Louisiana Redfish
Sorry, we only guide current customers in Louisiana.
I started guiding Louisiana because I wanted a break from the Michigan winters and to see something different. Though being a fishing guide there was no way I could afford a two-month vacation, so it needed to be a working vacation. It was important that I didn’t compete with the local guides for customers, so I only guide current customers in Louisiana.
If you need a good local guide, I’d recommend Marty Authement, (985) 688-4495, captmarty@marshmadness.net.
Louisiana is without question the redfish capital, with quantity and quality. Like many destinations, Louisiana boasts a large number of “slot” reds up to 27 inches. However, unlike many destinations, it has a large population of “bull” reds that move inshore for the spawn. This push of adult or bull redfish starts in the fall and continues into spring. An average bull tips the scale between 15 and 20 pounds. Though it isn’t uncommon to catch fish in the 30-pound range and sometimes even bigger.
These large bull redfish can be found throughout the outer edges of the marsh and are very diverse in their activities. You never get bored with this fishery because no two days are ever the same. You’ll find bulls tailing, mudding, crashing bait, slowly cruising the shallows, or just lying on the bottom.
The number-one technique is sight casting medium to large streamers past reds. On days when activity or conditions are poor for sight shots you’ll often be blind casting streamers. With the right conditions, top water is a great option, and there is nothing like a 30-pound bull blowing up on the surface.
Along with slot and bull reds, the area we fish in Louisiana has sea trout, black drum, and sheephead.
Along with incredible fishing, Louisiana has some of the friendliest people, the best food, and tons of fun. We fish near Houma Louisiana, about an hour from New Orleans. This area is a vast marshland with an incredible diversity, we regularly see many types of birds along with otters, dolphins, and other wildlife.
Non-Fly Fishing: You can sight cast jigs and sometimes topwater for our reds or toss a jig and soft plastic under a popping cork.
Reminder: All fishing gear is provided on all of our trips at no additional charge. This includes leaders, flies, and lures. Only bring gear if it will add something to your trip.
Fly Rods and Fly Lines: We find that a 9 weight is perfect for Louisiana redfish. Though some like a heavier 10 weight, allowing you to land these big fish faster. The flies we throw can be on the large size but not overly heavy. Only bring coldwater floating lines, something that will load quickly for targets within 50 feet. The average cast in Louisiana is 30 foot and you’ll have more shots off your rod tip then at 50 foot.
What to wear: At any time through the fall, winter and spring Louisiana could get hit with a heat wave or cold front. The run out in the morning could be 40 degrees and on the way home may be sunny and 80.
There is great gear available, if you want to be warm, dry and comfortable all day don’t settle for less. A pair of cotton jeans and a sweatshirt are perfect for watching a baseball game but worthless on a fishing trip. Cotton will fully saturate with water, dries slowly and retains no warmth when wet.
Every fishing trip should include rain gear. I would also put 2 pairs of polarized sunglasses (lowlight yellow and green/copper for full sun), baseball or other brimmed hat, sun gloves and Buff on the must bring list. Always plan
for the worst weather possible on a trip. It is always better to have a pile of unused clothes in the boat on a beautiful day versus not having enough to put on when things turn cold.
These guidelines are for the worst possible weather, if the forecast is calling for hot, then you’ll want to adjust.
For most trips to Louisiana:
Bottom - synthetic long underwear, synthetic fleece or puffy pants and breathable bibs and waterproof boots or boat shoes. Synthetic or wool blend socks but leave some air space and wiggle room.
Never bring shorts or open shoes. Sometimes we have no-see-ums and mosquitos and any covered skin is much more protected.
Top – synthetic long underwear, synthetic flats hoody, synthetic fleece jacket, puffy jacket and breathable rain jacket. You’ll definitely want a baseball or other brimmed sun hat and buff.
Also bring along sun lotion and bug spray. Even if the forecast is for hot and dry, bring rain gear, the boat ride is often splashy.
Lodging: We always stay at our good friends Charles and Anne who own and operate Lytle Farms. Charles and Anne have several rentals and this is where most of our customers stay.
Being the perfect Louisiana hosts, Charles and Anne also offer home cooked breakfasts, boat lunches and suppers. Anne is an incredible cook and her biscuits, chocolate chip cookies and gumbo are the best.
Whenever possible we keep a cooler full of fresh oysters that we get straight from a local oysterman. When you get off the water, grab an oyster knife and enjoy as many as you’d like (not something you often hear). If raw oysters aren’t your thing, the grill and all the sauces are right there. Keeping a couple slot reds or sea trout while on the water can also make for a tasty dinner option.
Charles and Anne’s is the perfect place to stay, https://www.lytlefarms.com
Louisiana Fishing License: You’ll need the “Charter 3-Day Saltwater (includes NR Charter Skiff 3-Day)” for $20.00. Here is the link to purchase your license on-line, https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits
Group Trips: There are only two of us in Louisiana, so we can only take four customers on the water at a time. Larger groups can work if people don’t mind alternating fishing days.
