Birddog Fishing Co

Louisiana Redfish Fishing

The coastal marshes of south Louisiana provide exceptional sight-fishing for bull redfish in shallow waters. Almost all fly fishing for reds is done via sight fishing, providing an angling experience of unmatched excitement.

The Fishery

Habitat Types:

• Grass-lined creeks and channels
• Mangrove-studded ponds
• Sandy gulf edges
• Skinny water marsh flats
• Protected back bays

Fishing Style:

• Pure sight-fishing from skiffs
• Fish visible tailing, floating, backing, cruising
• Less than 20 feet from the bow in most scenarios
• Technical presentations in shallow water
• Stalking approach to visible fish

Seasonal Patterns

Early Season (October/November):

• Large schools of bull redfish
• Brilliantly golden coloration
• Fish in the 18-25 pound range
• Schools easier to locate and target
• Peak conditions for numbers

Late Season (December-March):

• Big singles in skinny water marsh
• More technical sight-fishing
• Fish in back marsh locations
• Challenging presentations
• Trophy hunting focus

Target Species

Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus)
Bull redfish are the primary target.

• Size Range: 18-25 pounds (typical bulls), some to 40 pounds
• Season: Present year-round, peak October-March
• Behavior: Tailing, floating, backing, cruising in skinny water
• Habitat: Grass flats, mangrove ponds, gulf edges, marsh creeks
• Techniques: Sight-fishing with crab patterns, spoon flies, baitfish imitations
• Equipment: 9-10 weight fly rod recommended for larger fish

Bonus Species

When targeting redfish, anglers may encounter:

• Black Drum – Challenging sight-fishing targets
• Sheepshead – Structure-oriented, technical presentations
• Jack Crevalle – Aggressive, powerful fighters
• Alligator Gar – Prehistoric predators, unique opportunities

Each species provides challenging and exciting experiences on the fly rod.

Typical Fishing Day

• Duration: 8 hours (sun up until visibility gets tough)
• Departure: Early morning for best sight-fishing conditions
• Approach: Poling skiffs through shallow water, stalking visible fish
• Provided: Water and ice

Angler Responsibility: Pack lunch, snacks, and preferred beverages

Birddog Fishing Co. Accommodations

Flexible lodging options allow you to customize your Louisiana redfish trip based on group size and preferences.

La Beau Soleil Lodge (Primary Option)

Meaning "The Beautiful Sunshine," this guest lodge provides comfortable accommodations for redfish anglers:

Capacity:

• Sleeps up to 6 guests
• Comfortably sleeps 4

Rooms & Bathrooms:

• Two bedrooms
• Two bathrooms
• Ample space for gear and equipment

Amenities:

• Fully equipped kitchen
• Washer and dryer
• Weber grill on the deck
• Firepit for evening gatherings
• Common areas for trip planning and relaxation

Hotel Options in Houma

If La Beau Soleil is booked, numerous hotel options available in Houma:

• 15-20 miles from boat put-in
• Allow 30 minutes drive time to boat ramp
• Range of accommodations from budget to upscale
• Convenient to restaurants and services

Airbnb Alternatives

Several other Airbnb options available in the area for flexible group sizes and preferences.

Travel to Birddog Fishing Co.

Airport
New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans, Louisiana

Distance to Fishing
Approximately 70 miles from airport to lodge/put-in

Airlines Serving New Orleans

Major carriers with daily flights from across the US:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• JetBlue
• Spirit Airlines

Ground Transportation

Rental Car (Recommended):

• Pick up at New Orleans International Airport
• Drive to La Beau Soleil lodge or Houma hotel
• Required for accessing boat ramp daily
• Approximately 70-mile drive

Rideshare/Taxi:

• Available from airport to lodging
• Will need transportation to boat ramp each morning
• Coordinate with Captain Huff for meeting locations

Meeting Points

• Boat ramp location provided upon booking
• 15-20 miles from Houma hotels
• Direct access if staying at La Beau Soleil
• Allow 30 minutes for morning drive time

Sample 3-5 Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival

• Fly to New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Pick up rental car
• Drive to La Beau Soleil lodge or Houma hotel (approximately 70 miles)
• Check in and settle accommodations
• Grocery shopping for lunches and snacks (angler responsibility)
• Rig rods and prepare gear
• Confirm morning meeting time and location with Captain Huff
• Early night to prepare for morning fishing

Days 2-5 – Fishing Days

Morning:

• Early departure to boat ramp (allow 30 minutes if staying in Houma)
• Meet Captain Huff at designated put-in
• Load gear into skiff
• Pack lunch, snacks, and beverages for 8-hour day

Fishing Day:

• Launch at sun up for optimal sight-fishing conditions
• Pole shallow flats, creeks, and mangrove ponds
• Sight-fish for bull redfish tailing, cruising, backing
• Target large schools (October/November) or big singles (December-March)
• Opportunities for black drum, sheepshead, jack crevalle, alligator gar
• 8-hour fishing day
• Return when visibility gets tough or end of day

Evening:

• Return to La Beau Soleil or hotel
• Clean and organize gear
• Grill dinner on deck (if at lodge) or dine in Houma
• Firepit gathering and trip planning (if at lodge)
• Prepare for next day

Final Day – Departure

• Final morning fishing (if schedule allows)
• Return to boat ramp
• Pack gear and luggage
• Drive to New Orleans International Airport
• Return rental car
• Connect to homeward flights

