LAFITTE, La. – Just six short months ago, the Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series visited Lafitte, La., for the final event of the 2006 season in the Western Division.
This year, the Redfish Series is opening the 2007 Western Division in Lafitte, and it looks as if the fishing will be much different than it was last September.
The 108 Redfish Series teams, which departed Lafitte Harbor Marina for day-one competition at 6 Central this morning, will still haul in plenty of redfish, but legal slot reds, those between 16 and 27 inches, have been a little rarer than they were when the temperatures were warmer back in September.
Several teams reported catching dozens of over-size fish before landing a legal slot fish during practice.
“The water is still cold – in the mid-50s – and that tends to curb the smaller-fish bite,” explained Andy Mnichowski, a well-known Redfish Series pro from Marrero, La. “Those bigger bull reds have to eat a lot more in cooler temperatures than the smaller slot reds, so a lot of guys are catching a bunch of overs (the slot). The 60-degree mark seems to be magical water temperature at which the slot reds start chewing a little more regularly.”
In September, many teams ventured towards the Louisiana Delta’s life source – the Mississippi River near Venice – to capitalize on low, clear water. This time around, however, teams are staying away from the river and trying to get into backwater ponds where the water is warmer and more stable.
“The river is higher and colder than it was in September,” Mnichowski said. “It pushes that muddy, cold water into the nearby ponds so teams are probably going to stay away from those areas. Finding warmer water will be the key to finding upper-end slot fish that will eat.”
Though Southern Louisiana just endured a wicked cold front, which included severe north winds that chilled the water and blew it out of the Delta’s better ponds, the next few days of the event look very promising weather-wise.
Light winds and warming temperatures should allow the ponds to rise and warm up, setting up perfect conditions for fantastic Louisiana redfish action.
Logistics
Anglers will take off at 6 CST each morning from Lafitte Harbor Marina on C&M Dock located at 4932 Kenal Road in Lafitte. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina beginning at 3 p.m. daily. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free, and the community is invited to attend the festivities.
Saturday’s final-day weigh-in for the top five teams will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the Marrero Wal-Mart Store located at 4810 Lapalco Blvd.
The winning team will receive a top award of $25,000. If Ranger contingency guidelines are met, the winning team will also receive a $12,500 cash bonus. If Yamaha or Evinrude contingency guidelines are met, the winning team will receive an additional $12,500 cash bonus for a total of $50,000.
The top 50 teams in the FLW Redfish Series based on points standings at the end of the season will advance to the $300,000 Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series Championship presented by BP Oct. 18-20 in Orange Beach, Ala. The winning team at the championship will earn as much as $100,000
Thursday’s conditions
Sunrise: 6:18 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 45 degrees
Expected high temperature: 72 degrees
Water temperature: 55-60 degrees
Forecasted winds: light and variable
Day’s outlook: mostly sunny and warmer