The 2nd stop of the Bassmaster Central Opens landed us 177 anglers in familiar territory of Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana and the Red River. This time was different in that we where arriving 3 or so months after the River had been opened back up due to 12 months of closure because of extreme flooding. We where meet with a stingy river and even stingier canals to reach the famed backwater areas. Most canals were filled with sand and only a few were accessible. Although most were tried some of us had a shovel in our hand as much as rod and reel during practice.
My first few days of practice was meet with minimal results. But a start none the less. Small keepers where the not really even the norm I was just looking for bites. All these anglers are good and most "sand bag" from time time. But this time is was true. With the high water for so long the fish have had many options presented to them on where to be and go. Most where not where I was or where I even traveled too.
Day 1 started out with a run to the famed pool #3 and locking 2 times which is almost never done, due to time constraints and possible barges. But still that was the best option I had come up with and we was leaving about 160 boats in the other pools. So areas was not packed with other boats. Day 1 ended with no locking problems and we made it back safely and on time but my co-angler had 2 keepers for 6lbs and I had a big 0. I had a keeper jump off not huge, but a keeper and 6 bowfin and a 8lb CCF, what a day.
Day 2 stated off with a decision to only lock 1 time and stay in pool # 4. Then I had an amazing 25 mile boat run with one of the best Elite Drivers in the bushiness, hint he likes Pink. Back and forth and ducks rising off the river, lite ripples to glass clam, to sunshine coming through the trees. It was one of those moments that you know at the time they are happening, is going to be one of the coolest things that has happened to you in a while. He is the best for sure. But when you have 2 cats like his and mine it is like a Sunday stroll. The day ended with me finally catching a keeper at 2lbs 10oz, it was a good feeling to final go to the scales.
I had a fabulous time as I always do, but this time I was saying with some of my family down there. Cousins I have not seen in years. They opened their house up to me and I was greeted with that hospitality that you get Down Here. Thanks to Sydney, Zak, & Zoey and of course Chad and Rayna. I will be back and hopefully this time with better fishing conditions.
My first few days of practice was meet with minimal results. But a start none the less. Small keepers where the not really even the norm I was just looking for bites. All these anglers are good and most "sand bag" from time time. But this time is was true. With the high water for so long the fish have had many options presented to them on where to be and go. Most where not where I was or where I even traveled too.
Day 1 started out with a run to the famed pool #3 and locking 2 times which is almost never done, due to time constraints and possible barges. But still that was the best option I had come up with and we was leaving about 160 boats in the other pools. So areas was not packed with other boats. Day 1 ended with no locking problems and we made it back safely and on time but my co-angler had 2 keepers for 6lbs and I had a big 0. I had a keeper jump off not huge, but a keeper and 6 bowfin and a 8lb CCF, what a day.
Day 2 stated off with a decision to only lock 1 time and stay in pool # 4. Then I had an amazing 25 mile boat run with one of the best Elite Drivers in the bushiness, hint he likes Pink. Back and forth and ducks rising off the river, lite ripples to glass clam, to sunshine coming through the trees. It was one of those moments that you know at the time they are happening, is going to be one of the coolest things that has happened to you in a while. He is the best for sure. But when you have 2 cats like his and mine it is like a Sunday stroll. The day ended with me finally catching a keeper at 2lbs 10oz, it was a good feeling to final go to the scales.
I had a fabulous time as I always do, but this time I was saying with some of my family down there. Cousins I have not seen in years. They opened their house up to me and I was greeted with that hospitality that you get Down Here. Thanks to Sydney, Zak, & Zoey and of course Chad and Rayna. I will be back and hopefully this time with better fishing conditions.