Redfish Guide — Calcasieu Lake, LA

Clear water in Calcasieu gives you a real shot at spotting reds before you cast. Best months are April through June and again in September-October when visibility runs 3-4 feet on decent days.

Focus the shallow flats east of the Intracoastal Canal, especially around the grass breaks near Contraband Bayou. Water's clearer there than the western end. You'll want to fish the incoming tide—reds push up into 18 inches or less chasing mullet and Gulp shrimp. Low light helps; early morning or the last two hours before sunset are your best windows.

Poling or drifting slow works better than running around. If you're poling, keep the sun at your back so you can actually see the fish. Look for tails in the grass first, that's your easiest read, but also watch for nervous water and the dark shape moving ahead of the baitfish.

As you approach the grass line, cut the motor and let the boat drift. Larger reds will give away their position. Cast close to the movement and watch for a follow. You may need a few casts. Stay patient, kill any noise, and work the lure with short, sharp wrist snaps to trigger a strike

For tackle, pair an inshore spinning rod and reel combo, spool it with PowerPro braided line, and finish with an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 6-inch tan or white shrimp fly. Redfish in clear water get spooky, so strip slow and keep your backcast tight. If you're spin fishing, 1/8-ounce jigs and soft plastics work, but flies are honestly cleaner in skinny water where you need accuracy.

Quality polarized Costa sunglasses make a real difference and are worth the investment for spotting fish in skinny water. The Holly Beach flats just south on the coast offer similar sight fishing with less pressure than the main lake.