BIG LAKE "It is January, don't forget" stated Captain Erick Rue who operates a charter service out of Hebert's Landing on the east shore of Calcasieu Lake which is known in these parts simply as Big Lake. Rue and his guests are hunting mornings and catching redfish in the afternoon.
Yes, it is January but redfish continue to be more than eager for a boat ride. Rue has been running south from Hebert's down to The Weirs area and catching limits of reds almost every afternoon outing. For out-of-towners, Hebert's is pronounced 'aye-bears' and has been a major fishing/hunting headquarters for years and is actually located on the shore of Big Lake itself.
Rue and crew are winding up duck season in a few days and reported that the ducks are not as plentiful as earlier in the season but there are plenty of geese. Lack of water has hampered the late duck season according to Rue. Like all charter services on the lake, Rue's Calcasieu Charter Services has had to, again, come back from yet another hurricane. On the trout scene, Rue suggests traveling north and fishing the areas around 210 Bridge, Lake Charles and Prien Lake while targeting the edge of the ship channel in 4 to 12 feet.
Water conditions are excellent all over the lake due to little rainfall. High winds may churn portions of the lake but they clear up as winds subside. Louisiana, what a great place to live and it truly is a Sportsman's Paradise. Many of us spend a substantial amount of time outdoors 12 months a year. What a huge blessing!