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Speck-tacular Saturday	30 December 2001
Like Catch, I too ignored the weather reports by reading between the lines and headed to Grand Isle area yesterday morning. Stopped at the Telephone Pole Hole and it was "fish on" all day. Since this was a meat trip (my wife insisted that I go fishing to bring back some specks since we were out of them), I kept the 14-16 inchers out of the 100+ that I caught. By the way, all of those specks were caught on the same fly, a chartruse Charlie on a circle hooh. How is that for durability? Also got into some reds down at the east end in the broken marsh. The big specks have not shown up yet, or at least I have not found them. It might not have been a great speckle trout year but the last weekend of the year was fantastic. Happy New Year.
Mike LaFleur	Hwy 1
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Best Saved For Last	30 December 2001
Friday night I agonized whether or not to make one last marsh fishing trip for 2001. Mike Norman's report and a forecast for light winds made the decision. And boy, oh boy-oh boy, it was a GREAT decision! Absolutely fabulous weather, and my best fishing trip in 2001. Launched the canoe south of Leeville bridge, in an area Mike Hess and Gene Smith told me about. Water was gin clear and flat calm all day. Hundreds of acres of oyster bottom flats (10"-24" deep) were chock full of reds. Stood in my canoe, poling with one hand and making 10-20 foot casts to sighted reds and sheepshead with the other. Almost every fish not spooked was a hookup! About 2:30 pm, tide switched. Began paddling back to the road, when specks started busting minnows over the oyster reefs. Anchored in one spot. From 3pm until the gnats and darkness ran me in, 10"-16" specks victimize my poor poppers every single cast! They'd leap in pairs at times. My favorite moment was when two guys in a boat moved close by and couldn't land a single fish with commie tackle! I tried a few casts with jigs and managed just one 8" trout. Picked up the fly rod again, and it was back to every cast a fish. (Once again validating Cormier's 5th Law of Fly Fishing). Final count: 53 reds, 2 sheepshead, Lord knows how many specks. And here's the good part - every fish caught was released. As I like to say, it doesn't get any better than this unless the Swedish Bikini Team shows up.
Catch	Leeville
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hwy.1	28 December 2001
got chased out of the hwy 1 marsh this a.m. by rain and lightening. however, i hve never seen the water as clear, and the fish were active prior to the rain.
mike norman	hwy 1
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Telephone Pole Hole Ho-ho-ho!	23 December 2001
Tis the season of giving, but yesterday neither fish nor wind was giving much. Met Mitch Bean down at the TPH at sunrise. Wind was already at 15 and getting worse. Worked different areas of TPH with chartreuse/white Pensacola clouser under VOSI. Picked up about 24 small specks, 5 keepers until 11 am, when "action" died. Chased reds and sheepshead for awhile, but fish were down and wind at 20 made sighting nearly impossible. Left TPH about 2pm to see what Mitch was doing, when what before my eyes should appear? But sheepshead and drum in the ditch frolicing like reindeer! Hooked up into three big 'heads and a rat red on gold Coma spoon. Not a great day, but certainly better than shopping. Merry Christmas to everyone!
Catch	Fourchon
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Low water and windy	21 December 2001
Fished today at Galliano. The water was the lowest I've seen it. Many little ponds were inaccessible. The wind was about 15 knots from the east making things tougher and muddying the water as the day wore on.. Spotted about 10-15 reds and managed to catch 3 25 inchers on a flexo crab. The low water allowed you to see them feeding as sighting them was difficult.
JeffM	Galliano
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Widowmaker doesn't leak	08 December 2001
12/2/01 What a day!!! The pull starter broke, the fuel line vapor locked, I nearly packed it in without making a cast. The good news was that JB weld really really works. I did finily leave the launch around 8:30 for the best fishing I've every had in "the sportsmans paradise". I saw lots of fish and they wanted crab patterns with a vengence. What a great day! thank you JB weld.
Flybob	myrtle grove
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Schoolie trout were out in force	05 December 2001
First trip ever to Myrtle Grove on Sunday 12/02/01. In the morning the wind showed up. Found some nice redfishing in the bays off of the main canal and some clear water. In the afternoon the wind slowed down went to St Marys in Barataria Bay (which by the way was calm) and the specks which were not much over the 12 inch limit were out in force. Hit fish almost every cast (on a Vosi comi tackle it would be a popping cork) and that made up for the lack of size. The water was clear on one side of St Marys while the side the wind was on was a little dirty, but that did not stop the fish. very fun due to the number of hits but if you want size it was not the place to go.
James	MyrtleGrove
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Following in Catch's Paddlesteps	03 December 2001
Randy L and I made a trip to the Meadow area Saturday. Hit the water around 8AM. Had hoped for calm winds which were predicted but found 5-10 early then 10-15 later. Messed up Catfish Lake fishing so after catching a dozen or so and keeping half we went up Bayou Blue to the Sulpher Mine Lake. Reports had good speck fishing here earlier in the week. We found some nice 14-16 inchers but the wind eventually drove us in search of calmer waters. I got frustrated fighting the winds but Randy kept on catching on his homemade chartreuse clouser under vosi. Ended the day within walkie talkie distance of Catch on east side of Catfish Lake catching more 12-16 inch specks as sun was setting. Ended up with 20 keepers for the day, many smaller ones released. Water in Catfish Lake and Sulpher Mine was dark clear.
Dugan	Golden Meadow
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The second half was much better	02 December 2001
Made plans to get to the coast early Sat am, for best popper action on specks, and to get back in time for the LSU-Auburn game on ESPN. Overslept and didn't arrive at Golden Meadow until 9:30. Wind was already up and popper action over. Or so I thought. Paddled toward Catfish Lake, picking up a lot of small specks in different canals on clouser under VOSI. By 3 pm, with wind howling and fishing at a standstill, slowly started back. About halfway, wind died, clouds moved in. Specks and gnats went nuts. Topwater action was red hot until dark on pencil popper and Coma Torpedo. Specks them around, about half actually caught the hook and a chance for me to measure and release. Nothing speck-tacular for this time of year, mostly 13-17 inches. Despite gnats and missing first half of the game on TV, it couldn't have ended much better.
Catch	Golden Meadow
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sun.nov.25	28 November 2001
hit t'erves marina early sun morn. both my cuz and i had pushpole platforms installed on our boats. we tried out his that morning. man, talk about help out the site casting siguation! we fished close spots with'n a mile or 2 of the launch... reds were sparse but good sized... another cuz with us landed a 12lb'er on conventional tackle. i caught my only fish on a white deciever... tried like #@!$&% to take my first red on a popper fly but didnt happen... maby next time... reds were running the canal banks in 2's like dolphin, smashing bait every 10seconds. neat to see. broke off 1 time on the bank running reds with a white deciever agian and went home with 4 fish and a great time.... later, flyTY
ty southerland	Dulac, LA
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Over Thanksgiving weekend	28 November 2001
Made the trip with the family to stay at the Cabins and fish a little with Jeff. The pressure must have been incredible from the Dallas Fly Fishers who got there on Tuesday, because the stockers were as spooky as the residents, but I scored six nice (relatively) fatties in the C&R area in the Chute with a Griffith's Gnat, march brown emerger, Partridge and Green, fluffy scud, bead head hares ear 6" under a strike indicator... as you can see I had to throw my whole fly box at them! We also caught fish with small bead head nymphs at Hind's Bluff and the Bridge Hole. I dredged the park pool with the largest bead head bugger and charlie that I owned, I even threw a micky finn with split shot but didn't see any fish taken there except to bait. Frustrating and fun... ie fishing, and spending time with the folks, awesome weekend.
