Louisiana Flyfishing - Sight Fishing for Redfish, Cajun
Style!
Two good old boys from Mississippi come Louisiana flyfishing
for a great day's fishing, Cajun Style
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Cast, Cast!
I guess in the broadest sense of the word the motions could
have been called a cast. But the line didn't fall near the
fish because it was too busy getting wrapped around the caster.
I watched the fish slowly swim into oblivion as the caster
struggled to free himself of the fly line. Disappointed and
fully frustrated with his less that stellar performance, and
all the while having to listen to the captains laugh, as he
shouted out, "that is what sight fishing is all about.
Like the Wide World of Sports, the Thrill of Victory or the
Agony of Defeat." His next statement was much more reassuring.
He told us not to worry that we would have many opportunities
like that before the day was over.
The captain was correct. Many opportunities were to come.
The skies were blue and the sun was bright. The surface of
the water glistened like a polished mirror. God had surely
seen fit to shine his good fortune upon us this day. Several
fish under 9 pounds had been boated and released, but the
best of the day was still to come…
Dr. Eddie Johnson, known to his friends as Dr. J. was on
deck when the magic moment began. Having missed a number of
opportunities for giants, he was more determined than ever
to take a giant Redfish over 20 pounds with his fly rod. Dr.
J. had caught Reds before, but never sight fishing with a
fly.
All of sudden, out of no where he appeared
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Slowly swimming in water less that 2 feet
deep, was a huge Redfish. This time, filled with determination,
he cast his fly with speedy accuracy. The fly fell perfect.
Strip, Strip, Strip, then stopping to let it sink for
a while. Then one more ever so slight strip, when all
of a sudden the huge fishes gills flared and the captained
shouted with uncontrollable excitement. "Hit em,
Hit em, Hit em". With a deliberate strip strike the
fish was on and the fight had begun.
The giant of a fish struggled for its life, not knowing
we planned to release it
After battling the fish for some time, it finally gave
in and allowed us to net it. The fish weighed in at
23.5 pounds. After posing a few moments for pictures
we safely returned it to the water. Watching a magnificent
fish like this one swim free was the second most memorable
event of the day for the doctor.. Click
here to read Dr. J's letter, describing in his own words
the events of the day.
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The day could have ended there, but it was only just beginning
Dr. J. would eventually break his only fly rod on a fish, that
we estimated at way over 30 pounds. We stitched the remaining
pieces up as best we could. With the remaining 5 foot fly rod
he had a fish over 20 pounds pull loose and managed to land
a Redfish that weighed near 15. |
Immediately after Dr. J. breaks his rod, Big Bob spots the
largest fish of the day.
No one, including the captain can contain their enthusiasm.
This fish is spotted 25 feet off the boat and looks larger
than life and Bob makes the perfect cast. The giant waste
no time consuming the offering. The hook is set and the contest
begins. Unable to convert Bob to fly tackle, Bob finds himself
dancing with a monster Redfish with a flimsy rod and a tiny
Mitchell 300 strung with 8 pound test. The captain seems worried,
wondering if the equipment is up to the task. The drag on
the tiny reel is rough and unsmooth. The rod jerks and the
reel squeals as the drag slips and binds, slips and binds.
The captain if frantic. The fish lunges for deep water and
the captain is quick to pursue. The battle is nerve racking
and everyone on board prays for a quick and successful fight.
There is too much to loose should this trophy break free.
The face of God continues to shine on us
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After several attempts to net the giant, we are finally
successful. Bob, a man large in statue, stands trembling
like a child. The emotions combined with adrenaline
can be overwhelming at moments like this. This was definitely
The Thrill of Victory. We weighed the fish with a 30
pound scale and it immediately bottomed out. Everyone
on the boat conservatively estimated the giant's weight
at 38.5 pounds. To tell the truth it may have exceeded
40. But that part of the tale will remain a mystery.
Two boys from Mississippi came skeptics and left believers.
The lives of everyone on board that day were forever
changed. The sounds, smells, and sights are indelibly
imprinted in our minds and will remain forever in our
hearts.
That's Louisiana Flyfishing for ya'
It is absolutely fantastic to be on the open water
when the Face of God is shining down from above.
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May the face of God forever shine upon you and
your families,
Capt. Dan
Time spent on the water ends ever so quickly,
thought the memories continue to surface for a
lifetime
Louisiana Flyfishing. a Cajun Experience
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