Just a little over an hour’s drive southwest of New Orlean’s Louis Armstrong Airport is Dulac, Louisiana. This tiny charming Cajun settlement is somewhat invisible among the many canals and marshy bayous created by the Mississippi’s endless flow into the Gulf of Mexico. The veteran guides of Dulac Charters explore these mazes of canals and channels in shallow running skiffs and pole their anglers through small cuts and out onto some of the most incredible marsh flats imaginable. As your guide stalks the flats hunting redfish, you are in position with line stripped out, ready to make an accurate cast to a cautiously feeding fish.
These fish show up as tailers, crawlers, mudders and pushers. You have to put your fly in the feeding zone, an area about the size of a large pizza. A proper presentation on the first cast is almost always answered by an agressive grab! Most anglers who have fished the flats for other species find stalking the finicky redfish truly rewarding. This is an experience that all anglers need to add to their list of “Must-Do’s”.
Lance Ledet’s Dulac Redfish Lodge is nestled among tall cattails and incredibly dense local flora that line the small canals. The boats are tied up at the dock and are ready to leave at dawn. The fishing is normally best from early morning until mid-afternoon. This is a year-round fishery. Many of Leland’s clients return several times a year to challenge the record sized redfish that reside on the food-rich flats. Many of the best spots are only a few minutes from the lodge dock.
The fish will take most of the popular redfish fly patterns, but Leland and his guides always have their favorite flies. Because the fish feed in such shallow water, floating lines are mostly used. Anglers fishing the flats around Dulac will also have shots at drum and the challenging sheephead, often while being watched by large alligators. We consider this program to be one of our most excellent experiences.
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The lodge cook will spoil the visiting angler with Cajun flavored delicacies like marsh crawdads, soft shell crabs, two-sauce grilled redfish, gumbo and jambalaya. Breakfast and dinner is at the lodge and lunch is taken onboard the skiff.
The lodge can comfortably accommodate six anglers at a time in three large bedrooms with twin beds and adjoining bathrooms. The main room has six comfortable lounge chairs, a giant cable TV and a large, well stocked fly tying table, so you can tie your own flies for the next day. Leland will be happy to teach you a new pattern. If you request flies in advance, the lodge will have them available upon your arrival, but they expect anglers to arrive with their own rods and reels. Fishabout will supply you with a well-planned “what to take” and tackle list. You can pack light because the lodge has its own washer and dryer for guest use.
Fishabout can assist anglers with making trip plans to Dulac, Louisiana. Along with supplying maps how to get to the fishing area, we can also help you with airline reservations, car rentals and whatever else you might need to make your trip successful. Most anglers rent a car and drive to the lodge. You also have the option of a limo transfer from the airport. Very reasonable prices can almost always be found for flights into New Orleans.
$490.00 per day
double occupancy includes lodging, meals and guided fishing 2 per boat
Fishabout Inc. has been dedicated to serving the travel needs of our friends in the angling community for over 27 years.
