Biloxi Marsh, NOLA, 2018

Winter fishing, for redfish, can be hit or miss, depending on the weather, and there is really no way to predict the conditions.  
However, this year, warm weather and  the bright skies welcomed our group of 8 to Delacroix, LA. 

My partner for the week was an old friend, Jim Christianson.  

Jim has fished many saltwater venues, but this would be his first opportunity to catch redfish.  

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It didn't take long for our guide, Paul Lappin, to find a big tailing red, and when Jim dropped the fly near the red, the fight was on!  This 25 lb. red was the perfect way for Jim to start his redfish experience!

Although we didn't find the huge bull reds, famous in the Biloxi Marsh, we caught good numbers of redfish 8 to 15 lbs.

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One morning, Paul eased the skiff into a shallow, weedy bay, and we could see redfish feeding all over the flat.  With so many weeds, and the reds "floating" near the surface, I was sure my Redmeat Neutralizer would be the answer....and it was!

The reds didn't hesitate to inhale a well placed fly!

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When fishing the deeper flats, a fly that sinks fast is critical, to intercept the reds, and once again, the Bull-et Fly was perfect.

mottle brown Bull-et Fly

The Bull-et Fly provides a strong profile, adds movement, and pushes water....  

....and when we encountered somewhat clear water, the mottled brown version worked great!  

When the water was stained, we switched to the black & purple version.  

The 3/0 jig hook was great for the reds, with only one fish dropped, for the week!

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This was my 3rd trip to the Biloxi Marsh, and on my bucket list was a big black drum.  I am told that many times these fish are difficult to "feed" with an artificial fly, but my first encounter proved otherwise.

Dropping my mottled brown Bull-et Fly just ahead of the black, started the dance.  A few short strips.... 

(and a pause...thanks to the quick advice from Paul!)....

...resulted in a solid hookup!

After a short fight the big 35 lb. black drum was at the boat, and crossed off my bucket list. 

Paul was reluctant to bring the drum on board, and once I cradled the black in my lap, I understood why they are called

"Big Nasty"!

The slime and smell is something else, and I had to wash my clothes after the encounter!  Grin!

[Yes, that will be the last time I hold a black drum!]

Our group did catch some reds over 20 lbs., and saw many considerably larger!

I want to thank Doug, David, Jimmy, Danny, Julian, Dana, and Jim, for a great week in "the marsh", and to our head guide, Gregg Arnold, and his wife Nancy, for providing everything needed for a perfect trip!

 We are already planning our 2019 trip to the Biloxi Marsh!