I started guiding Louisiana because I wanted a break from the Michigan winters and to see something different. Though being a fishing guide there was no way I could afford a two-month vacation, so it needed to be a working vacation. It was important that I didn’t compete with the local guides for customers, so I only guide current customers in Louisiana.
If you need a good local guide, I’d recommend Marty Authement, (985) 688-4495, captmarty@marshmadness.net.
Louisiana is without question the redfish capital, with quantity and quality. Like many destinations, Louisiana boasts a large number of “slot” reds up to 27 inches. However, unlike many destinations, it has a large population of “bull” reds that move inshore for the spawn. This push of adult or bull redfish starts in the fall and continues into spring. An average bull tips the scale between 15 and 20 pounds. Though it isn’t uncommon to catch fish in the 30-pound range and sometimes even bigger.
These large bull redfish can be found throughout the outer edges of the marsh and are very diverse in their activities. You never get bored with this fishery because no two days are ever the same. You’ll find bulls tailing, mudding, crashing bait, slowly cruising the shallows, or just lying on the bottom.
The number-one technique is sight casting medium to large streamers past reds. On days when activity or conditions are poor for sight shots you’ll often be blind casting streamers. With the right conditions, top water is a great option, and there is nothing like a 30-pound bull blowing up on the surface.
Along with slot and bull reds, the area we fish in Louisiana has sea trout, black drum, and sheephead.
Along with incredible fishing, Louisiana has some of the friendliest people, the best food, and tons of fun. We fish near Houma Louisiana, about an hour from New Orleans. This area is a vast marshland with an incredible diversity, we regularly see many types of birds along with otters, dolphins, and other wildlife.
Non-Fly Fishing: You can sight cast jigs and sometimes topwater for our reds or toss a jig and soft plastic under a popping cork.
Reminder: All fishing gear is provided on all of our trips at no additional charge. This includes leaders, flies, and lures. Only bring gear if it will add something to your trip.
Fly Rods and Fly Lines: We find that a 9 weight is perfect for Louisiana redfish. Though some like a heavier 10 weight, allowing you to land these big fish faster. The flies we throw can be on the large size but not overly heavy. Only bring coldwater floating lines, something that will load quickly for targets within 50 feet. The average cast in Louisiana is 30 foot and you’ll have more shots off your rod tip then at 50 foot.
What to wear: At any time through the fall, winter and spring Louisiana could get hit with a heat wave or cold front. The run out in the morning could be 40 degrees and on the way home may be sunny and 80.
There is great gear available, if you want to be warm, dry and comfortable all day don’t settle for less. A pair of cotton jeans and a sweatshirt are perfect for watching a baseball game but worthless on a fishing trip. Cotton will fully saturate with water, dries slowly and retains no warmth when wet.
Every fishing trip should include rain gear. I would also put 2 pairs of polarized sunglasses (lowlight yellow and green/copper for full sun), baseball or other brimmed hat, sun gloves and Buff on the must bring list. Always plan
for the worst weather possible on a trip. It is always better to have a pile of unused clothes in the boat on a beautiful day versus not having enough to put on when things turn cold.
These guidelines are for the worst possible weather, if the forecast is calling for hot, then you’ll want to adjust.
For most trips to Louisiana:
Bottom - synthetic long underwear, synthetic fleece or puffy pants and breathable bibs and waterproof boots or boat shoes. Synthetic or wool blend socks but leave some air space and wiggle room.
Never bring shorts or open shoes. Sometimes we have no-see-ums and mosquitos and any covered skin is much more protected.
Top – synthetic long underwear, synthetic flats hoody, synthetic fleece jacket, puffy jacket and breathable rain jacket. You’ll definitely want a baseball or other brimmed sun hat and buff.
Also bring along sun lotion and bug spray. Even if the forecast is for hot and dry, bring rain gear, the boat ride is often splashy.
Lodging: We always stay at our good friends Charles and Anne who own and operate Lytle Farms. Charles and Anne have several rentals and this is where most of our customers stay.
Being the perfect Louisiana hosts, Charles and Anne also offer home cooked breakfasts, boat lunches and suppers. Anne is an incredible cook and her biscuits, chocolate chip cookies and gumbo are the best.
Whenever possible we keep a cooler full of fresh oysters that we get straight from a local oysterman. When you get off the water, grab an oyster knife and enjoy as many as you’d like (not something you often hear). If raw oysters aren’t your thing, the grill and all the sauces are right there. Keeping a couple slot reds or sea trout while on the water can also make for a tasty dinner option.
Charles and Anne’s is the perfect place to stay, https://www.lytlefarms.com
Louisiana Fishing License: You’ll need the “Charter 3-Day Saltwater (includes NR Charter Skiff 3-Day)” for $20.00. Here is the link to purchase your license on-line, https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits
Group Trips: There are only two of us in Louisiana, so we can only take four customers on the water at a time. Larger groups can work if people don’t mind alternating fishing days.