re: PaddlePalooza 12 check-in thread

Looking back Saturday was just a rough day for me. The weather hampered my plans and the lightning kept me from going too far from the launch, I lost a pair of Costas overboard, I caught more catfish than I've ever caught in my life, I caught a bird AND a catfish at the same time, hooked a nice flounder but lost it when my line rubbed a rusty post and cut the line 10ft from me. Still had a good time though despite all my blunders.

I wasn't really concerned with the rain, I was even ok with the wind as it never really got near as bad as I expected, the lightning was pretty intense at times.

My original intentions were to get on the water at 4am, be in place and try to catch a red once 5am came around. I don't know where the hell to get good sized trout but knew I could atleast get a decent schoolie trout fishing under birds near the bridge. Then pickup and try to get a flounder between Fourchon and Grand Isle.

This was my first slam tournament and I definitely learned a few things. I got on the water way later than I wanted, I spent way too much time trying to upgrade my trout, ended up picking up due to weather and moving to search for a flounder. Lost one within the first 30 minutes then nothing for 2 hours. By then it was almost time to start the weigh-ins. Time management, accepting what you have and not wasting excessive time trying to upgrade. I wasted a good 3 hours looking for a bigger trout. All in all I still had a great time, doing tournaments is making me fish places I've never fished before.

Expensive boats catch more fish. Come on now.

My Slayer suits me just fine but I'm always amazed at how many Pro Anglers are at these tournaments. As much as people bitch about their prices the 3 tournaments I've done I'd say ~50% or more of the entrants are fishing from PAs. Several Outbacks, Revos and Slayer Propels sprinkled in a well. About the only way I'd ever own a PA is if I win one, which judging by my track record I'll be paddling for quite some time.

The spots weren't news to anyone that stayed at the weigh in. I placed fourth on redfish and would have given general details if asked. They asked the top two in each division about what bait and location except for the slam where they asked each place. Everyone was gracious on giving general areas and baits used.

quote:

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Guess who just went Like that page.

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all you really have to do is ask for a general location. theres fish all around right there, but anytime I see that page post anything I steer clear because the boats get stacked

I fished closer to the island. . . trout were stacked under the lights and was hoping to get on them at 5am, but that storm that came through made them scatter, leaving only the dinks behind! Picked up a 13" trout and headed to my redfish spot further up the road.

Launched at a well-known spot where just the day before I had hooked 2 big ole trout, landing one. (The bigger one broke me off. . .)This one was around 22" and FAT! (ice chest is a 48qt for reference)



Needless to say, I was trying for another on Saturday. Ended up spending too much time looking for trout and then the next round of storms came through. I was fine with the rain and the wind, but the lightning kept me close to the car, which was nowhere near where I was catching 25-26" reds on friday. . .

By the time the storms moved off and I could get back to the ponds I wanted to fish, it was 1pm and time was running short. Managed to only find rats in the ponds which was discouraging. And of course no flounder.

But trout were plentiful! Kept 15 for the day, but the biggest was only a hair over 17" and 2lb, not quite good enough for top 5.

Yeah I think I know the spot you are referring to. Got there early and saw the water pouring through. Didn't even put in. Put in at s spot protected by the wind. Water was garbage. Reds were thick, mostly bull reds, trout were scarce and small in this area. Flounder non existent ofcourse

I wonder the same thing

Because if you do have the water deep enough it is a dream. And if you don't, pull out the paddle and it's like any other kayak. I guarantee I have caught more fish because I bought my hobie.

Now all that extra stuff(ie electronics) is not for me. I still have my ascend for old times sake