Summer Time Blues

Spring has sprung, the fishing is hot, and the weather is even hotter. I recently returned from Belize where I was able to spend some quality time on the pointy end of the boat with a little shorter pole in my hands. It was worth every dollar spent. The entire trip exceeded my expectations, and taught me a few valuable fishing lessons to take home. Water clarity was amazing and you could easily spot fish at great distances. In that part of the world casting accuracy is an invaluable asset. I primarily fished a 6wt for bones with a 12’ leader and 8lb tippet. With a setup like this any mistake in your cast becomes immediately apparent, but a solid casting stroke is rewarded with amazing eats and blistering runs on gin clear flats. This has become my go to practice setup because it forces you to place an emphasis on proper casting fundamentals. We don’t fish anything like this for bulls. However, if you can run a setup like that 7’ leaders and heavy flies on a 9wt will be easy even if the wind is howling. I also learned that a soft sided yeti cooler makes for an excellent piece of luggage with a great added bonus. Once you get to your destination and procure a little ice you’ll never be far from a cold bottle of water or Belekin Beer. On the way home I was forced to check the cooler because security wouldn’t let me carry on my Van Staal pliers. TSA let me carry them on the flight down but the Belizeans wouldn’t have it on the return trip. I was a little concerned about the cooler but it performed flawlessly and I wouldn’t go on another trip like this without it. I would highly recommend the Victoria House for lodging and the Bradley Bros. for guides.

Last month I opened the books for what promises to be an exciting fall and winter season for Louisiana bull redfish. For 2016 I have some new options for accommodations if you prefer not to stay in New Orleans. The last time I saw these el nino weather patterns like we’ve had so far this year the fall fishing was incredible. If you’ve never experienced fall and winter fly fishing in Louisiana make this year one to remember and book a trip. I usually start the day with a meeting for Breakfast at Penny’s before we head out for the fishing. It’s about a 45 minute run to the fishing grounds and being this far from the marina means that you’ll probably not see another boat that day and neither will the fish. You’ll spend all day being poled across the flats in search of giant redfish, black drum, and the elusive Cajun permit. It is a day that you will never forget. There is a maximum of two persons per skiff but I can easily accommodate larger groups. There is still some excellent dates available, but make your reservations early as the calendar is filling up fast. I look forward to seeing you in a few months, until then I’ll be fly fishing Sabine Lake on the western edge of Louisiana. For more information about that fishery look me up at www.sabinelakeflyfishing.com