September 30, 2008
THE BAD NEWS
Quick update on our status after the hurricane parade this month. Hurricane Gustav gave us a scare but ended up a clean miss to our area. Ike was a different story...as the predictions were for a clean miss. Then guess what, just as with Hurricane Rita only three years ago, Ike began to make its move closer to our area. The immense storm brought the water levels up to Hurricane Rita proportions in our area and delivered a big punch. While we suffered from extreme flooding, our friends to the west between here and west of Galveston took the brunt of the storm. Destruction in our parish is widespread from flooding and devastating as you head south and west from our location along the coastal plain. It can be deceiving to ride through greater Lake Charles as it looks normal in most places, but detour through low lying and coastal areas and you will see the aftermath.
THE GOOD NEWS
We feel extremely fortunate to report that our situation is much better than most. With a great deal of effort put into storm preparation, we manage to save all of our stuff. Waist deep water in our first floor gameroom, office and supply room made quite a mess, but it has been cleaned up and repairs nearly 100% complete. Painting and some finish work is taking place at this time and should be complete in only a few days. We are once again available for full service operation and hope our guests will be ready to fish and hunt in the coming months.
THE SILVER LINING
Despite the flooding and destruction, the fish didn't seem to notice. We have had a handful of trips run in the last week or so and the reports are extremely good. It has been relatively easy limits of whatever your target species is for the day. Lots of specks, great flounder fishing and phenominal redfishing have been the norm. As with post Rita efforts, we would expect the fishing to remain strong for quite some time. So if you are able, we are ready! The fishing is great and our guides could really use the work.
THE SALE
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225/250 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons. Our new addition gives us a bit over 4000 sq ft for your enjoyment and boasts a large dining area, three large sitting and TV rooms as well as a gaming area with a card table and pool table. It is a great place to relax and unwind from life's daily stresses.
THANK YOU!
To those that called and checked on us and offered a helping hand, Tina and I and all the staff appreciate your concern and send out a heartfelt thank you!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
June 19, 2008
The excellent summer fishing continues as the winds have finally subsided. While the fishing has been good all month, it has shown a marked improvement in the last week as calm conditions allow our guides to access areas that had been tough to fish under windy conditions for the last month.
Reds and specks are being caught daily in good numbers and should provide excellent action for the remainder of the summer. Large schools of fish are being found in all areas of the lake and they are feeding aggressively on shrimp, pogies and mullet. Large trout to 7 lbs are being caught regularly by our boats using plastics and some topwaters. We continue to use plastics as our bait of choice and have not found it necessary to use live bait although that could change in the coming months.
The next few weeks are transitional as the trout begin to move back to cooler and deeper waters of the ship channel and gulf beaches for the summer. This is an excellent time for catching big numbers of trout and reds as they will get stacked up along deep structures and offer easy catching for even the most novice angler. Now (July and August) is the time to bring the family and beginning anglers.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is here. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time. Also, don't forget about our late summer fishing, it is hot like the weather and the crowds disappear!
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225/250 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons. Our new addition gives us a bit over 4000 sq ft for your enjoyment and boasts a large dining area, three large sitting and TV rooms as well as a gaming area with a card table and pool table. It is a great place to relax and unwind from life's daily stresses.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
May 19, 2008
The summer bite is coming. Steady fishing over the past week looks to signal a beginning to the summer season. Despite some poor weather and high winds the bite has remained solid. Good numbers of nice sized trout have come to the docks daily. Schooling fish under the birds have made for easy catching on some days while other days have been spent over the reefs jigging up the trout and redfish.
I think we will start to see the daily winds diminish in the next week or so and the hot and calm days of summer will slowly begin. If you haven't scheduled a trip for summer, now is the time to do it. We still have a few openings in the coming weeks and we are confident we can put your group on a bunch of fish. The topwater action has heated up a bit recently and some solid fish are being brought in regularly. Trophies are present if you want to spend the time chasing them. That action should peak out in the next three to four weeks as the major spawn will have occurred and the big trout will begin to move back towards the gulf for the summer.
Soft plastics have been the bait of choice lately. Norton Sand Eel Jrs and Bull Minnows rigged on 1/4 and 3/8 ounce leadheads have accounted for the majority of our catches. Mirrolure Top and She Dogs along with Super Spooks have been our favorite topwaters. I'd keep those close as the winds calm in the following weeks.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is here. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time. Also, don't forget about our late summer fishing, it is hot like the weather and the crowds disappear!
