Considering a Sept. Redfish trip to LA

[jtram]

I am very seriously considering a mid-late September trip to Venice or Grand Isle to hunt Reds from my kayak. I have virtually 0 experience in saltwater. Is a DIY trip likely to be successful? Are there better options for me? Any ideas, tips, opinions would be much appreciated.

[Ham]

Look up forum member plastic worms posts. He has a personal blog as well that he does and he does that kind of trip. From a weather perspective I would recommend waiting until October or November if you could. You would be more comfortable fishing if you can wait until it cools and the air gets a little less humid.

With a little pre trip reading and planning, that can be a very successful DIY kayak trip. on Flyrod or conventional gear, I would expect to catch a number of fish a day and at the very least be in a very interesting eniviron, but you will definitely catch fish.

That is a trip I very much want to make. I have a lot of these type trips I would like to make, but my windows of oppurtunity are very finite.

[jtram]

Thanks Ham, I wouldn't have a problem waiting for cooler weather, except i plan to be in the woods with a stick and string once the leaves change. I get a window to do something every 6 weeks +-.... I have been reading plastic worms blog, part of my "inspiration".

[Ham]

Drew is the MAN. I hope to be more like him once I grow up.

[Plastic_worm]

Like Ham said, I do this trip several times/year. It's a blast and absolutely a DIY trip...that's how I got started (just read a bunch and drove down). If you have specific questions, PM me here or on my blog and I'll help however I can.

My suggestions:

GI if you're going to fish from a kayak...lot more free access, hwy park and launch. Most of the access near Venice is from Marinas ($10-15). Camping at the state park if you're on a budget but there are RV parks, hotels, and the marinas have rooms (starting around $75).

Late Sept - Oct is when I try to get down. But Nov and Dec are the prime months...fish are feeding heavily, the weather is much more kayak friendly (lower temperatures and less likely to have any severe weather). Try to pick a weekend when the Saints/LSU are playing, you'll be the only one fishing!

The biggest difference between Sept and Nov/Dec is the number of fish you might catch. Sept trips I average 15-20/day. Nov/Dec, closer to 40-50.

The bull reds start moving thru the pass in Aug, coinciding with the ride the bull kayak tournament, http://www.calmwatercharters.net/#!ride-the-bull/c2474,hosted by Bridgeside Marine. Aug-Sept would give you a good chance at the biggest reds in the area and a bunch of slot reds in the marsh.

Hope some of this helps

Drew

[Plastic_worm]

Drew is the MAN. I hope to be more like him once I grow up.

Ha, ha...I'm just trying to keep up with you.

[jtram]

Awesome info, ill be in contact with you as I nail down specifics. Looking like its going to be late October to take advantage of a 4 day weekend my wife has. THANKS

[Ham]

Hey Drew,

My wife bought me a Coosa for my birthday. I'll be working on my balance so that I can safely stand up in it. . At the very least, that would be helpful when scanning a marsh pond for the Red menace.

I've had two weeks this year that come close to your normal adventures, but I do live closer to my fish so I don't have to druive as much.

Still trying to do that trip to Venice or GI. I need to get back down there again.