Ed	Little Missouri
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Specks	24 November 2001
I made trip Friday arrived about hour after weather front moved rapidly toward east.Kept 6 specks three were small largest about 14". Not a sign of a Redfish. Water was higher than normal but clean. Used Pink Charlie and Yellow Clouser.This pit is easy to launch, it's my favorite to fish in.
del Rio	TPH pit Hwy.#1
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Master Jake.... "Conservationist"?	22 November 2001
Wed I returned to last Sat's fishing spots, this time with young Master Jake. Unlike Sat, it was cold, windy, and no birds diving. We dumped the canoe into one pond, anchored on a point, and cast with the wind for about 3 hours. We picked up about 2 dozen specks, mostly small, but Jake did catch two 18 inchers. Right about noon, he hooked into what I thought was a big red, but it turned out to be a MONSTER speck (4.6 lbs)! Despite my requests to turn it loose, he put it in the box. Around 2 pm we left to grab poboys, then returned with the wind down for some late p.m. topwater action. This time Jake grabbed a commie rod and tied on a Torpedo. I paddled us around the pond while Jake kept getting hit after hit, but no fish. He was laughing up a storm, and finally, I said "let me see your lure, there must be something wrong". Yep, there was... NO HOOKS! "Just practicing conservation, dad". Guess next batch of flies will not only be barbless, but hookless as well!
Catch	Fourchon
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Magical Catfish Lake	21 November 2001
Ok Randy Leonpacker and I have a fish story too. After having a somewhat successful Catch and Eat out of Sportsman's (almost equalled Catch with 75+- specks and my largest fish on fly rod, a 6 lb sheepshead), Randy and I made a date to go back to our favorite fishing hole on Catfish Lake. Two summers ago we had come on a large school of specks and reds there and went home with one mans limit and a 6 pound speck and 5 reds, 5-7 pounds, lost three at the boat. The weather Tuesday was supposed to be bad with 20 MPH north winds and gusty. Tried our north shore lake spot early but caught few trout and were driven off by winds. Met Joe Gibson and wife on Bayou Blue and decided to go back across lake as wind was getting worse. After two hours of canal fishing and about to go home we noticed that the wind had almost died!! Randy and I looked at each other, thanked the lord and headed for Catfish Lake. We had only a little over an hour of daylight left and only two trout in the box when we got there. Immedialtly saw a slick in the calming waters complete with jumping pogies. By dark we had 15 keepers in the box and released several dozen. I had two 17 inchers and Randy set his fly rod speck record with a 20 incher. Just like at the catch and eat we left the fish biting and just as we were hooking up the lights we heard a big splash!! The reds were busting the pogies! Alas we had to go and left them for another trip. We know they will be there!
Dugan Sabins	Golden Meadow
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Sun.-Mon., 11/18,19	21 November 2001
My daughter Dori and I fished the big lake at the Leeville bridge Sun AM, we caught 14 rats under 16",2:30-dark fished the FAA gate (I paddeled she fished )we saw 20+reds she caught 4 20-24" two other broke 10lb tippit. We stayed at Boudreaux's Sunday PM everyone there complaining about lack of specs; Catch must have caught them all on Sat.! Three puddlers from the North Shore FF Club were also at Boudreaux's they caught one spec in the big pits and several reds. Monday they joined us at the FAA gate they fished the front area, I paddeled Dori 1/4 mile back, we saw lots of reds she landed eight 20-26" and one mega sheepshead 20", we quit at 12:30. We saw one of the other puddlers on the way out, he had four and we saw him catch one as we picked up our canoe. Conditions were great light wind, clear water but lots of gnats!! Best of all I had a wonderful two days with Dori!!! P.S. She did let me catch one red each day as compensation for paddling; wasn't that thoughtful of her.
Mike Hess	Leeville
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It's Magic Time In The Marsh	20 November 2001
Saturday morning was the best fishing day this year in the marsh. Clear and calm, but just enough breeze to keep the gnats off. Along Highway 1 past Fourchon, birds were diving in every pond, pit, bayou, and canal, while specks busted shrimp at the surface. By noon, I was out the water headed home. Final count: 200+ speckled trout (kept 20), largest 19", 7 reds (kept 1), largest 26". On the way home, stopped along Bayou Lafourche north of Leesville. Bank anglers were catching limits of trout. I made a few casts and caught trout every time. Even though there was a strong tide, the water was clear enough for flies. Specks were caught on a size 2 Kirks Popper (early) and on a size 2 clouser 18 inches under a VOSI (later). Two reds were taken on the clouser and the rest on a size 1 gold Coma Spoon. With fishing this good, I have but one question: How come Susan Gros only caught 65?
Catch Cormier	Fourchon
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Bass Sunday 18th	19 November 2001
Couldn't make it to marsh but fished ponds near home. First cast 2.5# bass on flip flop popper landed about 5 smaller ones till 7:30. Last week I was using a popper with worn out hook. It would not stay in their mouth. But I hooked about six and two were in 3-4# class what a BLAST!!!!!! Try those POPPERS first.
del Rio	Baton Rouge
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Ban Susan Gros from future postings.	19 November 2001
As I prepared to post my report from the Lil' Mo and the Lil' Red of two weekends ago, I once again read Susan's report. I was beginning to get over the serious complex developed after her 65-red trip. Now this. Susan, what is up? You go girl! My trip of two weeks ago to Murfreesboro yielded one 12-inch rainbow and a couple of LLR's. I made the trip with a couple of friends, John Milazzo and Chuck Elkins, both new to fly fishing. They hooked up with Jeff Guerin took a day's lesson and did some fishing as well in the C&R area. They both had a good time with Jeff and learned a lot, while I battled the finicky trout. Next day took us to the Lil' Red. After learning of the serious gore-tex hatch at Cow Shoals (over 200 folks), we headed for the dam. John and I hooked and landed a couple of small browns. Let's see, that's over twenty hours driving, two and one-half days fishing and two fish... God, I love this sport. Decided to try quail hunting yesterday. Guess what? No birds. Chess anyone?
