpeditions.com) at 7am on a very cold morning. Light winds and blue skies made me forget about the cold air, long run, and frozen fingers.
Within minutes of shuting down, somewhere in the marsh, I really have no idea where, I was hooked up to my first redfish. Gjuro laughed at how small it was. I didn’t. The fish, around 13-14lbs, was the biggest red I have ever caught. Hell, I have only ever seen a few bigger than that in the Glades. And things only got better from there. We were surrounded by fish all day. Whether it was the shoals of sheepshead, Black Drum up to 50lb or the ominpresent reds, there was always something to throw at. The fishing was so good, we would try to get any small red (i.e. under 20) to chase the fly, open its mouth, and then pull it away.
Alternating time on the bow, we caught two black drum over 40lbs, reds up to 25lbs, and had shots at some redfish that were pushing 60lbs. I know, I can here the cries of bullshit from here, but I’m not lying. We found two reds of such immense proportions you could have told me they were 80lbs and I would have believed it. Yes, in case you were wondering I farmed both the shots. Even so, the day was spectacular.
Do youself a favor, plan a trip to Louisiana, give Gjuro or his partner Dave Mangum a try. They are both fishhawks who roam the entire Gulf Coast, from LA to the Marquesas in search of fish. Their level of expertise is unrivaled.
I’m not kidding, don’t wait. Get down to LA
Now if only I can find a way back.
John