Louisiana 2010 in a Nutshell
One of the nice things about living at the beach is when the “off season” rolls in. The tourists are gone, the kids are back in school, traffic is nonexistent, and you can go anywhere in town and get seated immediately. Sure is nice sometimes to just climb up in the tower with a cold drink, watch the sunset, and just unwind for a bit. Wow-what a year 2010 has been. We started the year off with a bang, successfully releasing a blue marlin early January, followed up by one of our best lump seasons in years, capturing not one, not two or three, but four yellowfin over 200 pounds in two months; three of those in just 3 weeks!
Below : Woody poses with a monster Gulf of Mexico Yellowfin...
Right as we were trading in some of our chunking gear for the trolling spread in anticipation of the summer mahi/billfish bite, we were sideswiped by one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to ever strike the Gulf of Mexico, let alone the world. Between customers calling to cancel trips and the government closing federal waters to fishing, for the first time, we were all very worried as to our futures. For me personally, fishing had paid my way through college. For others, it was truly a lifestyle and sole source of income. Without fishing, there simply was nothing else for many captains, especially the old salts that have been fishing their entire lives, be it running charters, shrimp boats, longlining, etc.
Below : Dorado were abundant later in the year with the large amount of weedlines...
But where one door closes, another opens, and soon we were all back on the water doing our respective parts to aid in the cleanup of the oil spill. The days were long, and the weeks passed by slowly; all of us extremely curious as to how the oil was going to affect the fishing, and if we were ever going to be able to fish again. As the summer gave way to fall, and the waters gradually opened back up to fishing, we were rewarded with some of the best fishing we have seen in years. Long, well-defined grass lines awaited us; bait was plentiful, and the fish, unpressured since April, were eager to swallow baits. The customers started trickling back in, and things were beginning to look up for us as fishermen.
Below : The great life that many along the gulf coast live and depend on... and it's rewards...
As I wade through the breaking surf at my home in Orange Beach, I reflect back upon the past few months and realize how important it is to be thankful and enjoy the present, and to never take anything for granted; for anything can be taken away just like that (insert finger snapping noise). As I write this, I can’t help but look forward to what 2011 will bring. Maybe a new Louisiana state record yellowfin? Maybe a wifey for ol’ Woody? Maybe one of the best years of fishing we have ever seen, ironically following a natural disaster?
Below : "Have a great 2011" - Woody
It has certainly been quite the wild ride for all of us here down in Louisiana, and we are ever grateful for all of our customers for their business and support. I would also like to note that my esteemed colleague Captain Hunter Caballero has taken the plunge and married his best friend since my last report-congratulations and best wishes to him. We are looking forward to an exciting lump season here in a few weeks. Stay tuned for some big yellowfin to hit the deck. Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas, and here’s hoping for a fantastic 2011. Until next time, that’s just another day at the office
-Capt. Woody Woods
For more information on fishing Venice, Lousiana with Captains Hunter Caballero and Woody of Paradise Outfitters , please visit www.paradise-outfitters.com
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