BIG LAKE Earlier this week I was in touch with a very excited Big Lake personality and angler, Captain Buddy Oakes of Hackberry Rod and Gun. Oakes stated that they officially opened their 2008 fishing season last weekend with a huge BANG. Large catches of redfish with speckled trout and flounder mixed in were the norm for all of their boats. Captain Oakes said "If you weren't catching redfish you did not have your hook in the water." Following a record year fishing in 2007, 2008 promises to be even better. After a very mild winter, Lake Calcasieu, who many feel is the finest speckled trout venue in the world, looms ready to cough up a new state record. As far as fishing info, Captain Oakes said redfish were caught from the north end of the lake all the way to the very south end on spinner baits and soft plastics. Most limits came early but the bite continued most of fishing day. Top soft plastics are Berkley Gulp! 3 and 4 inch Shrimp, 3 and 4 inch Gulp! Swimming Mullet, Hackberry Hustlers and Stanley Wedgetails. UPDATE: Since last weekend, we have had multiple days of 25 to 40 mph south winds which churned much of Big Lake into chocolate soup. The upper (northern) half of the lake was the most impacted. However, the current cool front with north winds will help to clear up the lake and decent conditions should return to Big Lake in time for weekend anglers. Local experts seem to feel that the southeast (Weirs area)and southwest (West Cove) parts of Big Lake should have the best water conditions this weekend. Top water patterns are improving weekly as water temperatures increase. Favorite top water lures include Berkley Salt Water Frenzy Walker, Top Dog as well as Super Spooks.