Topwater Bull Reds

Report Date: July 19, 2002

ADVENTURE SOUTH GUIDE SERVICE-Buras/Empire/Venice---

Today my crew consisted of Don and Bill from Arkansas, along with Greg from Baton Rouge in my boat, while John Jackson, of Louisiana Outdoor Adventures, was nice enough to take his friend Mr. Miles Higgins with him in his boat to lighten my load. We started off fishing trout around one of the many structures in the area, but the bite was very slow and I really wanted to see if we could get the guys in on some of the hot redfish action before the sun got too high in the sky. With this in mind I headed back to one of the spots that I caught fish on yesterday and the guys managed to put 3 reds in the boat. The first fish of the day was a real bruiser that we estimated to weigh at least 30+ lb. The real cool thing is that Don caught it, and it was the first redfish he had ever caught. Not a bad way to start the morning. We fished this spot a little longer before deciding to try a second spot.

At our second stop I could hear, and sometimes see the big redfish busting the menhaden on the surface, and I knew that it was only a matter of time before we got into them. Sure enough, Bill hooked one, and then another, and when I finally got the boat on anchor, the guys started to get their lines stretched pretty regularly. It was awesome to watch those big bull reds knock pogies out of the water within casting distance of the boat and to have them so willing to hit a topwater lure! That's right, after watching my guys hook up several times, John and Miles moved in next to us and started throwing Top Dog Jr's and She Dogs and it was nothing nice! Every time one of those big bulls would crash the lures, water would fly and the sound was unmistakable, and we had a front row seat for it all. Bill, on my boat, even got into the action with the Dogs, but it was hard trying to work a topwater when the other 2 guys were throwing out and hooking fish on the jigs every couple of cast. At one time, all of my guys were hooked up at once and it was funny to see them switch spots on the back of the boat while trying to keep the 3 bulls on the end of their lines from crossing and breaking off.

We continued to play with these fish for some time until the guys had some good sore arms, and then we went in search of some smaller reds and a few trout. I headed toward the same spot that I found a few trout on yesterday, and it looked pretty good when we arrived. The guys started casting and just as we got into the right position, a boat came roaring toward us and looked as though he was going to battle us for the spot. I put my arms up in the air with the hope of slowing him down, but he just kept coming. I watched in disbelief as he motored between my boat and the spot my guys were casting to and he said that that was the only way home and that he needed to pass. #1, there is always more than 1 way home when you are fishing Venice, and #2 I asked him why he did not simply swing wide around us and head for home. He said nothing and just jumped up on step and ran off into the distance. Oh well, it's nothing I have not seen before. At any rate the guys had a wonderful time and I am sure to say that Don, in particular, will never look at bass fishing in Arkansas the same way after today. In fact, I think I may have ruined him. Thanks guys, I hope to see you again soon.

The fish were caught using Purple/Chartreuse, Avocado/Red Flake, or Black/Chartreuse Deadly Dudley Terror Tail Jr's on 5/16-ounce jigheads with a steady retrieve and with Top Dog Jr's and She Dogs walked across the surface. If you want to go fishing with a guide service that prides itself on giving it's clients an outdoor adventure of a life time, give me a call at (504) 392-1700, or on my cell (504) 382-2711. You will catch fish with us and have a lot of fun doing it! The night fishing action is on, and the available days in August are limited. Pretty soon I'll be booking up for the September Redfish Roundup in the passes down river. Don't miss the boat. I Guarantee Fish and Fun!!!

And remember, when fishing with Adventure South Guide Service, you will catch your own fish. I will not catch them for you. Until Net Time, Catch Em' Up!!!

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