Capt. Alan Cain
Hello friends and fellow anglers. Hope you are all doing well and had a great Thanksgiving.
It has been a while since my last fishing report, but I wanted to give you all a quick update on the last few months.
I left North Carolina in October for my annual 3-month trip to Louisiana to guide for giant adult redfish and black drum. This is all shallow water sight fishing with fly and light tackle gear, just 45 minutes from downtown New Orleans. In this area, most adult redfish will range from 15- to 40-lbs. and black drum from 15- to 50-plus lbs. Our biggest redfish so far this year was 31-lbs and our best black drum went 42, but we had shots at much bigger fish.
Although we have had some bad weather and windy days, it has been a great season overall. This area offers many different fishing opportunities from small, protected ponds and bayous to vast shallow gulf bays and islands. Even on the windy days, we can usually find water protected enough to catch redfish, and most every day produces many shots at giant redfish that will eat any well-presented fly or lure.
When fly-fishing, we typically use 9-10 weight fly rods and floating lines with 3-5 inch long baitfish and shrimp patterns. In certain situations we use large poppers. Once you see a 20-pound drum chase down and eat a popper in less than 2 feet of water, it will be all you will ever want to do. Unlike redfish in many other saltwater fisheries, Louisiana redfish are usually not spooky and are not picky when it comes to fly pattern or color/size.
I just had a few last minute openings this year if anyone is interested in coming to experience this fishery. I have December 1, 10, and 20 open.
I also already have a third of next November-December dates booked, so if you’re looking to make a trip down here next year, give me a call to discuss availability and logistics/lodging.
I will be back in NC December 22 and will send out an updated fishing forecast and report on the winter and spring fishery along the Carolina coast as soon as I’m back. I look forward to seeing and fishing with you again next year.
Contact Capt. Allen Cain at 336-613-2975 or visit