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225/250 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons. Our new addition gives us a bit over 4000 sq ft for your enjoyment and boasts a large dining area, three large sitting and TV rooms as well as a gaming area with a card table and pool table. It is a great place to relax and unwind from life's daily stresses.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
April 29th, 2008 Report
Hello everyone, it has been a few months since I posted any reports but the action hasn't stopped. We've been very busy this spring preparing for the upcoming season and it is now upon us. The outlook is bright for the 2008 season and we are very thankful to you, our customers, that have supported us in the past and look forward to continuing those relationships in the future. We hope you have all been well.
Here is a quick rundown of the recent activity since my last report...
The cold water temperatures at the end of winter slowed the trout fishing a bit, but the redfish action remained very strong over the last few months. Spring rains slowed the trout fishing a bit in March but again, the redfish action remained strong. The weather has been a bit extraordinary this spring, with lots of wind and rain which has often hampered our efforts...but each time some weather event has passed, the redfish have been there to pick up the slack. However, as we move into the month of May, the trout fishing has come on strong with some great recent catches and even some trophy specks blasting at topwaters...and the redfishing is still strong! Fishing action has truly been very impressive over the last couple of years and it appears that this season will be no different in that respect. These are the good ole days, get out and enjoy them!
While the next couple of weeks will likely offer a few more windy days and maybe even a few storms, that will soon be behind us and the summer pattern will set in. And when it does...hang on!!! There have been plenty of specks and reds throughout the Calcasieu Estuary in the past few weeks and they have been very cooperative for our anglers. Now is the time for trophy trout fishing if that is your game. Give us a call as we still have a few openings in May and a few in June when the big ones are caught.
If you just want to make a trip and catch a box full of fish, we can provide that as well. Schooling fish have been abundant and should continue to produce great catches in the coming months on a very consistent basis. Summer and fall months are the best times for consistent action. Get your group together and give us a call...weekend openings are disappearing fast and if you must have one, book it now as they are getting scarce already.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is here. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time. Also, don't forget about our late summer fishing, it is hot like the weather and the crowds disappear!
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225/250 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons. Our new addition gives us a bit over 4000 sq ft for your enjoyment and boasts a large dining area, three large sitting and TV rooms as well as a gaming area with a card table and pool table. It is a great place to relax and unwind from life's daily stresses.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
Dec 5, 2007 Report
The last month and a half has been a blur of fins and feathers at Calcasieu Charters. The fishing and hunting has been extremely good and it is still happening. The fishing is extraordinary and weather permitting, can just be called "catching" right now as it is really that good. As for the hunting, the first split of the season was very successful for our guests. The second split looks extremely good as many new birds arrived in the last few days of the first split and should provide some great hunts when the season resumes.
We still have a few spots available for an excellent holiday season fishing trip before the second split kicks off on the 15th of December. In addition, we will be offering afternoon fishing for our guests during the hunting season as part of our cast and blast packages which have been tremendously successful this season. We also have some scattered dates available for hunting in the second split.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great hunting or fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the fish are biting and the birds are here in big numbers. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu Charters for a good time you won't soon forget.
For fishing, our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines. They easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.
For waterfowl hunting, our combo duck and goose hunts are some of the finest available in the south. Hunting from comfortable, dry pit blinds easily accessible by 4 wheeler ensures a safe, comfortable, rewarding hunt for all ages of hunters. Our experienced guides are masterful callers and put the birds "in your face" in a way you won't experience in many other places. Limited slots remain available throughout our season. Call early for the best times.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
Oct. 21, 2007 Report
The transition from summer to fall has begun and the fishing is still crazy good! This sounds like a repeat of past months reports, and it is...the fishing is fantastic! About the only thing changing from month to month is the location of our catches. We have moved back inshore for the year to the inside waters of Calcasieu Lake. While we will miss going south towards the gulf until next summer, we relish the short runs and cooperative schooling fish closer to our docks.
Daily catches are as high or higher than they have been all year and can often include big catches of both redfish and speckled trout. Past weeks have provided many, many days with limit catches of both species...truly world class "catching". The great fishing should continue into the next month as water temperatures fall and the shrimp continue to leave the marshes, triggering what is perhaps the greatest spectacle on Calcasieu Lake...schooling fish throughout the entire estuary.
We have a handful of spots remaining for some incredible fishing trips before we turn our attention to the upcoming first split of the waterfowl season which opens Nov 10th and runs until Dec 2nd. We will resume morning fishing trips until the 14th of December and then reopen the hunting on the 15th until Jan 20th. We will be offering afternoon fishing for our guests during the hunting season as part of our cast and blast packages which are wildly popular and tremendously successful.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great hunting or fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the fish are biting and the birds are arriving in big numbers. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu Charters for a good time you won't soon forget.
For fishing, our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines. They easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.
