[cliffhall]

I saw some in little Rigolets pass about a month ago and I’ve seen some the last two times I’ve been in bienvenue. How much grass is in the areas you are talking about? I’m a big believer that we need a true cold front with a big northern blow to get that started. I think the combo between water temps dropping and the marsh getting drained out make that happen.

[cliffhall]

I really despise social media at times but I used to use instagram as a way to log fishing trips. I’d post a couple pics and then the relevant information in a comment. Something about seeing a picture helps the fishing trip come alive in my memory.

Admittedly, I don’t really record anything anymore. Things change year to year so much in Louisiana and there are so many variables to pin down that it almost seems pointless at times. You guys may have inspired me to bust out my own inner-autist and logging a whack again.

[cliffhall]

How did those first few “ticks” feel? I can’t help but feel like a kid at Christmas when fall fishing officially kicks off.

[cliffhall]

Every trout caught down there is EARNED. I respect the level of perseverance it takes to fish without a trolling motor. I’ve all but given up on trips when my trolling motor goes out

[cliffhall]

“My advice would be favor more of your budget towards the rod”

Agreed!

Definitely check out Tacklewarehouse on Black Friday. They put out some of the only online sales you will see of St. Croix rods. I have a Vanford in my cart right now thats waiting for their deals.

[cliffhall]

Don’t you dare get my hopes up, McLovin.

[cliffhall]

Agreed. I think the benefit of the fall and cold fronts is largely that it actually reduces the amount of bait in the water. We need a consolidation of bait and that makes your traditional fall spots even that much more productive. Like shooter said, right now they can find bait pretty much anywhere.

I could be wrong but I’m hoping much of the fall productivity will be compressed and things will get really really really good after the first real cold front or two.

[cliffhall]

SE shoreline of Lake P between the tracks and Seabrook sometimes traps bait this time of year. That too is worth a look to get away from the crowds

[cliffhall]

Getting some reports that shell pads/old rigs are worth a look as well.

[cliffhall]

My God you never cease to amaze me

[cliffhall]

I’m pretty sure this is the route I’m gonna go. Like you, I really only want something that I can use to communicate with buddies when I’m way way out. I hope to eventually get a PLB fora SHTF moment.

[cliffhall]

Bogas are actually very accurate. You can actually get the IFGA certified. I know Jay Wright has weighed at least one of his world records with a Boga. The problem with them is they can be hard to read.

Regardless, that’s a really nice fish.

[cliffhall]

That thing actually looks bigger than 4lbs. If it is right at 4lbs then it’s probably 23ish given how fat it is

[cliffhall]

I can remember on 2-3 month stretch on our duck lease where we never caught less than 42 redfish over a dozen or so trips. One evening a buddy and I caught 68 parked in a single spot throwing the most random crap imaginable so we didn’t get bored. Im not even that good at redfishing. Guys like Ty and Sam Collette were going back there catching 50+ sight fishing day after day. Its why when people go out and catch 20-30 reds every so often and say, “see, the fishing is back” I wonder if they even know what “back” actually would mean.

[cliffhall]

You guys should definitely get your fill of good fishing in Venice. From there, you can take them on adventures and show them different parts of the Louisiana marsh. If its their first time then every stop will be an adventure for them. I would imagine we start getting in more positive reports starting this weekend so the good news is you should have a lot of intel by the time those guys get here. Its hard to scout so far in advanced because of how quickly things change in Louisiana. I wont be able to tell you a thing about redfish without asking others but I feel confident I will know where some trout are on the east side of the river by then. Remind me/us when they come in town and I’ll let you know what I am seeing over this way.

Edit: It could be worth spending TOW for Monday or Tuesday just navigating some new areas on the east side. That way when reports roll in you will feel prepared to go where the fish are. I am going to give Bienvenue a whack on Sunday so you can use that report to help determine what you do.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 3 weeks ago by  cliffhall.