Felipe	Lil' Mo & Lil Red
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VENICE REDFISH BONANZA- CAPT. SHANE DOES IT AGAIN!	18 November 2001
If any of you read my report from September, you know that I caught 65 Reds on one of Kirk's spoon flys. I have replayed that day many times in my head. When one of my good customers from Las Vegas, Joe Hill, said he wanted to learn to fly fish, I said "come on down, take the class Saturday and I'll book a trip with Capt. Shane Mayfield in Venice & show you the ropes." We lauched this morning after a 30 min. delay due to thick fog, then headed down the river to Main Pass. At the first Stop, Joe hooked, landed & released a nice 4 lb. Redfish. (He commented "This is kind of fun...these fish really pull!) About 30 mins passed with nothing, so Capt. Shane said I have another spot better than this one. Off we went to a secret spot nearby. It didn't take long to hook up and from then on, it was total Redfish Heaven. We sight casted to schools of 5 -10 fish, picked out singles and then just did a little blind casting. Using the Kirk's Pink Pepper Spoon, I landed and released 61 Redfish up to 9 1/4 lbs. My customer, Joe Hill, on his brand new Orvis flyrod & Reel landed & released 14!!! This was his first time flyfishing, as he just completed our casting class yesterday. Unheard of EXCEPT in LOUISIANA and fishing with CAPT. SHANE MAYFIELD. If you're quick with the telephone, he has two cancellations; on Nov.26th and 27th, so call him at 504-392-1700 or cell 504-343-7388 and get in on this action. Thanks to Capt. Shane for his efforts...we gave him a REAL WORKOUT on the net today. CONGRATULATIONS to JOE HILL on his first Red on fly (plus the other 13 he caught!) He'll be back soon he promised, as for me, I'm headed for the Ben Gay!!
Susan Gros-LAKESIDE OUTFITTERS	Metairie, LA.
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Reds won this time	14 November 2001
After putting the canoe in around 7:00 a.m. Saturday for the club marsh trip, David and I watched Catch and Steve meander off around an island in search of reds...after both canoes catching several specs on the lake on poppers. As hard as it was to leave the specks when they were hitting, we, too, wanted bragging rights to some big redfish. It wasn't to be. I'm just not quiet enough, careful enough or lucky enough! They were there...swirling, waking, gliding past under my nose, but no takers except for a big fellow who jumped off after saying hi! to my spoon about 20-30 feet from the grass bank. After hours of chasing wakes and swirls, we headed back to the car, only to run across a lively school of specks on the lake area again...2:00 p.m. and they were hitting before we could pop our coma/over charlie/clouser rig. Four or five like that, then shut-down. We drifted all around and couldn't run across them again so we packed it in, drove home and cleaned about 8 specks. Yummm. Dinner Friday at Sportsman's Paradise was very good, also. If you haven't been, the rooms are quite nice and the people couldn't be friendlier.
paula porter	club marsh outing...Chauvin area
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Blue skies and red fish	11 November 2001
Steve Lee and I fished our club's fall marsh outing this weekend. Friday we scouted several spots, looking for trout mostly, but found one late that was chocked full of reds. Saturday am we returned, the reds weren't nearly as concentrated (we think the duck hunters spooked most out), but by day's end we still had some very impressive numbers: spotted nearly 200, hooked 22, landed 18. Also caught 1 drum and several specks. We might've hooked more reds but we spent most of the day fishing poppers. Even though a lot of the fish wouldn't bite, seeing them wake with back out the water was heart-stopping! The best popper was a size 2 Kirks Popper. Most fish caught on Coma or Cabali Spoons. Steve learned several of my techniques for redfish, and by day's end, the student had become the teacher! We missed the 1 pm "weigh-in", and the NO club banquet with Dave Whitlock, but the weather was just too nice, and the fish too cooperative.
Catch	Montegut
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What's the deal?	10 November 2001
I woke up at 3:30 this morning and checked the weather and tides at GM- it sounded perfect? 4-8 knots, falling tides from 8 to 2, and pressure dropping... The only thing missing were the fish! Unless you had a motor and could get back to the lake about a mile in. Supposedly they were killing the reds all day today. Aggravating. But it was a beautiful day, and my anchor get-up that I copied off of Mike LaFleur worked like a charm.
Ed	Golden Meadow
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Man, I love the ER	07 November 2001
Shift work again, I had the afternoon off since I didn't have to be in the ER till 6 tonight and headed out to some neighborhood ponds around noon. Fished an Accardo #10 popper in yellow and took 5-10 bull to medium sized bream and even a 3lb bass by 1:30. Worked a bugger for a while just to see if they were interested, but no one would come out and play. This beats driving 3 hours to get skunked! -Ed
Ed Maa	Baton Rouge ponds
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Lucky To Get Out Alive	07 November 2001
My buddy Danny and I decided to give the marsh a try yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, we headed for Haymark Terminal South of Prien Lk. As we were running the marsh trail back there I took a turn a little too fast, my boat was doing a little sideways slide, and when it finally bit and propelled us forward we were in line with a 4 foot wide finger of land, so we ended up doing and airborn over land boat jump like James Bond in live and let die, no injuries and nothing broken (actually kind of fun) so we continue on our merry way. After a few hours of fighting much more wind than the weatherman predicted we went to leave one flat that we were on only to find that we had been left by the tide and the boat was dragging and pulling a suction in the mud (we are talking seriously shallow, my boat floats in spit) I had to climb out of the boat and push .. unfortunately the bottom was typical Lousiana marsh muck, sinking me up to my thighs, finally got us pushed out...we continued to fish seeing tons of small redfish, none of which would eat anything we threw including the kitchen sink. Finally called it quits at dark, skunked, tired and mosquito bit. Started the run back....about halfway to the dock I took a wrong turn (thanks to my navigator Danny) and almost beached us on a gravely flat...lucky again, no injury or dammage, actually made it to the dock alive.... Damn I love fishing!!
Ron Begnaud	Haymark Terminal
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The Widow Maker	06 November 2001
It was a beautiful day sunday if your a competitive sailor. For us fly fishermen it limited our oppertunities. The water was as high as I've ever seen but it was very clear. We didn't see many fish but did get one on the first cast and anouther on the last. If we can get some normal water levels and the wind to blow 10 or less look out!!!!
flybob	Myrtle Grove
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Finally!	06 November 2001
This Sunday, I finally had a day off and was able to meet up with Roger Del Rio and Mike LaFleur; at least briefly. The wind was up at Grand Isle and met up with them at Golden Meadow. By the time I got there, Mike already had a nice size red on his stringer, unfortunately my friend and I went fishless. The day was beautiful, the clouds were high, and so was the water... can you blame the water? I hope next week is better!