For waterfowl hunting, our combo duck and goose hunts are some of the finest available in the south. Hunting from comfortable, dry pit blinds easily accessible by 4 wheeler ensures a safe, comfortable, rewarding hunt for all ages of hunters. Our experienced guides are masterful callers and put the birds "in your face" in a way you won't experience in many other places. Limited slots remain available throughout our season. Call early for the best times.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
August 9, 2007 Report
The Heat has arrived...but the fishing is hotter! The calm summer pattern has converged on our area and the fishing is hot as ever. As usual, when the winds let up, the fish bite like crazy on Calcasieu. Daily catches are tremendous and happy anglers depart our docks every afternoon!
The catches are still being made primarily on plastics, but live bait can make quick work of the limit on most days if that is the way you want it. The fishing report sounds redundant, but great catches of specks and reds are being made daily. The catches are mostly solid specks mixed with some schoolies and slot reds mixed with a few jr. bulls.
We have had lots of kids and ladies in the last few weeks and they have had some great experiences catching lots of fish. We still have a few spots available this month and now is the time to take advantage of the hot fishing before school starts.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is here. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time. Don't forget, our late summer fishing is hot like the weather but the crowds disappear!
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
Pink Dolphin Report...we are spotting the pink dolphin daily during our fishing trips!
July 22, 2007 Report
Despite the unsettled weather over the last two or three weeks, the fishing remains excellent with no signs of weakness. Hopefully the north winds and summer front that came through today will help return our area to the normal summer pattern we have missed so much over the recent weeks. Flat weather means big catches and we should have a couple more months of it before the first hints of fall.
Enough with the weather report...the fishing is on fire! Awesome catches of specks and reds are being taken daily. Many recent days have been filled with limits of specks AND reds for some of our boats and all of the boats have been coming in with good catches even on the worst weather or slack tide days. While we are still managing to catch most of our fish on plastics, some live bait is beginning to creep into the picture and we will likely be including it in our arsenal for many upcoming trips.
The fish we are catching have been very nice with most trout in the 16-24 inch class and slot reds 16-27 inches. Larger fish of both species are being taken daily. They are very aggressive on most days and this time of year offers the best opportunity for even the most inexperienced anglers to have a great day of "catching". July, August and September offer some of the most reliable fishing and conditions of the entire year so get your group together and let's go fishing.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is here. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time. Also, don't forget about our late summer fishing, it is hot like the weather and the crowds disappear!
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Oh, and by the way...for those that have visited our site in recent weeks to view our pictures and see the report on the "pink dolphin"...yes, we are still seeing it. The dolphin is alive and well (not sunburned and in danger as some would like to report) traveling and feeding with its mother and pod. It has been seen almost daily this week by at least one of our charter boats during our normal fishing activity. It really is a sight to behold and I will be sharing more with you in the coming days.
Thanks,
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
June 11th, 2007 Report
Another great summer is underway! Great catches are still coming to the dock daily. Solid speckled trout and redfish pretty much at will are being caught in all areas of the lake. The reefs have heated up and are producing the majority of our catches. Schooling fish under the birds are still available for chasing, but you may have to hit several groups to find a good school. Most days are pretty easy catching when the tides and weather are cooperative.
Our hot bait continues to be "green plastic" as I like to call it...Norton Bull Minnows or Stanley Wedge Tails in chartreuse or limetreuse. Of course there are other colors that will work just fine, we just don't see the need to play tackle box when we know they will bite the same baits every day. Topwaters are producing some really nice fish for customers willing to forego the hot plastic bite to capture a few of the larger specimens.
A couple more weeks of this action and we will be moving south as the water temps rise and drive the fish deeper and closer to the Calcasieu Ship Channel. That is when the live bait will come in handy and continue to produce big catches of specks and reds daily for our guests. Die hards can still make em bite on plastics throughout the summer, but the option of live bait nearly assures a "catching trip" instead of a fishing trip.
July, August and September are without a doubt fantastic months for fishing but for some reason don't get the press the trophy trout months of spring get. If you are looking for a better chance at a sure thing...mid and late summer trips cannot be beat for consistent fishing. The weather is hot, but so is the fishing and we tend to get out a bit earlier and when fishing down near the coast there is usually a breeze to keep you cool while you work on your limits of fat specks and big slot reds.
The next three months are the best time of the year for family trips where everyone can get in on the action. The fish are plentiful and aggressive and the live bait option gets everyone in on the action regardless of their skill level.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is here. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time. Also, don't forget about our late summer fishing, it is hot like the weather and the crowds disappear!
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
May 14th, 2007 Report
Here we go...hot fishing returns to Calcasieu Lake. The winds have subsided in the last week and good catches are being brought to the dock daily. As the calming summer pattern settles in on Southwest Louisiana, the fishing has erupted with great catches of specks and reds.
