Again, a falling tide is the best water to fish, according to our source. The bait is being swept out to sea and pulled from the far reaches of the backwaters where it is now more susceptible to being eaten.

Bourgeois keeps his tackle boxes stocked with black and chartreuse Bass Assassins or any soft bait that resembles a pogy. During times of slower fishing or stained water, anglers might consider using a No. 4 spinner on the line to get some extra attention. The added vibration and flash will attract reds readily.

Anglers who work down the shoreline casting to the mouths of these little bayous will often find fish willing and ready to suck in their offerings. The key is to be stealthy. Use the wind and tide to get upwind or uptide of your targeted stretch of water and then drift, making adjustments with the trolling motor as needed. Remember to keep in mind that the wind will push the bait.

Bourgeois agrees: "I never use the anchor when fishing for reds. I work my way down the shoreline, picking out my points and ambush sites and then directing clients to cast to those locations."

Much of the fishing in this area will be sight-fishing anyway with fish staging in water that is a foot to a foot and a half deep. Nothing is more exciting than creeping along in a boat and seeing a giant red tail with its big spot clearly visible and then casting to it. The few seconds it takes to determine if the fish will take the bait can be an eternity, but when the fish tightens the line, it is all worth the time spent making the presentation.

When fishing the waters of southeast Louisiana, anglers will find plenty of redfish in the 4- to 8-pound range, but a fish up to 30 pounds is quite possible. Both of our guides encourage the release of the larger fish after a quick photo so they can spawn again. The size and creel limit on reds is five per person over 16 inches and under 27 inches. One fish may be creeled over 27 inches in length. A medium-action rod will work great for specks, but a medium-to-medium heavy rod in 6 or 6 1/2 feet is best for the redfish.

Any boat can be used to fish for both species. However, an 18-foot center console boat with a matching motor will give anglers the range to explore the various bayous and guts where the fish may hang out. Be sure to take along plenty of water, a GPS, some raingear for afternoon squalls and ice for the fish.

If you need some professional mentoring, consider either one of our pros. I have personally fished with Dugas and found his patience to be long-lasting and his knowledge to be vast. He is very personable and will teach you plenty about fishing for specks and reds so you can apply it from your own boat. Capt. Gene Dugas can be contacted at (985) 640-0569 or http://www.ratherbe-fishing. com/index.htm

Captain Theophile Bourgeois is also very knowledgeable. His guide service has been written up in the New York Times and he caters to both large businesses and individuals. Count on some good Cajun stories when you get in his boat. Captain Theophile can be contacted at (504) 341-5614 or http://neworleansfishing.com.