Ed Maa	Golden Meadow
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Reds in high water	05 November 2001
Saturday morning, 11/3 I took my wife fishing at one of my honey holes in the marsh surrounding Big Lake. The water was higher then have ever seen it in this particular marsh, but calrity was good. There was a very strong outgoing tide. Because the water was so high, didn't see much visible sign of fish, but I poled my wife around and had her fish cuts that had water pouring out. She caught 2 reds of 41/2 pounds and lost another at the boat. The one lost was the only fish we saw tailing, although we did see quite a few others that we spooked with the boat...lots of ducks in there, I think I'll have to go build me a blind. Ron Begnaud
Ron Begnaud	Calcasieu marsh
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Scout trip to Chauvin, Montegut	05 November 2001
My fishing lately seems to pattern itself after Saints football games: great one weekend, lousy the next. Today: same 20 knots winds as last Sunday, but this time with a strong tide. Even in the far reaches of the marsh, the water was high and "butt ugly brown". Caught several small specks, 2 keepers, and 0 reds. The only time I even saw reds was when I paddled next to the grass and nearly ran over them (noses buried in the grass). At least the specks bit .. when they could see the fly. GOOD NEWS: next weekend is the worst tide of the fall (Cormier's 5th law of fly fishing: weak tides favor the fly fisher). If the wind doesn't blow, the specks are there in big numbers!
Catch	Chauvin, Montegut
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We fished...we caught some	04 November 2001
A report of mediocre, "at least we weren't skunked" fishing just over the Mississippi from Natchez. Last Sunday, Oct. 28, David and I drove to Lake Condordia for a couple of hours..rented a bateau w/trolling motor from Sue Ardoin, who runs Lakeside Resort and fished the cypress across the lake from her dock. We hooked into 8-10 bream, a small bass and a 20" catfish in two hours, all on a woolly-bugger and a largish beadhead nymph, moved slowly across the bottom as close to the cypress as we could cast. The popper brought a few, also. As there was NO ONE else on the river and the trees, water and birds were so gorgeous, we booked the big lodge rooms, packed up kids and dogs and headed out this Sat. 11/3. Again, 4-6P.M. we nailed bream with black beadhead/fluffbutt/wooly-bugger on the bottom and chartreuse jitterbee 8" under a popper/indicator (flies compliments of Catch who made a mercy run on Sat. early when he dropped off Jake at basketball... thanks so much). Lake Concordia is quiet and pretty right now, and Sue is so accommodating. Good cafe' hamburgers and really QUIET surroundings offset the possibility that you won't "kill 'em" on the lake. The fishing is steady and the bream aren't all large...we wound up with about 15 bulls out of some 25 caught, and another small bass and large catfish. The wind picked up after lunch (Catch: we didn't actually EAT lunch...we fished 12 hours straight...without coffee...in a leaking boat...in the snow) best time is early a.m. and late afternoon. For a 2-hour drive, it is a lovely place to go for the day or overnight. Try the spot behind the overturned ski boat almost across from Lakeside. Pier fishing at Lakeside is pretty good, too.
Paula Cannon/Porter	Lake Concordia, Vidalia, La
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...and that is why they play the game!	28 October 2001
Got a fishing report Saturday night from the Meadow - too windy, water muddy, not much being caught. SOOOO... went there today despite bad report, 45 degree chill, and 20 knot winds from the east (fish bite the least). In the immortal words of Chris Bergman, "this is why we play the game". In other words, you never know till you try! Picked up specks in the north canals - mostly small - on a clouser under a VOSI. By midday, moved into the ponds. Anchored on several points, action slow but steady on a spoon fly. Finished day with 9 reds, largest 26, and about two dozen specks 10-15. Beautiful day, good fishing, and the Saints beat the Rams to boot!
Catch	Golden Meadow
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Specs in the holes	28 October 2001
Went down towards Grand Isle Saturday morning. It was a bit windy but it was out of the north and the water was high. Caught lots of specs in the Pit and the Telephone Pole Hole, but the big guys are not there yet. They were all 12 to 16 inches. I then went to Golden Meadow and the same thing. Spooked several reds when I ran over them with the kayak but did not see any working. A couple more cold snaps and the big specs will be in the holes.
Mike LaFleur	Hwy. 1
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Great day for sight casting!	24 October 2001
Hit the Stuck Bay vicinity last Sunday. Water was very clear and the wind was light. No tails but the fish presented themselves with a slight swirl on the water's surface. Cast within a foot or two and they'd nail it! Biggest red was about 25" and caught some with unique spot patterns. Flexo crab was the champ followed by a large white Gotcha. The broken marsh to the SW of SB had lots of fish schooled up. Kayak really helped with the quiet approach.
MacG	Stuck Bay
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God Smiles on the Lowly Flyfisherman	21 October 2001
The perfect weather, the low wind, the right water level, the clear water, the plentiful fish, the wild ducks all combined for a memorable day out of Bason's. Had 6 hookups, landed 4 ( 2 at 25", 2 at 22") and a handfull of snubs all with a pink charlie. A couple of the fish fights were like wrestling a bear and seemed to last forever.
Jeff M	Golden Meadow
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weather	07 October 2001
10-06-01 wind calm when the sun came up and it promptly started to poor. the rain stoped for about 2 hrs I was able to land 8 of the smallest reds I've ever seen in the dupont canal. They all hit orange bend backs. I was blown-off before I could find any of the normal sized fish.
flybob	Myrtle Grove
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Redfish with Leland Ledet	04 October 2001
Denis Murrell and I fished Monday with Leland. Landed nine reds in the 2-4 # range. Probably had shots at some twenty fish. Denis' fish hit a crab pattern, while mine came on a Pink Charlie. Fish turned off after 1 P.M. Water was still high and the winds blew pretty much throughout the trip. We both had a good time fishing with Leland.
Felipe	Dulac
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grand isle	03 October 2001
went to g.i. yesterday for daybreak. the fish were there, but not giving it up. i had one strike at a popper early, then got three hookups on a shrimp imitation. the fish showed themselves very little, and all the fish i hooked were from casts to swirls. they were there, though. you could here the fish popping all over. found the water to be fairly dirty, and spooked several fish i could have pulled the trigger on had the water been a bit clearer.
mike norman
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Night Fishing Off Grand Isle Bridge	24 September 2001
Fly fished both spans of the old bridge Friday night. Two fly anglers from Houma also there. Together we caught 90% of the fish. Clousers worked best. Tons of specks under lights, nearly all males 10-14 inches. Had 25 limit by 2 am, also kept 6 sandies 10-12 inches. One lady caught a 27 inch red using bait, but other than that, few reds seen in the water.
Catch Cormier	Grand Isle
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Pontchartrain 22Sept 01	22 September 2001
PBFFC kayaked & wade fished at first light. Light NE wind. Water clarity OK. Still has strain from Bayou Lacombe. Lots of ladyfish.They were very aggresive. Most of us from the club lost flies to them.I ended up with four specs (three were keepers). Bite stopped before 9AM. Used a 'String Bean'fly from the Pensacola club newsletter. Only had one with. It's in intensive care for repair. Most fish were caught before the duckblind to the west. Millions of bait fish.
