Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

While I was living in New Orleans, on a visit by my father-in-law, Ike Walker, who was a partner in Bomber Bait Co, decided to go fishing. For some reason we chose not to go to the usual spots but decided to go west from the west bank of the Mississippi River to the swamps that we had never fished before.

The area we chose had just had a drilling rig moved into the swampy area and had to be hauled in on barges and pulled by tugboats. It opened an entire new entrance to the swamps and that allowed us access to small lakes and bayous that we hoped would be holding a lot of fish. There was a lot of debris as the tugboats had disrupted the vegetation and cut new pathways into the wilderness that until then had been closed to any fishing.

While navigating wasn’t too difficult, we did have to pay close attention to how far and where we had made turns because it is easy to get lost in such a wilderness. We were able to catch some small bass, but no red fish. We had hoped there would have been reds there as well. All we found were black bass and gaspergeau.

Finally at the dead end of one small lake was floating the body of a large alligator, which I guessed to be around eight feet long. There was no clue as to what caused hits demise, but possibly been shot by the drilling crew, or in a fight with another gator. You just never know what to expect when you venture into the swamps of Louisiana. It was fun exploring if you pay careful attention to where you are and how to get back home. Just Sayin…RJS

Passingbye Loc: Reidsville NC

There's some old song's of going into the swamp man to have a little fun took my fishing rod and my gun! Don't get caught when the Sun goes down or you and your buddies won't be found! 🤣 Glad y'all made it out RJ!

EZ Fishing Loc: College Ward, Utah

Another great story Robert. I enjoy everyone that you post here. Thanks again Robert.

Rutinbuck Loc: Haysville, Kansas

Love your stories RJS keep em coming!

Big dog Loc: Bayshore, Long Island, New York

👍👍👍👍

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Great story RJS, keep them coming.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Excuse my ignorance RJS, but what are some other common names for gaspergeau? Never heard that one and am curious.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

Thanks for the story Mr Samples 🇺🇸🎣😎👍

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Sorry, but I ran a Google search for the possible different names for gaspergeaux and came up empty. It is found in almost all states and is the only drum living in fresh water. The source was a Louisiana Fishing report. Just Sayin...RJS

Passingbye Loc: Reidsville NC

When I was a young fisherman I used to see men catch great big fresh water Drum and I asked why, since most consider them a trash fish? The part that rattle's in their head was used as dental implants,mother of pearl ect..and they pressure cooked the fish, deboned it like salmon cakes and eat it. My grandpa was always, killing critters like, turtle, squirrel, rabbit, snake's, Drum and other waterfowl ect.. for me and older brother to try..90% of the time in sausage form, fried or smoked and pressure cooked.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

Fresh water drum?🇺🇸🎣👍

Crunchy Loc: Clark Fork, North Idaho

Good posting Robert. Always did enjoy your comments and life stories. Look forward to your contributions to
this forum. However, it seems as though there have been some time since we have heard from you. Hope you
havent been down with this COVID as so many have. Just the same glad to see your still witty and wrighting
again.

Crunchy

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Crunchy: Not Covid but heart problems. I had to have a pacemaker put in and it was a little more complicated than just inserting in my chest. Just Sayin...RJS

LKPKGA

Glad to see you back. You are quite the wordsmith, keep the stories coming. I hope you or a member of your family is cataloging your stories for posterity.

agatemaggot Loc: iowa

Sheepshead !
Put em on ice as soon as you get the hook out and jet nozzle the boneless fillets until the water runs clear with no foam ! Hard to tell the difference from River Walleye if handled properly .