After hearing all the hype about it, my fishing partner (Brian) and I decided we had to go out and catch a bull red fish from our kayaks off of one of the beaches.  It sounded like an experience that we just had to be a part of.

We had been fishing before just west of Holly Beach at the rock piles, but had never tried to go out any further.  We did our research about tackle, bait, and location.  We also read up on the best tactics for fighting and landing a bull red from a kayak.  With that background done, our first opportunity, we were at the beach.

We could not resist fishing the rock piles a little while at first because they can be a blast when the speckled trout are there.  While fishing the rocks, I soaked a bait for big reds off the rear of my kayak.  The only thing it produced was a couple really nize-sized catfish, which would have been nice if thats what we were targeting. After minimal success at the rocks, we decided we could not stand it any longer, we needed a bull red.

We paddle out a little ways, decide on a spot, and anchored up.  There was so much excitment and anticipation, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning hoping to get the big one.  Our first spot was unproductive, but we spotted a shrimp boat that was going to pass near us, just a little farther out. 

Having done our research, we knew that shrimp boats create mudlines as a result of their nets being drug on bottom.  We also knew that these mudlines are considered by many to be "red fish highways", as they cruise up and down the edges looking for food.

We paddle out to the edge of the mudline and anchored up.  It was slow at first, then I look over at Brian and he was struggling to get his rod out of one of his rod holders because it was doubled over to the point the tip was almost touching the water.  Finally, he gets it out, unclips from his anchor, and begins taking a ride.

I unclip from my anchor and start paddling to catch up with him.  Suprisingly, he starts getting the fish close to his kayak fairly easily.  At this point, we were unsure of what it was, as it could have been a large catfish.  Then I hear Brian holler something to the effect of "Its a big 'ole red fish", as he had gotten close enough to it to see it. 

Right after that, something triggered the fish to start fighting, and he took off stripping drag and giving Brian his first cajun sleigh ride.  I kept up with him as the fight progressed.  It was during this time that we really came to realize the power of these beast.  You are in essence pulling yourself to the fish, instead of pulling the fish to you.

We then notice that Brian and his fish had a path that was potentially going to intersect with an oncoming shrimp boat.  He put his rod and reel between his legs and paddled some to get out the way. He verbalized the idea of possibly cutting his line to avoid any potential problem, but right about then, the shrimp boat altered his course a little, which resolved the issue.

After about 20-25 minutes, Brian was able to put his hands on the fish.  We took some photos and then successfully released it to fight another day.  There were high fives given out and a little bit of yelling like we had just scored the winning touchdown of the Super Bowl.  Even though I didn't actually catch the fish, the whole experience was a rush of adrenaline like I had never felt before in fishing.  Brian later told me that was the best fishing-catching experience of his life.

We then started looking for our anchor markers, they were quite a ways away, maybe a quarter mile or so.  We got back and anchored up for another shot.  Not long after, I got hooked up with one for about 30 seconds, just long enough to get unclipped from my anchor and for the fish to strip some drag, then she came off.  I was dissapointed, but I got to feel a little bit of her power and it was amazing.

The day ended without another one, but I felt completly satisfied with the trip.  Brian and I later remarked that if just one bull red was caught on a trip, then in our minds it was well worth it.  That was a trip I will never forget.  I have told this story many times to anyone who will listen.  I think that anyone who loves fishing should experience that at least once in their lives.

GREAT DAY ON BIG LAKE

At the last minute, I got the pass to make a afternoon fishing trip. I had my mind made up of where I wanted to go. I knew I was heading to Big Lake. I normally target reds, especially in the area I was going. However, I had heard recent reports of some big trout (a few 8 plus) being caught all over the lake, even some in the area I was going, which up until this point I considered a red fish area. So, I decided to give the trout a try.



I paddled out to the main lake from the launch, and then planned to paddle upwind a ways to drift a reef for specks. As luck would have it, after I paddled upwind a ways, I was near one of my favorite red fish holes. I just couldn't resist. My Gulp was in the water but a few seconds when it took off, a nice keeper-size red. My second and third casts produced the same results. Fourth casts was a huge dissapointment, as nothing bit me. However, the fifth and sixth casts came through for me and produced two more keepers. After six casts, I would have had my limit (5 in Louisiana) if I had been keeping them.



This continued for a while and in the first 15 or so cast, I had 11-12 reds, all keeper size, with the largest measuring 26 inches. I was on anchor the whole time, fishing an area no more than 10 yards by 10 yards. I would not believe it myself if I had not been there. Of course, I was fishing alone and just discovered my camera had crapped out on me.



I then decided that I should try for some trout, so I paddled back out to the main lake. The wind was steady out of the south at about 10-15. I threw my drift sock out and started my drift. Everyone I talked to said a Catch 2000 was the way to go. I had tried them before with limited success. Even so, I gave it a shot. On my second cast, I landed a nice 3-4 lb trout. A good start I had hoped. Then the action went dead for a while.



I decided to paddle over to an area where I saw a boat catch a few trout earlier. I started my drift, and caught a couple 2-3lb trout right off the back. Then, as I was starting another retrieve, I thought I felt a slight bump, but nothing was there. Then again, the same thing. Then it hit the third time and I stuck it this time. It pulled a lil drag, but finally got it to the boat. I didn't have a tape measure or any scale,but I kept it for measurements later.



I continued to drift and fish the reef for the next 10-15 minutes, while picking up a good sized (2-3lbs) trout every 4th or 5th cast. As I was getting to an area that I could see two boats anchored near one another, I noticed what looked like big pelicans in the water on the horizon. I got closer and realized it was actually 5 wade fishers that came from the two anchored boats. I continued to drift and catch fish until I got even with them. They were in chest deep water about 50 yards off the bank, and I was in slightly deeper water about 100 yards off the bank.



As I got close to them, I noticed they did not have much action, and my action picked up. As I caught fish after fish as they looked on, I heard one say to another, "I can't believe you are gonna let a kayak smoke you like that." Right after that point, I caught a trout that was slightly larger than the one I kept earlier. I then heard one wade fisher say to another "Is it too deep for us to fish where he is?" The answer was a dissapointing "Yes it is".



On my way in, I passed by the two boats as their occupants were boarding them. I asked if they had a scale or something to weigh my fish. They were kind enough to do so. The largest was just over 6 lbs and 26 inches. They other fish was slightly lighter at 5.5lbs. They weren't the 8plus pounders I had been hearing about, but I was still excited.



As I said, my camera is done, but I got my wife to take a pic once I got home. Days like today are like that one good shot you hit in a round of golf, it keeps you coming back to get that fix. Can't wait to get back out there.