As the blaze orange popping cork disappeared I knew something big was on the other end of the line. And it felt like a black drum.
That seemed to be the case because of its initial slow, determined movements. However, as I put on pressure, this drum proved it was not black but the kind with a big spot on the tail and beautiful bronze scales.
Fishing with Chris Babcock of Shimano to pit their gear against the Gulf Coast’s most powerful bay dwellers, I knew this would be a perfect test.
It turned out to be epic.
Using a Shimano Stradic spinning reel spooled with 20-pound Power Pro braid and a Shimano Terez rod I fought the red for 20 plus minutes and had to use the trolling motor to follow it.
Several times the rod was doubled over while the line peeled off the spool at hyper speed, yet I was able to turn the fish several times and finally bring it to the boat.
This encounter took place in the marshes south of Venice, La., one of the few places where anglers have a shot at catching monster reds in shallow waters on lures.
Catching bull redfish is great anywhere but doing it in the shallows is absolutely incredible.
This one fell to a mud minnow imitation with a tiny piece of shrimp on the tail. The day before I caught one nearly as large on a topwater while fishing with Shimano’s Marc Mills.
I will save that story and photo for another entry or maybe a feature in Texas Fish & Game but for now I leave you with these shots and this reminder.
Always dream BIG and fish with intensity! That is what it takes to bag monsters like this one.
This 40 pound plus redfish was caught in less than three feet of water and on medium action spinning gear. Most bull reds are caught in the surf, around jetties and oil rigs. Venice, La. is one of the few places anglers can score on these monsters in the shallows. To book a trip for these titans contact Kingfish Lodges at 504-231-2238.
(Photo by Chris Babcock)
The first photo shows the girth of the fish but this angle gives a better idea of its length which was close to 45 inches. The fish is estimated to weigh in excess of 40 pounds.
(Photo by Chris Babcock)
Chester’s Gear
Shimano Stradic Spinning Reel
Shimano Terez Rod
Bomber Saltwater Grade Paradise Popper X-Treme
Deadly Dudley (soft plastic minnow)