We estimated this giant of a fish at 38.5 pounds. We put her on a 30 pound scale and it immediately bottomed out. She may have weighed more, but we'll never know for sure. What we do know for sure is that she fought valiantly and that we released her healthy and well able to reproduce and fight again on another day and another time.

Fish like these can be found roaming the outer bays near the Gulf of Mexico. Leeville and Grand Island produce fish this size and on occasion larger.

If you are blessed to capture a trophy like this one, please return her to the water unharmed.

Fight the fish in such a way as to bring it to the net quickly. Once captured handle with extreme care. Photograph setups should be prepared in advance so as to avoid wasted time. I fish barbless hooks and recommend you consider doing the same. It is my understanding that barbed hooks were first introduced to keep the bait on the hook, not the fish. Fighting a fish with continual pressure will not allow the hook to slip free. It is true that if you allow the line to become slack the chances of loss are great. BUT, we are sportsman, aren't we?

Release your trophy healthy… that way you'll remember the gorgeous creature swimming into oblivion rather than laying pale and lifeless in an ice chest.

Make sure to bring a camera and you don't have to abstain from taxidermist. They can do wonders with fiberglass reproductions.

Best fishes,
Capt. Dan Ayo

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Capt. Dan Ayo
E-mail    -  flyfisher@flyfishlouisiana.com
Website - Shallow Minded Guide Service
(985) 855-1381 before 8 PM Central Time