Louisiana Hunt and Fish Package Adventures
Louisiana's coastal marshes come alive during winter months, and there's no better way to experience it than with Calcasieu Charter Service's renowned "Cast and Blast" package. From November through February, you'll get the best of both worlds – productive fishing sessions targeting redfish in Louisiana's legendary inshore waters, paired with world-class waterfowl hunting when the ducks are flying thick. This isn't your average fishing trip; it's a complete outdoor adventure that captures what makes Louisiana hunting and fishing so special.
What to Expect on the Water
Your Louisiana adventure kicks off in the heart of some of the Gulf Coast's most productive fishing grounds. The package runs during prime waterfowl season when the weather's cooled down and the fish are feeding aggressively before winter sets in. You've got flexibility here – structure your trip as an all-day marathon or spread it across two days to really soak up the experience. The afternoon fishing sessions are timed perfectly around duck movement, so you're hitting the water when redfish are prowling the shallows and the birds are starting to work. Everything's included in your $825 per person rate: deluxe lodging where you can actually get some rest, all meals to keep you fueled up, an open bar for those post-hunt stories, and all the fishing essentials like rods, reels, fuel, ice, and artificial baits. You just need to bring yourself, your hunting gear, and whatever personal fishing tackle you can't live without.
Techniques and Tackle
Louisiana inshore fishing during winter months calls for specific approaches that Calcasieu Charter Service has dialed in over years of guiding. You'll be working artificial baits primarily – soft plastics like paddle tails and jerk shads that mimic the baitfish redfish are hammering this time of year. The water's clearer and cooler, so these fish can be picky, but that's where technique comes into play. Expect to throw topwater early in the afternoon sessions when the sun's warming up those shallow flats. As evening approaches, you'll switch to subsurface presentations, bouncing jigs along oyster reefs and grass lines where reds like to ambush prey. The rods and reels provided are perfectly matched for this style of fishing – medium to medium-heavy spinning setups spooled with braided line for sensitivity and hook-setting power. You'll be sight-fishing in skinny water one minute, then blind-casting structure the next. The guides know exactly where to position the boat based on tides, wind, and bird activity from the morning hunt, giving you insider knowledge that only comes from living and breathing these waters year-round.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana's inshore scene, and winter months offer some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere on the Gulf Coast. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 30 inches during this season, with plenty of slot fish perfect for the dinner table and enough oversized bulls to test your drag system. November through February redfish behavior is predictable in the best way possible – they're feeding heavily before the coldest months, schooling up in predictable areas, and less spooked than during the busy summer season. What makes targeting reds so addictive is their aggressive strike and bulldog fight once hooked. They'll make multiple runs, use their broad sides to leverage against the current, and if you're fishing shallow enough, you'll see the whole battle play out in clear water. Louisiana redfish have access to an incredible variety of forage during winter – shrimp, crabs, mullet, and menhaden are all abundant, which means these fish are healthy, fat, and ready to eat whatever you throw at them. The bonus is that winter reds often have the best table quality of the year, with firm white meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling back at the lodge.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer-favorite package books up fast, especially for prime dates in December and January when both the hunting and fishing are at their peak. The two-person minimum means you can bring a buddy for the adventure of a lifetime, or Calcasieu Charter Service can pair you with another angler if you're flying solo. At $825 per person with everything included – lodging, meals, drinks, and all fishing equipment – you're getting top-rated value for a complete Louisiana outdoor experience. The guides running these trips know the marshes like their backyard and understand how to time the fishing around hunting schedules for maximum success on both fronts. Don't wait until the season's halfway over to secure your dates. Louisiana's "Cast and Blast" opportunities like this are what outdoor magazines write about, but they're only available for a few short months each year. Book now and get ready for the kind of trip that'll have you planning your return before you even head home.