Big Lake with Bruce Baugh (4/22 and 4/23)

[lcl1103]

I've fished the Shell Beach, Hopedale, Delacroix and Breton Sound areas for many years and caught lots of fish......but never fished Calcasieu. I was looking to wade fish for big trout, so booked a trip with Bruce Baugh. Let me start by saying I've fished with many guides over the years....Capt. Bruce knows how to target big fish and he's a great guy to spend a couple days with. Knowing Bruce releases most big fish, I asked in advance if he's OK with us keeping any trophy fish. He said absolutely no problem. First afternoon we jumped in and started to wade, I was next to Bruce when the first fish hit his lure....he looked at me and said "big fish". When he says big fish, he means it. Couple minutes later, a fat 10lb tout was hanging on the Boga, then was released. Biggest fish I've ever seen in person. We then proceeded to catch a handful of 3-6lb fish. Then my buddy's top water got slammed....minutes later 8lb trout on the Boga. That fish was going on the wall. So within first two hours, we've already caught a 10lb and 8lb!! Ended the afternoon keeping a few to eat....but a 10lb and 8lb on our first day in Big Lake, that's insane.
Next morning conditions were not the best, strong south wind and water was very high, but Bruce said he knew an area that would give us a good shot at another trophy. We were already content and figured our trip was already a success. First trout hit my topwater...5lb trout. Then a few reds in the mix until.....once again Brad's bait got slammed. Result was another one for the wall.....a 9lb hog. Caught a couple more good ones, then had to pack up at noon and get back for the kids soccer. What an absolutely amazing trip with Capt. Bruce. We will be back many times.