I realized the other day that I haven't landed a fish since December. Just when I was getting cocky, winter came and smacked me in the face. Winter is an interesting time for the sightfishing specialist. The fish are much less active - I saw no backing, no tailing, and few wakes out in the kayak this winter. At the same time, local fly fishermen say winter is the best time for sightfishing. What gives? What gives is that they have boats and I, up until recently, didn't. Winter brings clearer water to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, allowing fisherman in boats to spot redfish easier but making no difference for kayakers, who are so low to the water. That's all about to change as the weather is warming up. I think the water clarity of winter is gone for the year (if it ever existed) but I, for one, am excited to start seeing some active redfish again. Last year my first really good day of redfishing was in mid-May, so I may be jumping the gun a little. But I am sooo ready. I spent several hours on Sunday searching fruitlessly for active redfish from the kayak. It just hasn't happened yet, but with the temperatures creeping up, it could be any day now.
Just to give an update on my boat, I've taken it out three times since I got it. The first time was all about learning. I learned how to operate my outboard. I learned that some of my favorite places are really shallow. I learned that my boat can't handle 2 full grown men standing near the stern. I learned that the Mississippi Sound is not the best place for my boat unless it is flat as a pancake. I learned that the bilge pump works. Yeah, it was interesting outing, and we barely fished, but that's okay, because... I learned a lot. The second outing went much smoother - Mrs. Michissippi and I went for a cruise and I practiced poling but again didn't fish much. I took it out a third time by myself and just did some exploring. I'm hoping to finally take the boat on a serious fishing expedition as soon as the weather and my schedule line up.
Despite the lack of fish, I've spent some beautiful days on the water recently, and here are some pictures.
Just started Checking out your Blog! Nice... We seem to have some things in common, Fly fishing, Fly tying, Blogging about Both of these and living in South Mississippi. Check out My new Blog.
ReplyDeletewww.thetangledfly.wordpress.com
There is not a lot of content yet, As i have just started it. Happy fishing and Tight lines. J.Marc Evans
Thanks Marc. Looks like you've got a great start on your blog! Nice to have another fly fisher blogging from South Mississippi. Maybe I'll see you out on the water!
DeleteWhat water do you live near? I fish East & West Pascagoula river, Dog River, and the Bangs lake area. If you have not tried the Bangs lake area, you would love it! Perfect for flyfishing. Lot of Marsh grass, Shallow water, and it opens up to the Gulf. There are a lot of nice reds there as well.
DeleteEasy to get to the fish with your kayak, but with your new boat ( nice one ) the posibilities are endless. some great sight fishing.
By the way, My brother-n-law is from Michigan, upper michigan.
I usually fish around Ocean Springs and Gautier, particularly Graveline Bayou, which is a great place for redfish (although the boat launch is closed right now...). I've paddled the Pascagoula River a couple times too. I've been thinking about Bangs Lake for a while now - I'll have to give it a try! Thanks for the tip.
DeleteRight on. Better late than never, here's the link to the squid fly, that inspired mine. Check it out. There is Sommer great stuff on this site.
DeleteCopy & paste : http://daijonesflies5.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/squid-pattern-step-by-step_9.html?m=1
How do you like the tiller steer?
ReplyDeleteI like it. My only wish is that it was a little bit longer so I could stand up, but other than that I have no problems with it.
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