Don Bolstad
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great!	20 September 2001
i love this site... its great... i dont know who runs this thing but its a real treat for any louisiana fly roder..... thanks, keep up the good work.... ty southerland
ty southerland	rayne, la
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loking for some help	20 September 2001
I will be in the Cameron, LA area the end of October. I'm looking for some spots to catch reds and specs. I have fished the coast N. to Texas, farther south, but not here. I see on the map an area called "Sabine Banks" any info? Thanks!
Keith	Oklahoama
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Ponchatrain 16 Sep 01	19 September 2001
Fished hard, paddled harder, perfect conditions, one flounder, a couple ladyfish and one speck.....Go Figure...A good paddling was had by all LeFeur, Pinsel, and Moskal
Walt
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Ponchitrain 16 Sep 01	19 September 2001
Fished hard, paddled harder, perfect conditions, one flounder, a couple ladyfish and one speck.....Go Figure
Walt
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VENICE REPORT - 65 REDS ON FLY!!!	16 September 2001
Yes, fellow fly fishers I did say 65 Reds on fly!! Had the pleasure of fishing today with Capt. Shane Mayfield of Adventure South Guide Service. We headed south to check out some of the passes where the fish had been stacking up. Using a Kirk's Spoon Fly with the barb bent down, I caught & released fish after fish, the largest four going 9 lbs. These fish were chasing storm minnows off the grass beds near Pass-A-Loutre. The water has been high this past week due to TS Gabrielle and the fish had been "silly" as Shane put it. Once hooked, several of the redfish jumped completely out of the water. They looked like big rainbow trout at times. The really unbelievable part (besides the fact that I caught & released so many fish) is that ALL 65 were caught on the SAME Kirk's Spoon fly. The weedguard blew out after about the 5th or 6th one, but it didn't matter...they just kept pounding it. In addition, I caught/released 8 ladyfish and a 2 lb. speckled trout. Kirk must have used some serious expoxy on that one! Thanks to Capt. Shane for a most memorable day, one that will surely go down as my BEST day of catching & releasing Reds. If you want to reach Shane, you can call him at 504-392-1700 or Cell (504)343-7388 He also has a website on www.rodnreel.com (look under flyfishing/saltwater). Check it out for pictures later tonight.
Susan Gros-Lakeside Outfitters	Metairie, LA.
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Nice weather... now	13 September 2001
Spent last weekend in Murfreesboro, AR with Jeff Guerin on the Little Mo. It was beautiful on the water, but the nights were stormy. Evidently the system passed and this week should have been beautiful, but the fishing was fun and the pressure was non-existent. Caught some really healthy 13 inch rainbows that were surprisingly spry and decked out in some wonderful post-hatchery colors... magnificent. And you know when a guy starts talking about colors, the numbers were down.... Those fish are amazingly selective. I've not fished for late summer trout before, but it's a completely different picture than the naive spring stockers that would bite anything that hit the water. Jeff helped me straighten out my cast, otherwise I would have been fishless; but it was a great get-away, a chance to stand in a little piece of nature and forget about troubles for a while. Probably not a bad place to be this week... God Bless America, and please give blood.
Ed Maa	Little Missouri River
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question	05 September 2001
just moved to lafayette area, (rayne) looking for the CLOSEST broken marsh to catch some reds. anyone with any ideas? looking for somthing due south of rayne, intercostal city, delcambre? any ideas. Help! ...ty
ty southerland	rayne, la
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Reds	05 September 2001
I fished Tuesday with Leland Ledet and had an excellent trip. It was partly cloudy with a light breeze and we landed 20 reds -- all sight casting. I started with a spoon but got a few refusals and switched to a tan and gold bendback. They ate it up; I caught all 20 on the same fly ( I had to do some field repairs on the fly to keep it going as I only had the one ). I did try a spoon and popper later in the morning but quickly switched back to the bendback after more refusals. I have had good success with bendbacks before but the spoons usually do at least as well -- go figure.
Rhad Hayden
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Need Some Help	04 September 2001
Hi there , I am a new fly fisherman . I was recently introduced to Fly Fishing by a long lost cousin whom i decided to go and visit in Missoula Montana ,, Oh Boy was I in for a surprise . We spent 3 Days on the Clark Fork river fishing Rusty Spinners (Dry Fly) for rainbow Trout . I'm hooked and dont know how to get my fix now that i'm back in LA. , Also i have promised him that i would turn him on to some World Famous Redfish when he comes down in the spring . I have bought 2 Rods 5/6wt $ 7/8wt and some flies . So if any one has some pointers on Saltwater fising in the Slidell Area for saltwater species please E-mail me .Thank's Lil RED
Lil Red	Slidell
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Wind, Wind, Wind, Dirty Water	04 September 2001
Went Friday morning - hint with 20 knt winds an dirty water shoud have known better. I also was the only one there. Left the yak on the Jeep and walked the shore, two caster showed up, now there were three. Tried the first cut, wow fish! Caught two flounder, lady fish, and one red (infront of the other two guys). That was it for the weekend. BLOW YE WINDS OF THE MORNING AND BLOW YE WINDS OF THE NIGHT, THINK I WILL JUST FLY KITES.
Marc Pinsel	B. Lacombe
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Labor Day Weekend	03 September 2001
Saturday was suppose to be 10 knot winds. Got down to Elmer's at 5:30 and it was a gale. Went to Golden Meadow and put in at the public launch. The water was high, dirty and rough. Fortunately, I was able to get in the lee of the trees and found a few reds, black drum and flounder. The south wind blew all day and kept the water high and higher. Sunday was a rain day. Monday was rain until the afternoon when I went to Catch's backyard. Caught several bass and a few bream. Not a bad weekend. Got the honeydos finished and wet the line a few times.
Mike LaFleur	Various
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shrimp	03 September 2001
sept 1 fished early saw lots of reds on shrimp. Wht shrimp were jumping everywhere and the fish were on them. We caught 4 on light lead shrimp patterns in gold and wht.
flybob	Myrtle Grove
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Reds	28 August 2001
Fished Lafitte this weekend south end of Hackberry Bay. The water very clean no wind. Found several schools of reds largest I landed 8 pounds on a spoon fly using a 10 wt I had just bought couldnt believe how powerful that red was even on a 10 wt wanted to go with his buddies and almost did. Also sight cast to and caught one large black drum. Several schools of reds in Hackberry and Bay Cray. What a day.
