Biloxi Marsh, LA
By Mark B. Hatter

It was the fish photo that caught Shewey’s attention and resulted in his subsequent inquiry for more details. Although I’ve fished the marsh a number of times over the last six years, I had several revelations that February weekend. My observations follow in no particular order.
Marti Gras runs Thursday through Tuesday and includes parades, floats, and spoils galore for all ages; I attended multiple parades with the Dini family (including children) after full days of phenomenal fishing. I had a total blast.
Biloxi Marsh redfish couldn’t care less if frost is on the ground in New Orleans and the marsh water is cold enough to nearly freeze in your guides—they will float high and eat flies regardless. You can have back-to-back days of 100 percent sunshine and light winds in February; big—really big—redfish can be caught in the dead of winter; big redfish run deep into backing even if the water is cold. Layer in windproof clothing (including gloves) for winter boat rides, and use sunscreen liberally. I was fully prepared for the former and unprepared for the latter.
Biloxi Marsh is an amazing fishery, and with its myriad lakes and bays, there is always a lee shore somewhere that is holding redfish regardless of the wind direction or water temperature. Even when the wind is whistling, protected inlets and sloughs hold fish in water that remains clear enough to see “floaters,” those glowing orange footballs that belie the presence of a redfish.
My trips to the marsh with Dini, (504) 909-0941, www.flywaterexpeditions.com, have mainly been scheduled at the end of his normal charter season, giving him a busman’s holiday as we share shots and poling responsibilities.

To be sure, winter does pose some fishing risk; frontal systems may bring strong winds and low-pressure systems that result in prolonged spells of rain. However, the winds generally temper quickly under clear skies after a passing front, and the fish will float. Also, I’ve had some really good fishing on cold, rainy days when the dark sky cuts glare, making floaters even more visible and very hungry.
Notwithstanding the fabulous fishing, perhaps the greatest attribute of New Orleans is the city itself. I continue to be inexplicably drawn to this paradox of a metropolis. Its charm and enchantment, from food and entertainment to extraordinary fishing, more than compensate for its dilapidated infrastructure, in a constant state of repair. So powerful is this draw that one morning I easily accepted a one-hour delay getting on the water (we were trapped, first by parade floats on their way to downtown and then by a train that stopped at a major crossing). Well, mostly easily accepted.
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