http://www.southernwaycharters.com

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Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

PETE COOPER, JR. PHOTOS
MISSISSIPPI
• Chandeleur Islands
• Southern Way Charters
If you like “fly catching” better than just “fly fishing,” solitude, pristine surroundings, and well thought out “après-fish” atmospheres, then you’re
guaranteed to like an extended trip to the Chandeleur Islands on Bart Haddad’s 72-foot Southern Way motor yacht.
These islands have been providing anglers with outstanding fishing for specks and reds for decades. They are remote, however, and day-trips there
never seem to allow enough time for proper prospecting. Multi-day trips are the answer.
There’s nothing better in northern-Gulf fishing than seeing a 2-foot speck explode on a popper just as the sun is peeking over the island. Of course, some
will disagree, praising the sight-fishing that reds can provide a little later in the day in the surf-side washouts, troughs, and bars. Even bulls can be present,
though they are most common during the cool months. A 9-weight outfit, some Clouser minnows—a few lightly weighted, and some a bit more heavily—and
some big poppers should cover the bases. And about those Clousers: be sure to bring some in plain “glow” white. I didn’t, and I suffered for it.
The Southern Way, based in Long Beach, provides accommodations for up to 12 anglers in six air-conditioned staterooms. It carries six skiffs for
exploring the area, although likely looking spots are usually worked while wading. The food is also guaranteed to please, and overall this is an absolutely
delightful way to fish the Chandeleurs. Contact Bart at (601) 299-0726, or log on to www.southernwaycharters.com by Pete Cooper, Jr.
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