FAQs and Fishing Tips | Cheevo Fish Camp

FAQs

What's included in the trip and what do we need to bring?

We provide all fishing gear (rods, reels, lines, tippet, leaders, and flies), water, and lunch but clients should bring: sunscreen, quick dry clothing, rain jackets, sunglasses (polarized are highly recommended with amber colored lenses), a hat, bug spray, and depending upon the weather, warm clothes. Anglers will also need to purchase a Louisiana fishing license - there is a 3 day "Charter Passenger Saltwater" license that can be found here: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits.

Will we be mostly fishing from the boat or stalking the flats?

100% from the boat. There are too many big lizards in South East Louisiana to safely wade fish.

When is the best time of year to come fishing?

Our fishing season is October-February. This is when the bull reds move further into the marsh. We can still target slot sized redfish (27" and smaller) during this time frame, but it is bull red season.

What type of fish will we be catching?

Redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and alligator gar. The alligator gar will move off the flats as the temperatures drop but there are still some around in the fall.

How big are the fish?

The bull reds can get uncomfortably big: 20+ lbs is normal. The black drum also typically run big. For sheepshead (aka the Cajun Permit), any size is an accomplishment.

How many people can you take on the boat/skiff?

There's a maximum of 3 passengers allowed on the boat (including the guide) - so 2 anglers max.

How long is a fishing day?

A full day is generally 8 hours. We sometimes stay out longer...

What if I don't know how to fly fish? Do we have to fly fish?

You do NOT have to fly fish. We can spinfish as well. It should be noted that if you are new to fly fishing, redfish are not usually the fish to start on. The important thing with fly or spin, is to be able to get the fly/lure where you want it. If you've never been fishing before, we would recommend hiring some of the local bay boat charters (that use bait), and we will be glad to provide recommendations.

What size fly rods will we be using and can I bring my own?

For redfish/black drum/sheepshead we typically use 8-10 weight rods. You can absolutely bring your own fly rod and we recommend it!

What type of fly line will be using?

Floating lines. Most of our fishing areas will be 4' or less of water and intermediate/sinking lines tend to get cut on the oyster shells. You also want a floating line because if you have to recast quickly (which is common), you want to be able to easily pick up 20-30' of fly line.

Can you sight fish, even if it is a cloudy day?

Yes. Redfish will often create a push on a shallow flat, so you can still cast your fly in front of the push, even if you can't actually see the fish. Sun is ideal, but sight casting is still possible on cloudy days.

What strength and length leaders will we be using?

We typically use 60-40 lb leaders with 25 lb tippet. The combined length of the leader tippet is 7-8 feet long.

How far do I need to be able to cast?

Most of the shots are 30' or less, often right off the bow of the boat. It is much more important to be able to accurately cast 30' or less than to be able to cast 70'. The flies are typically weighted so it is important to practice casting with a heavy fly.

Is it ok if my wife/husband/friend/etc comes even if they aren't fishing?

Absolutely, as long as the maximum number of passengers is not exceeded.

Can I book a fishing trip on the weekends and the weekdays?

Both!

Do we keep the fish?

No. We practice catch and release. There are several local bay fishing charters that will let you keep redfish and we are glad to provide recommendations.

Where do you fish out of?

Hopedale and Delacroix, Louisiana.

Biting Gnats and Mosquitos?

When the wind dies down, the mosquitos and biting gnats emerge. Normal bug spray works well for mosquitos, but is not effective against the biting gnats. We would highly recommend buying Marsh Romance (https://hawksoapco.com/products/marsh-romance?variant=39894698623161) as it does help control the biting gnats, BUT it does not work very well against the mosquitos. So you really need both. We typically bring both on the boat, but if you are staying anywhere near the marsh (before or after our trip), you will want to have both with you.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, a 50% deposit to secure dates. You may pay via Venmo or Credit Card.

How do I pay and how are refunds processed?

We accept cash, venmo and credit cards. Refunds will be processed back to the same payment method by which they were received.

Customer Cancellation:

A deposit is due upon approval of your booking request. We will happily refund your deposit at least 14 full days prior to your scheduled trip. Deposits will not be refunded for cancellations less than 14 days before the trip. Trips will be charged in full for day of trip cancellations or no shows.

Guide Cancellation:

If we cancel your trip at any time before the commencement of your trip, you will be refunded in full.

Bad Weather Cancellation:

Unfortunately, we don't control the weather. If we feel that we cannot safely perform a trip, we may cancel. Weather cancellation is at the guide’s discretion alone. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you will be refunded in full.

FISHING TIPS

How to practice casting for redfish:

Practice casting 30' or less, quickly and with accuracy. When practicing, set several targets out at different locations - some 10' from you. Always start with the fly in your hand when beginning a cast. The key with catching redfish is accuracy and speed. Often times we won't see the redfish until we are almost on top of it - if you can get a fly right in front of it very quickly, you will find success. Also, when you are casting at targets, mentally decide which side of the target is the head of the fish and cast a foot in front of the "head." Don't cast right in the middle of the target, because that will likely spook an actual redfish.

Backhand Cast:

It will greatly improve your chances if you practice your backhand cast. Think of the nose of the skiff as being 12 on a clock. If you are right handed and can't cast between 12 and 3, you've really handicapped yourself - and that is the backhand cast. Especially in the fall and winter with the shorter days, we often see the redfish in the 12 to 3 zone (on a clock). You want to get proficient enough where you don't have to look at your back cast, on your backhand cast. You want to be able to keep your eyes on the fish and its movements, while doing a backhand cast.

The Immediate Pickup Cast:

When you are practicing casting, if you don't hit your target, immediately pick up your fly/fly line up and try again. These redfish have to see the fly to eat it. Even a good cast can get poor results, if the redfish changes direction. Practice picking up your fly line, with one back cast, and putting it back down on your target. It may take 2, 4, or even 7 casts to get your fly in front of a redfish in the marsh, so you want to be prepared for multiple quick casts.

The Sweep:

Let's assume you are casting at a redfish and you cast too far - you cast past the fish. No big deal. But instead of stripping the line in to get the fly in front of the fish, sweep the rod (move the rod) to get the fly into position. Sightfish fishing is a game of seconds. Most of these Louisiana redfish will eat a fly if they see it. When you are practicing casting, practice casting too far and then sweep the rod in the direction you want the fly to go. Sure you will have some slack after your sweep, but the redfish will have an opportunity to eat your fly and you can deal with the slack after the fly is into position.

Multiple Bites:

These redfish are hungry. If they hit your fly and you don't stick the hook set (by strip setting NOT trout setting), they will probably hit it again. Just keep stripping your fly. If you stop, or hypothethically get upset about missing the eat and that causes you to stop, the redfish won't hit it again - it has to be moving. The food that redfish eat are spiky (think shrimp, crabs, etc.) so if they feel a prick in their mouth, that's normal. The one exception is that if you somewhat stick the redfish on the hook set and actually move the fish (either forward or sideways), it probably won't hit the fly again.

When to Trout Set:

With redfish hooksets there is ONE situation when a trout set (lifting your fly rod up) might give you your best chance. That is if a redfish is swimming towards you when it eats your fly. When a redfish eats your fly while swimming towards you, it is will likely keep swimming towards you after it eats the fly and it is very difficult to strip set in this situation - you can't hardly take out enough slack to drive that hook in. If this situation arises, trout set hard and once the fish turns, lower your rod and put a good amount of pressure on it to drive that hook in. For all other redfish eats, you should use a strip set.