Wayne	Lafitte
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Unbelievable times 10	27 August 2001
The redfish are schooling after shrimp behind the Grand Bayou wiers in the Southeast corner fo Calcasieu Lake right now. Schools that litteraly have hundreds of fish, most of which are in the 9 to 11 pound range. We've been getting on them good lately, yesterday we saw two big schools converge into one "Super" school, unfortunately after we had caught two over 9 pounds thunderstorms came up that put the fish down then chased us away. Ron
Ron Begnaud	Cameron Prairie Refuge
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Unbelievable	26 August 2001
In ten years of fishing the marsh, I have never seen anything like it. A school of 25 to 30 big redfish were traveling aroung the open water in the back marsh of Elmer's Island. I first ran into them when I came around an island and surprised them, and me. They were about ten feet away and they spooked. Most of them came right at me, bumping the kayak as they went under me. Thinking this might be a good spot, I fished around there for about 20 minutes. Then I saw them again. It looked like a big dark wave coming across the water. I positioned the kayak to intercept them. When they got within casting range, I threw my chartreuse Charlie right in the middle of the tight pack. Bam! I hooked a big one and the others went in all directions. It was a 28" red, and do I mean red. Dark red, almost burgandy. After saying thank you, I released it. About 30 minutes later, they came back. A 29 incher this time. About 20 minutes later, here they come again. I hooked into a really big one, but this time the whole pack took off together, including the one on the end of my line. Into the backing. Then they spooked. A huge irruption, and nothing on the end of my line. One of the other fish must of cut my leader, the 20# section. And then they were gone. All in all, it was a pretty good day. In the early mornig, I caught lots of tailing reds in the open water and lots of sheepshead and black drum in the broken marsh. Even got 3 flounder and one hardhead. The water was still muddy, only about a foot of visability. But when the fish are hungry, it does not seem to bother them.
Mike LaFleur	Elmer's Island
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fishing was ok	25 August 2001
Went to Lake Pelto this morning and saw a beautiful sunrise on the water. The tide was moving strongly, mullet were out in force being attacked, and the winds were on our side. Caught a few specks around 19 inches at Wine Island Pass on Chartruse clousers,and top water first thing. Went to Wiskey Pass and the pin fish, croakers, and little reds were on a roll. Really truly disappointing for specks and atleast limit size red lovers, but the pin fish and lady fish really helped keep the day fun. Went to some close in rigs in the gulf and the pin fish and lady fish were there in greater numbers also making the day fun even though we really did not get to catch a limit of what we went there for.
James	Lake Pelto
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Highway 51 is Duckweed City!	23 August 2001
Duckweed covers most of Highway 51 south of Manchac. Tried fishing there late this afternoon but finally ended up on the section north of Jones Pass. Caught 2 dozen small to medium bream on Accardo's popper size 10. Question: What the hell is that sign that says "private canal" on the section south of Ponchatoula? Didn't the state dig that canal for the highway?
Catch	Ponchatoula
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the island which is grand	20 August 2001
Fished G.I. Sat- 12 people, 1 flyrodder(at the beggining) 50 fish, 25 keepers on fly. 2 new flyfisherman by the time it was over. pink charlie strikes again.
jay	baton rouge
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Fish in Surf	20 August 2001
This past weekend we stayed with Steve & Arlene Brasuell's Condo. Ideal location in Western Navarre on border of Gulf Island National Seashore. Easy walk to sound or surf. By the way no Specks in sound yet, but surf was full of Ladyfish and some Blues. Very calm surf.. no wind equals plenty action. Caught Lady's till got tired. They jump like Tarpon....great FUN. This condo can be rented for weekend or by week.
del Rio	Navarre,FL.
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Another Jitterbee Testimonial	19 August 2001
Fished a farm pond in So. Mississippi near Woodville as a friend's guest. He fished ultra lite spin tackle with crickets and I fished my 5wt with the Leonpacker jitterbee and vosi (Jitterbee was actually tied by Randy!). Landed over 60 bluegills between us; kept 35 classic bull bream. Jitterbee was the equal of crickets and accounted for half the catch. Most fish were nearshore in 1 to 2 feet in the morning but moved offshore to 3 to 4 feet in afternoon after rain showers. Jitterbee worked well in the deeper waters after moving the vosi up accordingly.
Dugan Sabins	Mississippi Farm Pond
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Old River	15 August 2001
Caught 50 bull bream at Old River using Randy Leonpachers jitter bees.
Master Jake
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Storms Wreak Havoc On Puddlers	15 August 2001
Mike Causey and I went down to the FAA Gate this past weekend, where several other puddlers were fishing. We started off great, catching several small reds and a couple to 20 inches. We also found one spot in a nearby lake and picked up 18 barely-keeper specks. Then the winds picked up and storms closed in and we departed for Golden Meadow. We had to sit out for 2 hours while the rain passed (with it, the lightening). We headed out the public launch and worked the north ponds. The water was very high, quite fresh, and lacking of all species. Caught 2 drum on spoon flies. We then worked the canal banks and picked up about three dozen rat reds and rat drum using pink charlies.. before storms ran us off again! Based on all the small fish we caught, the future looks great!
Catch	Fourchon, Golden Meadow
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Bass	12 August 2001
Caught ten Bass this AM. Feeding good quit @ 7:30am Used Flip Flop Popper-yellow. Missed many strikes from Bass and Bluegills.
del Rio	Pond near house
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Redfish	09 August 2001
Aug 8 Had a great morning on poppers and slidders in rust and gold. Saw lots of fish and landed 5 plus 1 sheepshead and 2 black drum. Water was very clear and fish were feeding on minnows.
flybob	Myrtle Grove
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Caught Nice Scaliat today	09 August 2001
I sometimes go to this pond to try my lures I tied or to play with my 3wt rod and reel. Close to home when I am short on time. I did know this pond has produced some nice scaliat in the past. Usually just one or two a trip. I do not keep them. Today was a major shocker. While playing with the little bream I got into a school of nice large white scaliat. Right before the first one hit these bream got out of there quickly. The Scaliat were schooled up next to the ditch running into it by the softball field. I caught 25 in all within 30 minutes. I measured the fish 10 were close if not a little over 12 inches, 8 were between 8 to 9 inches, and 7 were around 5 to 7 inches. After the furry I just caught the same runt scaliat that were 4 to 5 inches. Also hit some little bass which are scattered in the school or bream. The fish are on the top of the water at this time.
James Schexnaider	BREC North Sherwood Park
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Brenton Sound & Chandeleur Islands	06 August 2001
I will be fishing around Brenton Sound & the Chandeleur Islands in a couple of weeks. I have never fished this area nor have I done much surf fishing. I have been tying Chartruse Clousers, Pink Charlies, & Spoon Flies based off reports posted on this site from various places around LA. Does anyone have any suggestions on other flies and what and where to fish in the location I am headed to. I have a bunch of baitcast fishman I will be with and sure would like to make a good showing. Thanks, Craig
Craig Martin	Granbury, TX
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Reds on a spoon	04 August 2001
I fished the coast near Burns Point ,(St. Mary Parish), this morning . I boated 9 reds from 18 to 30 inches. I caught all of them on a blue and gold spoon fly. I released all but one , gonna grill him on the pit tonite.
