hey guys, it is the current and freshwater diversions that keep the water so fresh.
Rev, this is a collection of websites i use from reading posts here. lucky you, you are getting them all in one shot!
start here, if the atchafalaya is over 9ft the salinity will drop.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/la/nwis/uv...20,63160,00060
the salinity needs to be around 7 for the saltwater species to come into the bay. the atchafalaya will usually dictate salinity. Redfish are always the exception though.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07387040
Once the salinity is high enough you will need to find clean water, specs are sight feeders. You can see where the clean water is without burning a tank running around.
http://ge.ssec.wisc.edu/modis-today/index.php
then, there is the tide to consider. as long as the tide is moving, you are good, but remember the fish will set up differently in an area depending upon the tide incoming or outgoing. this is a good website.
http://www.ezfshn.com/tides/usa/louisiana
Now that we are finished with all that, you will need a spot to fish, if you like community holes look for the boats. if you are like most of us you prefer to stay away from the crowds. shark Bayou tributaries as jpeff mentioned are a good place to start. there is the Hammock, port cannal, delcambre canal, countless places in Marsh island, or the reefs out of the pass. best bet is to get on google earth and spend some time looking around. also try this site.
http://www.flashearth.com/ the photos were taken at a very low tide and you can see which canals are safe, and which canals are shallow.
lures, redfish magic spinnerbaits are good to throw to search for fish. sparkle beetles under a cork tipped with shrimp are good at the pass. Keep in mind, i usually fish for a hit, then zero in on them from there.
from there read the posts on the lures used.
this is fishin after all, you can go to an area one day and hammer them, same conditions the next day and catch none. We are on the tail end of this winters bite so don't expect much posting until it warms up again. Keep at it and you will start to find your groove.
Good luck buddy! let me know if you have any questions.