BIG LAKE
"Fishing patterns on Big Lake have remained about the same for the past several weeks" states Captain Erik Rue who operates Calcasieu Charters at Hebert's Landing on the east side of the lake. Rue is one of several excellent captains who make a living casting a rod and reel into the fish-filled waters of Lake Calcasieu. They are a resilient bunch who obviously love their jobs as well as Big lake.
Calcasieu Charter Service is just one of several charter services on the lake who has been in the direct path of 2 major hurricanes in just three years. Hurricanes Rita and Ike showed no mercy to the area as Rita's high winds and Ike's high water basically damaged every structure on the lake. It is great to see these charter services up and running again providing jobs and important services to the area and state.
As far as patterns, Rue said they are all throwing plastics such as Berkley Gulp! eels, Gulp! Shrimp, Sand eels, Stanley Wedgetails and hackberry Hustlers. All are local favorites and catch fish and Rue fishes a lot of chartruse/black sand eels. He reported a lot of trout being caught in the Interstate 210 area as well as Turners Bay. Some of the best times have been from 7 to 9 p.m. Work the flats early just off the ship channel as well as watch for birds. If they are not out of the flats, move close to channel and work the edge of the channel with jig head and one of the plastics mentioned.
If they do not hit the three-eighths ounce size, change to the one-quarter ounce size which will slow down the rate of fall. If they don't want it on a normal medium-fast retrieve, try lifting the bait slowly and let it fall as you are slowly retrieving it keeping it just off the bottom...almost like a yo-yo retrieve. The bite will come on the fall and may be a light tap so be ready.
Reds are still being caught on the east side of the lake near The Wiers and further south and moving tidal times are by far the best times. Rue states that the reds are still there but not in as many numbers as in past weeks. As the water warms, things will pick up. Good Fishing!