Brad Pillaro	Burns Point
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To Sean	31 July 2001
Over the last 3-4 years Bedico has been hit or miss (for me mostly miss). I had one good trip for white perch on Bedico last year, since then nothing. The Tangi holds fish but farther up it runs swift and can be difficult to fish. As for 51, I usually fish the area between Manchac and Ponchatoula. Last spring this area produced tons of big bream on poppers in early spring then kept producing big ones on sinking flies through the end of June. This year its been a complete turn around with two trips in May only producing @10 bream each, after that I haven't been back. I've lived in Hammond for 4 years and for me the best fishing has been on the Natalbany river. I launch on the Tickfaw river in Springfield at the Tickfaw Marina and fish the lower 2-5 miles of the Natalbany. This area consistently produces bream and bass on the fly, even through the heat of the summer. One problem with this area though is the large number of small catfish (which readily take any sinking fly) and the large number of gars that will mangle a perfectly good popper.
Kevin	Hammond
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Tides were strong both ways today and low wind	30 July 2001
Went to Grand isle today with low winds and strong tides. On the beach I could not even get a crab to bite. The early morning drastic rise which peaked by 8:00 am and the tide dropped drastically from 9am-12am seemed to move fish to far from my reach. I will let the specks in the area live to see anothe day.
James Schexnaider	Grand isle state park
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Bedico Creek.	24 July 2001
I used to fish this area alot years ago. There were lots of bream, crappy, big bass (got one on the wall at home from here) and GATORS, and I meam GATORS. I used to have a 14 foot flat and was out with youngest daughter and passed one 15 feet long (bigger than the boat) she never went back to Bedico. Shouldn't be to much traffic but there might be some on the river. Tangipahoa was always good for bass.
Marc Pinsel
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Fly fishing Bedico Creek	23 July 2001
Has anyone tried Bedico Creek for bream and bass? I went to a friends camp there the other day and thought it looked better than the water on Hwy 51. Also, going north up the Tangi. River where there are no camps looks well too.... Any reports? Thanks! Sean
Sean	Laplace
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First fish on a fly	18 July 2001
While on vacation in Bryson City, NC I had a 4 hour window of opportunity to try to catch a trout on a fly rod while the rest of the group went horseback riding. Being new to flyfishing and having never thrown a line over water (only grass), I was amazed as to how easy it was despite all the hoopla about the difficulty in flycasting. It only took loosing 6 flies and a mile of 3lb tippet before I got the hang of it. (Thanks goes to Richard at Gulf South Outfitters for the quick lesson and the beadhead looking fly things. Turned out to be BH prince nymphs). Caught two browns on the upper Nantahala river past the powerhouse and missed several more. Now I'm hooked on flyfishing and can't wait to try for reds and specs in Pointe ala Hache. Going to try for Bream in Ruddock this weekend.
Mark Benton	Hammond, LA
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<')))>< BIG SPECKS ON FLY <')))><,	17 July 2001
Fished today in Lake Pontchartrain near the Dansinger Bridge for BIG Speckled Trout with Capt. Dudley Vanderborre & Capt. Dee Geoghegan. While the guys fished live shrimp on the bottom and plastics (Deadly Dudley's) I casted a full sink line and a Jose' Wejebe Spanish Fly (Chartreuse/White). It took about 40 minutes of patient casting, letting the line sink 12-18 ft. then slowly retrieving before I hooked my first fish. It weighed 3 1/4 lbs. back at the dock for a 20# tippet Ladies IGFA Record. Around 7:50 a.m. I hooked a fish that took off like a rocket. Within 7 minutes, a beautiful 5 lb. speck was boatside. Don Dubuc was filming his OUTDOORS WITH DON DUBUC show that airs tonight, so all the action was captured on film. This fish will earn the IGFA Ladies Saltwater Flyrod record for 16# tippet once certified by IGFA. Those folks in Florida have nothing on us. We have an amazing fishery right in the city of New Orleans. Thanks to Capt.Dudley, Capt. Dee, Don Dubuc and his cameraman, Scott for helping me in my quest for a new World Record on Fly. If any of you guys are looking for BIG TROUT give me a call at the shop & I'll hook you up with them. Susan Gros (504) 834-FISH
Susan Gros - Lakeside Outfitters ORVIS	New Orleans,LA.
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Scouting Trip To Grand Isle	16 July 2001
Took my 17 year old, Kevin, and his friend Blake to Grand Isle. Surf was nice, trout were few. Fished Oyster Reef Park and near Library. Met up with Chris Macaluso of LA Outdoor Adventures TV/radio show and his group also caught few, mostly small, using Top Dog, Jr (probably THE best non-fly lure). Bridge fishing poor, no tide movement. FAA Gate and other ponds had dirty water, probably from north winds. SO.. with GI having little to offer, we drove up to Golden Meadow on Sat and Galliano on Sun and paddled the ponds. Water was clear and backs and tails were out by the hundreds, mostly sheepshead. Since it was Blake's first salt trip, I allowed shrimp. Blake was intrigued by the fact that my pink charlie was outcatching his shrimp 2-1. He switched to pink charlie on a commie rod and ended up catching a Marsh Grand Slam (red, sheeps, drum). Blake is converted and plans to take up fly fishing. These boys are good anglers, but they're no MASTER JAKE. Lookout salt species - the Master returns this weekend!
Catch	Grand Isle
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Elmer's Island	14 July 2001
I went down there to fish Wed p.m. and Thu a.m. Rain kept me "out of the boat" Wed afternoon and evening, but I did drive by and check Elmer's Island. Status: still "closed until further notice" and "for sale". I heard previously from Mike Lafleur that it would be closed until the owner was buried, but I can't imagine it taking this long. Wonder what's up with plans for the future down there. Anybody heard anything new?
Joe Kahler
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Specks, Spanish, Tarpon	12 July 2001
Fished Buras Sun and Mon Caught my 1st speck on a fly, and 2nd and 3rd. 2 on clouser and 1 on chartreuse popper. Traveled to Florida and fished with Ward Holman for Tarpon. No takers, but saw about 80! Had one follow, but wouldn't eat. Lots of boat traffic(July 4th) seemed to spook fish. Got in a school of Spanish and caught one left them to fish for tarpon. Had a great time and will try again not on 4th week. We fished with Rolf Layup tarpon fly, 11wt r&r, 10' flouro leader. See Robinson Brothers Guide Service Web site.
Art from Shreveport	Buras and Appalachicola Florida
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Ponchartrain Specks Are On!	09 July 2001
Mike LaFleur and I, along with two other puddlers from the Red Stick club, and Don Bolstad and Doug Peters from the Ponchartrain club went out of Bayou Lacombe this past Sat am. Specks were off the edge of the drop offs. Lots of boats gathered in as fly fishers were catching every cast, but they had no luck. Yes, the specks would hit ONLY FLIES! Gurglers, chartreuse clousers, and pink charlies worked best. Action continued until midday. I also caught some bigger fish (16-18 inches) far offshore trolling with an intermediate line about 20 feet behind my canoe. Also caught a 24 inch red, Neal caught a small drum, and also ladyfish and even a jack.