Trip Length Recommendations:

3-5 day trips are preferred length:

• Allows winter weather systems to blow through
• Provides multiple chances if weather impacts one day
• Increases opportunities for optimal sight-fishing conditions
• Flexibility to adjust to conditions

Package Rates

2024/2025 Day Rates:

$850 per day (Up to 2 anglers per boat)

• 8-hour fishing day
• Sun up until visibility gets tough
• Water and ice provided

Suggested Gratuity: $150 per day

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and booking

What's Included:

• 8-hour guided fishing day with Captain Huff
• Skiff with poling platform and equipment
• Water and ice
• Captain's expertise and local knowledge

Not Included:

• Lodging (La Beau Soleil or Houma hotels booked separately)
• Flights to New Orleans
• Rental car
• Lunches, snacks, and beverages (angler packs own)
• Louisiana fishing license
• Fishing gear (rods, reels, flies, tackle)
• Gratuities for Captain Huff
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (recommended)

Reservation Policy

Deposit:

• Non-refundable deposit of $400 per day due upon booking
• Remainder can be paid at conclusion of trip

Important: If clients cancel within 30 days of trip and Captain Huff is unable to rebook, the remaining balance is due in full.

Weather/Cancellation Policy

Client Cancellation Due to Weather:

• If Captain Huff believes conditions are fishable, deposit ($400/day) will be forfeited
• If client and captain mutually agree weather is not fishable with either spin or fly gear, deposits may be forfeited unless future date within season is agreeable

Captain Cancellation:

• If Captain Huff cancels due to unforeseen circumstances, full deposit returned to client
• Efforts will be made to reschedule trip for later date

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Travel Insurance through Global Rescue at time of reservation. Check with your credit card company or bank for protection on missed flights.

For insurance questions contact:Kim D'AmicoPhone: 617.459.4200Email: kdamico@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Louisiana Redfish Experts

Ready to sight-fish for Louisiana bull redfish in some of the finest shallow water in North America? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about Birddog Fishing Co., Captain Huff's operation, travel logistics, and what to expect on the coastal marshes.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Manager
John is a Front Range Anglers guide and Sage Elite Pro with extensive saltwater fly fishing experience. He can provide detailed insights on bull redfish tactics, sight-fishing techniques, and trip preparation for Louisiana.

What We Can Help With:

• Bull redfish fly selection and patterns
• Sight-fishing tactics for tailing reds
• 9-10 weight tackle recommendations
• Seasonal timing (early vs. late season strategies)
• La Beau Soleil vs. Houma hotel accommodations
• New Orleans travel logistics
• What to expect on Louisiana coastal marshes
• 3-5 day trip planning
• Weather considerations for winter fishing
• Pairing you with compatible trip partners
• Pre-trip preparation consultation

Contact Us:
Email: Johnb@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater gear, test cast redfish rods, and talk with our team about your Birddog Fishing Co. adventure.

What to Bring to Louisiana

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 9-10 weight fly rod (recommended for bull redfish)
• Large arbor saltwater reel with strong drag
• 200+ yards of backing
• Floating tropical saltwater line (primary)
• Spare spool with intermediate line

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-12 foot leaders (12-20 lb test)
• Fluorocarbon tippet (12-20 lb for redfish)
• Extra leader material

Flies:

Redfish Patterns:

• Kwan patterns (chartreuse, pink, natural)
• Spoon flies (gold, copper)
• Crab patterns (Merkin, Del's Merkin)
• Clouser Minnows (chartreuse/white, olive/white)
• Gurgler poppers (for surface)
• EP Baitfish patterns
• Variety of weights and sizes
• Bring 2-3 dozen flies minimum

Wading Gear:

• Flats boots or wading shoes (non-marking soles)
• No chest waders needed (fishing from skiff)

Clothing for Louisiana Weather

Sun Protection (Essential):

• Long-sleeve sun shirts (UPF-rated, quick-dry, multiple)
• Long fishing pants (lightweight, quick-dry)
• Wide-brim sun hat or flats cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Polarized sunglasses (amber or copper lenses for water clarity)
• Sunglasses retainer/strap (essential)
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+, waterproof, reapply frequently)
• Lip balm with SPF

Weather Layers:

• Light fleece or insulated jacket (December-March mornings can be cold)
• Waterproof rain jacket (winter weather systems)
• Rain pants (optional, for weather)
• Warm gloves for cold mornings (December-March)
• Warm hat (fleece or wool, winter months)

Boat Clothing:

• Quick-dry shirts (long sleeve, multiple)
• Quick-dry pants (long, light colors)
• Comfortable boat shoes or flats boots
• Light jacket for boat rides

Essential Accessories:

• Waterproof dry bag for gear and personal items
• Stripping basket
• Fishing pliers
• Nail clippers or nippers
• Small tackle box for flies and tippet
• Insulated water bottle
• Cooler or lunch bag for daily provisions

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid ID (driver's license)
• Louisiana fishing license (required)
• Credit card for incidentals and gratuities
• Cash for gratuities ($150/day suggested)

Food & Provisions (Angler Responsibility):

• Lunches for 3-5 days on the water
• Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
• Preferred beverages
• Grocery shopping upon arrival in Louisiana

Medications & Essentials:

• Personal prescription medications
• Sunburn treatment (aloe vera)
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes present in marshes)
• Basic first aid items