Grand Isle vs Venice for redfish?
 

I've fished Venice every October for 12 years.
Always slammed the reds.. except for our trip two years ago.
That year the river looked like chocolate milk!

Well, looks like the river is very,very dirty right now. My most favorite cousn is down there now, and they have only managed 15 reds in three days of hard fishing... and these boys are GOOD!

I know the lower river and adjoing bays pretty well, and I don't like the idea of moving to an unknown area.... but I'm really considering doing just that!


We trailer in from East Texas, and it's about a 500 mile trip:(
Leaving 13 October.
Your input please gents!
If we do decide on GI, I sure would appreciate some tips/info!

To me the goldenMeadow/Leeville area is better for reds this time of year up in the marsh than GI but that may be where you are thinking about going.

I would also suggest Leeville over grand isle unless bull reds is what you're looking for. There is so many options. You can run towards Lafite or Point aux chenes, south to fourchon or grand isle. The lodging is nicer on grand isle than in Leeville though if that matters to you.

I use to stay in those motels in golden meadow are they still decent ? Days inn was one

I've never stayed in them but they look decent from the road.

Salty Cajun grand isle trip? I'm not coaching football next fall so I won't have combines and drafts to deal with in July

I'm always down for a grand isle trip

Grand Isle vs Venice for redfish?
 

Another downside of Venice this time of year is the fog. If you run the river in fog without radar you have a death wish

Point aux Chene is awesome this time of the year. So many beautiful marsh ponds to fish and many within a short distance from the landing.

Dogface..
What landing are we talking about?
I've pretty much decided to stay at BridgeSide Marina when we are there.

Read some articles from the NO newspaper.
Mentioned some very good fishing for Bull Sharks... and I love me a tussel with a big BS.

Anyone know if this is the straight scoop?

MathGeek.. where are you?

He's talking about point au chenes marina. You best bet to get to PAC would be launch in Leeville. You could also launch in fourchon if you don't want to pay the toll again going across the bridge. It is a farther boat ride but there is lots of good fishing around bayou lafouche along the way.

How long are you staying? I'll be down there on the 20th

There is also a public launch south of Leeville off old hwy 1 just south of the bridge I forgot about. It's brand new so should be in good shape

Yes, PAC marina is your best choice. I always use the landing at the Indian village but that's just because I know the guy that ownes it.

I may be in for that.

This landing is great. In a protected pocket under the bridge so no big wind or current worries. well lit at night and patrolled regularly. great fishing for both specks and reds within a mile of the landing this time of year . Real nice yak launch there also.

In

Thanks for all of the replies!
Trip dates are kinda "up in the air" right now. Had my local Yamaha mechanic replacing all of the seals in the lower unit,and he called to say that I needed a new carrier beatng assembly.

Goal is to go after Bull Reds and Bull Sharks. Will probably spend some time back in the marsh looking for a limit of slot reds to bring back home to East Texas, but big redfish will be the main focus.

Read an article online posted bt the NO newspaper that stressed using fresh crab for bait. Article listed four areas to fish.. all were within a mile (or so) of the bridge. Sais to buy crabs at Carmadelle's fishfood.

I guess we will stay at BridgeSide Marina unless someone has a better idea.

Questions:

Does the bridge have good overhead lighting? Would it be a plus for night fishing?
Is there indeed a decent bull shark fisherie? Best bait to use for them?

The bridge has great lighting on the island side. You are 15 feet above the water so a bridge net or gaff is a must. Shark fishing would more likely be in the surf if you don't have a boat or in the pass if you do. Whole FRESH mullet w/ some slices cut in it would be the bait i would use for sharks. there are days when the reds won't eat anything but crabs and days where they want a chunk of fresh mullet? some of the bigger trout i have caught in G.I. were caught on small chunks of cut mullet while bottom fishing for red fish in the elmers canal.