Catch	Lacombe, LA
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Combat Fly Fishers Highway 1 Report	01 July 2001
Jake and I "weathered" a rough early weekend trip down to Grand Isle. From Friday pm to Saturday mid afternoon, we dodged lightning storms while fishing various spots. SURF: fishing was off, only a pair of specks, a few small jacks and spanish. Water visibility was 6 inches, not the emerald green color we saw last week when we mopped up. BRIDGE AT NIGHT: specks hit clousers pretty good, came out with a dozen fish 13-16 inches. Sand trout run hasn't started. PITS: waded the Oklahoma Pit. There were tailing drum and a couple of backing reds. Stalked and landed one red using Dietrich popper. Caught two drum on gold spoon fly before storm moved in. LAURIER PONDS: water was clear thanks to slow tides. Caught specks in lower lake using clousers under a VOSI. Caught 2 reds using gold spoon fly. Again, storms chased us back in. GOLDEN MEADOW: north side ponds full of backing fish, mostly sheepshead. Jake caught 1 sheeps, 2 drum and 2 reds on gold spoon fly. Big red was 29 inches. OVERALL: not a great trip, but pretty good considering we spent more time paddling and driving than fishing trying to avoid those showers.
Catch	Grand Isle / Golden Meadow
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Elmer's Island is Closed	27 June 2001
I was down there Sunday and I found that Elmer's Island is "closed until further notice" and "for sale"; probably due to the death of the owner.
Joe Kahler
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Spring Bayou WMA	26 June 2001
Master Jake and I made a late trip Sunday to Spring Bayou. Great place for puddling. Fishing was slow but steady from 4 pm to 7 pm, then the bream and sacalait really turned on. Hot fly was a size 10 Fluff Butt - black fine chenille body with chartreuse marabou tail. We fished only the section within 1/2 mile of launch and caught and released over 60 fish.
Catch	Marksville, LA
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Catfish Lake Ponds	26 June 2001
Fished the marshes down around Catfish Lake yesterday from the 'yak. On the water at sunup - water like glass for a couple of hours. Plenty of reds and black drum "backing" along the shallows at the edge of the marsh grass; hitting well on crab flys. Fishing on a Monday, I pretty much had the area to myself. Real quiet. Came around a corner (sneaky like, so as not to spook any rojos) and there in the distance were two otters doing their own morning fishing. They didn't see me for quite a while, and when they did, one skittered off into the grass, and the other watched me glide by and "peeped" his warning to the other(s?). What a treat! I had no idea otters were back there. Anyone else ever see 'em?
Joe Kahler
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Fishing Alaska	21 June 2001
My long awaited trip to Lake Marie Lodge is coming up on the 25th of June. He is the fellow that came to an earlier meeting with the slide show for King Salmon. I am bringing ALL of my fly fishing stuff just in case something else comes up. Is there any one else booked at Lake Marie Lodge? Wish me a safe journey, will be returing on July 9th. Tombo
Tombo
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Specks Have Turned On!	21 June 2001
With the light winds of summer now in place, it was time for Master Jake and I to make a "coma trip" to Grand Isle. Hit Fourchon beach 8 pm Tuesday, and just before it got dark and the action died, we picked up 7 nice specks 14"-16" on chartreuse clousers. Fished the bridge Tues nite, water muddy at low tide (strong tides pulled lots of debris from back marsh). But after 2 am, the incoming tide was clear, and the specks and even nice white trout really turned on. Wednesday at first light, hit the beach again, this time fellow RSFF member Gary Peterson was there. Caught 3 nice specks, largest one 3.8 lbs again on clouser. Gary was fishing pencil popper, he bagged 3 nice specks also, and lost one fish probably 4 lbs. At 8 am headed to the FAA Gate pond. Tough launching due to rocks on side of Hwy 1. Water everywhere was chocolate mud (Cormier's 4th law: weak tide is better for fly fishing than strong tide). We saw only 3 reds, a few drum and sheeps. Jake caught and released all 3 reds, using a gold spoon fly. He also caught a 2.4 speck on commie spoon, which he entered into the CCA STAR tournament Youth division. At noon, on our way back into Grand Isle for lunch, we stopped at the bridge. The water in the pass was blue-green and visible down to 6 feet! Fished for an hour and caught a few of everything on flies. Some of the species we saw or caught included trout, spanish mackeral, ladyfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, bluefish, tripletail, jacks, whiting. How good is the fly fishing for specks? How about - we came home with an ice chest full and released lots more. PS> At Chicks in Golden Meadow, while registering Jacob's fish, we learned the local guides had limited out on specks in the bays that morning.
Catch Cormier	Grand Isle
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Lake Hemitage	20 June 2001
I spent a night this week at Bayou Log Cabins near Lake Hemitage. There are two cabins which each have a queen size bed and a sleeper sofa. There is a lighted dock for fishing. They said the fishing was unusually slow but I caught 15 specks from about 9:30 to 12:30. The next morning I paddled to nearby marsh and caught 8 reds, 1 drum, 1 sheephead, and lost a couple. This spot might make for a nice four man puddler trip somtime.
Rhad Hayden	Lake Hermitage
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Surf's Down	20 June 2001
I went to Elmer's Island on Tuesday. There was hardly any wind and the surf was flat. Caught lots of specs, many in the 2 to 2 1/2 pound size. After they stopped biting around 9:30, I got in the kayak and went into the marsh. The water was still muddy and the reds were still spookey. When you would put the fly right in front of them, some would turn around and race down the bank, trying, it seemed, to get out of the water. Others, of course, took the fly. I even picked up some flounders. One was three pounds. Specs, reds and floounders, is that a Lousiana grand slam? On a sad note, they found the body of Jay Elmer, the owner of the island, in a canal across the road from his house.
Mike LaFleur	Elmer's Island
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Freshwater Fishing is Back!	17 June 2001
A late afternoon trip with Master Jake to Highway 51 canals was very productive. Caught 60+ gobbules on popping bugs, kept 20 and released the rest. Water is almost back to normal level (not the drought level). We fished about 2 miles from LaPlace. Further north, the canal is pushing high water from Maurepas, and there's one heck of a current.
Catch	Ruddock
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The Wind Gods Turn Happy	17 June 2001
I went down to Elmer's Island on Saturday, based on the WINDcast predictions of 5-10k in the morning and dropping to 5k or less in the afternoon. They were right. The only problem was that the water was still muddy, making the fish spookey. There are so many reds in the marsh behind the beach. I must have had shots at a lease 50+, but because they were spookey, I only caught a few. But it was great. I was the only one in the marsh, low winds and lots of fish. What could be better?
Mike LaFleur	Elmer's Island
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New Sport	04 June 2001
I have given up trying to fly fish this year and have taken up sailing. The wind has been perfect for the last three months. Tight sails!
Marc Pinsel
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