Lots of fishing options are available when the weather is cooperative. Good catches can be made fishing topwaters on the flats, jigs over reefs or chasing schooling fish under the birds. These catches are being made in all areas of the lake, not in just a few select locations...so fishing is really good right now and looks to have no end in sight at this time.
Believe it or not, if history repeats itself...fishing will improve even more after the opening of shrimp season in a couple of weeks. After the shrimpers take their toll on the hoards of baitfish and shrimp swarming around the lake, the fish will get on the reefs thick to ambush their prey.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is coming. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time. Also, don't forget about our late summer fishing, it is hot like the weather and the crowds disappear!
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
April 24, 2007 Report
The hot action of March and early April has waned recently as the high winds and nasty weather of Spring have prevailed for nearly three weeks, not all that unusual for this time of year. Many of our recent trips have been canceled in hopes of better weather conditions in the coming weeks. Those that have decided to go despite the weather have been for the most part very successful with a good mixed bag of trout, redfish and flounder to take home. However, on that rare calm and pleasant day, the fish have cooperated very well and our trips have been quite successful.
We will likely endure a few more days of this type of weather and gradually see improvement in the next couple of weeks as the summer pattern begins to settle in...and then watch out because it will be ON.
Early season indicators point to another outstanding year on Calcasieu Lake. There have been lots of fish in most areas of the estuary for months. Recent rains made the waters on the north end a bit murky, but the fish stayed in place and the waters are beginning to clear. The southern half of the estuary is in prime condition with clean water, plenty of bait and good numbers of specks and reds. In addition, the mullet have started to arrive en masse and point toward some great topwater action in the next few weeks. As soon as the weather begins to settle the bite is going to be on fire.
Trophy trout hunters should be very interested in the next six weeks of fishing as this is the prime time for those bragging sized specks to smash a topwater. We expect to have plenty of shots at fish in the six to nine pound range in the coming weeks as is normal for this part of the season. In fact, the chance at a speck of a lifetime is always just one cast away when fishing on Calcasieu Lake.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is coming. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time.
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.
Thanks,
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
March 8, 2007 Update
The quick report for the last week is that calm and pleasant conditions have prevailed over the area for the last few days and the fish have responded in a big way. Coming off the full moon the fish are hungry and being very cooperative. Big catches are being made pretty easily right now and it does look to be a great start for the up coming year.
We are making good catches of specks and redfish and suggest you take advantage of the light crowds and make a trip soon. With the rising water temperatures we should continue to see an increase in activity. Fish are starting to school under birds which means the shrimp are moving into the lake in a big way. This is a real sign of an early spring and we certainly want to take advantage of the great fishing and light pressure. We still have openings for this month and welcome your group.
For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now, the bite is ON. Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu for a good time.
Our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines and easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish, whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish. Our lodging facilty is also a convenient asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.
Thanks,
Erik and Tina Rue
Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service
F
Sorry everyone, been a while since the last report but here is a quick update. The fishing has really been phenominal this fall and we have had quite a few great fishing trips lately, many coming in the afternoon as a part of our cast and blast package offered during the waterfowl season. In the past weeks, speckled trout catches have been made with the greatest of ease and often within sight of the marina. The reds have also been very cooperative and have given our customers plenty of good times. While fishing continues to be very good, recent chilly temperatures will slow things down a bit as the water temperatures fall. However, I would expect to continue seeing great catches between the fronts with cooperative weather conditions.
Hunting season has also started with a big showing of ducks and geese. Teal and specklebelly geese accounted for most of the harvest in the early days of the season, but the ducks dwindled towards the end of the first half leaving us shooting at the big birds for the majority of our bags. Our total duck harvest for the first half ended about 15 % below the count for the first split of last season and remains below our long term average. Mallards, which are typically our primary duck in the second half have not showed up in great numbers as of the end of the split...they are late! On a positive note, the specklebelly count remained strong with the first split harvest just slighty ahead of last season which was the second best on record for us. We are hoping to continue that positive trend in the second half of the season and did see encouraging flights of new birds as late as last week when the area goose count definitely increased.
The second split opens Dec 16th and we are expecting it to be a good one as usual with a good mixed bag of ducks and geese. Few openings remain before the first of the year, but several available slots are awaiting your group for a January hunt. As long as the dry conditions persist, mixing it up with a little cast and blast trip also remains a great option.
Come experience our unique style of hunting. We offer well concealed pit blinds on excellent properties, full bodied decoys, seasoned guides that are excellent callers and mixed bag hunting for ducks and geese that requires no work on your part. In addition, we have a great lodging setup that will comfortably accommodate your group up to 20 guests And the food...I'm betting you have already heard about that!