(^86) FLYLIFE
Biloxi, especially in the fall, is derived
from the different vegetation and the
shelter it provides during the frequent
cold fronts — tall rushes here reduce
the effect of the wind and provide
additional protection, which means a
lot less cancellations for the guides and
their clients.
Feedback from Brian on the accom-
modation front was that there wasn’t
much available at all, and by looking
at Google Maps I began to understand
why, as it is a narrow stretch of land
with oilfield facilities and nothing else.
In the end we selected the Sportsmans
Lodge – a large houseboat anchored in
the Venice Marina.
The drive down to Venice is far from
scenic. For many years the area has
been a centre for oil and gas produc-
tion, clearly visible by the succession
of service yards and heliports. Venice
Marina is not much better; it’s all about
shrimping and tuna fishing charters
out in the gulf, but the odd flats skiff
here and there gives a bit more of an
insight into the local fishing.
Upon arrival we settled into our
accommodation, and apart from the
constant drone of Fox news it was
pleasant enough. The US election was
on during our stay, adding a different
perspective to the experience.
The first morning we woke to a calm
but overcast day, and Brian was out-
side tied up to the jetty waiting for us.
We loaded our rods, drinks and lunch
and set off on his Hells Bay skiff, first
running out to the main branch of the
Mississippi and then further and further
into the marsh through small backwa-
ters and channels. Most channels were
very straight, indicating a man-made
origin, with numerous oil and gas well-
heads dotting the landscape. A lot of
the hardware was rusty and looked
ominous, but the environment did not
seem to have suffered as there were
waterbirds in abundance and massive
amounts of baitfish, comprising schools
of mullet and pogies. There was no
sign of any legacy from the Deepwater
Horizon/Macondo spill in 2010, evi-
dence of the surprising capacity of these
salty marsh environments to recover.
Postcard
... continued
Kelvin with a 30 lb bull red.Early morning pick-up.The eat!KELVIN NGKELVIN NG