With the covid still causing havoc on International Travel, I decided to head back to Venice, LA for another crack at trophy Bull Redfish under the guidance of Captain Keith Kennedy of Born To Fish Charters. I was fishing in Venice a few weeks ago and had a great trip. Recently, a trip to Papua New Guinea postponed so was anxious to get a replacement trip in. On August 9th, I flew with my brother, Bill, out of O'Hare Airport on a full American Airlines plane to New Orleans. At the New Orleans Airport we met up with friend Etan Zimmet and rented a car for the 1 1/2 hr drive to Born To Fish Charters based in Boothville, LA. The weather forecast was ideal with winds being exceptionally low for the entire stay. Fishing for redfish for a few years, I have found that the wind is the main factor determining catch rate. Low to zero wind means lots and lots of big reds.
This theory once again came true as we landed a total of 166 bull reds with the largest weighing in at 32lbs. The average redfish I estimated at 20 to 22 lbs. Our best day was a total of 61 reds in perfectly calm waters where the water temp was 90.5F. The top lures were 6 inch Bomber Mud Minnows in either black/ char or rootbeer/ char fished behind a Blabber Mouth popping cork rigged on a 8/0 circle hook. A few reds were landed on smaller poppers and prop baits made by Kermett Adams. During the stay I was able to test out a spinning rod made by rod maker Buzz Butters of B & B Custom Fishing Rods based out of Ripon, WI. The 3 piece rod was perfect and I landed a bonus 6 ft foot shark. In all this was the best trip I have taken for redfish.
Captain Keith knows where the big reds are located. He provides housing, tackle, and meals which are simply delicious. With International trip being grounded, Keith has filled fast. A few openings remain this season and Keith is taking reservations for 2021. This is in my opinion the best deal available for quality fishing usually only found Internationally. Get a booking while they exist. You can contact Keith at 504-908-3108
