The Louisiana Flats Fishing Experience

(photo courtesy of Malon's Fly Fishing Adventures)

By Mike Relahs

Louisiana flats fishing locations are known as popular locations for beginning and advanced fishers. Fishers come from all over the country to participate in new adventures in Louisiana. People often have determination, concentration and a little bit of experience when they fish here and go home with lots of profit.

The Calcasieu Estuary is a combination of the Calcasieu River and the Ship Channel, both of which run from Lake Charles to the Gulf of Mexico. The Estuary is a highly recommended and popular fishing spot if you are looking for a great journey and some delicious, fresh trout. Luckily, you can also catch flounder, redfish, and speckled trout. Ladyfish, sheepshead, croakers and variations of trout, such as sand, black and drum, can also be occasionally reeled in at this destination.

However, if you have a hankering to venture to the oil platforms, you will find and possibly catch fish such as: bull redfish, jack crevalle, snapper, tripletail, bluefish, cobia and, potentially, sharks.

It is essential that you make sure to bring along all the proper pieces of equipment when you would like to catch the more risky species. Make sure you have the right kind of bait for the types of fish you are after. If you do not have the right bait, you may end up with a case full of fish you do not like.

If you are a newbie to the Louisiana flats, it is greatly suggested that you obtain some sort of guide for your adventure. You should choose a guide that is knowledgeable about the surrounding areas, the layout of the waters, what kinds of fish live in which areas and they guide should also be able to help you with reeling if need be. For beginners, try to ask your guide to find a good spot for bull redfish fishing.

The bull redfish is popular among beginners because you can carry a rod, reel and ice chest to a spot of your choosing and catch the fish rather easily. Other species of fish in the flats require that you rent a boat and have a higher level or determination. With bull redfish, you can sit back and relax.

For those of you who are considering enjoying your Louisiana flats fishing trip during the summer months, remember to pack chairs and umbrellas for a good time. The flats have been known to receive high doses of sunlight which can make the fishing location very hot and uncomfortable. Therefore, do not forget the hydrating drinks, food and other items to keep you healthy.

Overall, take your time, enjoying the experience and hopefully you will bring home plenty of fish.