[Devin]

Sounds like the weather gave you lemons, so you made lemonade.

Fall is coming. Water temps will drop, the shrimp will move out and the fish will move in.

Thank you for reporting back!

[Devin]

This is why we fish Venice.

Great report, thanks for posting!

[Devin]

This is a great report!

It’s good to hear about the shrimp, and I’m gonna ask: were they white or brown?

I imagine the white shrimp ought to be running, and it’s good to know if they are over there.

Because if they are there, then are probably doing so here.

And white shrimp start out waayyyy on the inside whereas brown shrimp live more on the outside.

Knowing the difference is very important.

Those white shrimp will bring the fish inside quick.

Great report, thanks for posting!

[Devin]

“Once it got hot we spent several hours in Biloxi Marsh riding, looking, and laying down tracks.”

This stood out to me the most.

Thank you for doing what most are unwilling to do.

I’m assuming you already have locations of old weirs in the area? Those are the most unobvious hazard to navigation out there.

Otherwise, Biloxi Marsh is fairly static. It doesn’t change a whole lot like Venice, and it’s soft muddy bottom is way more forgiving. lol

Also, great work taking advantage of the Long Rocks (at least) one last time before fall gets into full swing.

Excellent report, thank you for posting!

[Devin]

“Once the tide started falling we found a good spot and got some every cast action but they were all undersized.”

I think that really says it all.

And this fishing report is a good one because it confirms what should be happening, in the places it would make sense for it to happen.

I would be interested to see what happens when the tide is doing it’s thing.

Great report, thanks for posting!

[Devin]

Also, I wonder why so many people default to heading-up (HU) on their GPS units?

We read maps north-up (NU).

I understand why one would use HU. In a place with lots of twists and turns, it’s easier to tell if you need to turn left or right.

But with NU it’s easier to determine your location in relation to everything else.

I’ve noticed HU-only guys never use NU.

Also, do I miss having an analog compass on the dash. Might have to go back to that. Such an easy reference.

[Devin]

Also, is your Garmin connected to a compass? For slow steerage?

[Devin]

What a beautiful morning!

Sounds like an epic fishing trip, too. I really enjoy running out that way.

When I used to fish Breton Sound religiously, I’d be out there well into September.

But if you don’t want to make that run and only have time for a short trip (IIRC, your boat is in a slip at Shell Beach), maybe consider Doulut’s, Bayou St. Malo, Martello, Violet Locks, etc. on a hard falling tide.

It’s getting to be that time.

[Devin]

VERY good to know! Thank you for sharing.

[Devin]

“Another good sign- finally seeing juvenile reds in the marsh after a summer of not catching many reds.”

Don’t worry, as soon as they’re 18″ they’ll catch an arrow. lol

[Devin]

I’m glad I said something! lol

And if you never posted this report I wouldn’t have known to say anything!

[Devin]

That is the most complete list of weirs I’ve ever seen anyone put together.

Excellent work.

But you’re missing one from that file.

[Devin]

[Devin]

I love questions.

Wish people asked them more often.

1. Yes, always freshwater rinse. Your motor will thank you.

2. Yes, but it’s only a tool in the toolbox. And a lousy one at that.

This article explains why.

The worst thing about mapping chips is that they lead you to believe certain water is safe to navigate.

Then, *bang*.

You rip off your lower unit.

And if you watch that video linked above, then you’ll see at 1:26 (or in attached screenshot) how that canal was NOT marked, there was NO indicator those rocks were there.

There was only one thing that has identified those rocks to date: what I teach inside 101.

I’ve been a SeaTow commercial more than once and – each time I was – it was because I did not do what I teach.

I did not do my navigational homework.

I’ve used a Humminbird Lakemaster Louisiana Delta card for eight years. The imagery is from ~2014, so it may as well have been drawn with a crayon.

And “up-to-date” mapping chips won’t save you either, no matter what manufacturers claim.

I’ll put it this way: I have a new (to me) boat on the way with THREE Helix units on it and I have not bothered to get a mapping chip for them.

If you do your GED homework, the stock map will work fine.

If you can find one for $50 and it makes you happy then, sure, get it.

But you’d be dumb as a rock to free-navigate off of it, Venice or not. lol

[Devin]

Okay, thank you.

I’m just trying to get inside the head of inshore anglers.

That gives me a better idea as to what content to make.