Redfish

[Pepe]

We made it to Venice, Louisiana running just ahead of the Arctic front. I have always wanted to try this and was finally able to make it happen with a friend who also wanted to try it.

Warning - doing this May cause you to give up Bass fishing and move to the Gulf.

We fished in the seemingly endless canals with an oversized Beetlespin. The fish wanted that bait right ON the grass line and just hammer the bait. I used my standard spinnerbait rod and reel with 15lb FC and gave that Shimanos' drag a real workout. Fourtunatley, these fish don't jump because they are very strong.

Unfortunately, the weather caught up to us and we only got the one day of fishing in before pulling the plug on the trip. Mid 30's, rain and 25-35 mph winds are enough for me to wave the white flag, although my buddy, Pete, was seriously considering braving the elements. Thank goodness our guide said "no way".

If you have not yet tried this, put it on you bucket list.

[merc1997 Bo]

SWEET!! just too bad the weather did not permit some more of that fun.

bo

[fishingaddiction]

The one day was good, but I am sure you wanted more. Sorry you didn't get to finish. Is that Pete Wenners with you in the photo?

[J-Doc]

Couldn't agree more. I fished for reds in south Florida. Think of the biggest smallmouth you've ever caught. Then multiply that times about 15.

When you get really serious, go catch a 80lb class or bigger Tarpon! They make redfish feel like a catfish. I'm not kidding.

Best way to describe it is cast to your buddy's pickup and hook up to his bumper. Tell him to floor it and watch your drag go crazy. That's a tarpon. Runs about 100yrds away, you get him to the boat and then he takes off again. Repeats about 3-4 times. Took me about 15mins to land this little guy. Yes, I said little guy. At 80lbs, he's half grown. My guide said you only want a 150lb class once in your life and then never again. LOL!

Good photos man. Thanks for sharing. Everyone should go fish for reds. And you're right.......saltwater will make you want to sell all your freshwater gear and head to the beach and become a sand bum and chase saltwater fish.

[Rickf]

Caught a few with my son back in October, fun stuff.

[inshore]

lived in panama city beach for ten years. fished salt 5 to 6 days a week. what we used for bait would whip any freshwater fish in the Ozarks. glad to see you were able to get in one good day. next time you go that way you need to schedule 1 day fishing offshore on the rigs for tuna and wahoo.

[Pepe]

Is that Pete Wenners with you in the photo?

Yes, Sir.

Pete being a tournament fisherman he instinctively tried to swing the first fish into the boat. That doesn't work.

[Champ188]

lived in panama city beach for ten years. fished salt 5 to 6 days a week. what we used for bait would whip any freshwater fish in the Ozarks. glad to see you were able to get in one good day. next time you go that way you need to schedule 1 day fishing offshore on the rigs for tuna and wahoo.

I lived in Pensacola for four years. Was outdoors editor of the Pensacola News Journal. Enjoyed it for a while but wouldn't trade living in the Ozarks for it. We spent Saturday on Table Rock catching smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass amid a little wintry precipitation and enjoying at least a dozen bald eagles throughout the day. Saw one other boat all day. Our own little piece of heaven. Guess God created different places for different people.