While I almost invariably carry along a fly rod when I go speck-fishing offshore, I have seldom used it -- the current and the often deep-holding fish being the reasons why. Still, the time can become right for one, so if you are prone to fly-fishing, here are some helpful hints.

Use a 9- or 10-weight outfit with a Class III sinking line. That, combined with fairly heavy flies, will work both when the fish are up and when the current is stronger but still allows the technique. Flies such as size 2/0 Clouser Minnows are all you need; chartreuse over white or solid purple are favorite colors. Fluorocarbon leaders of 4 to 5 feet in length and tapered to 16-pound-class line with a foot of 30-pound for a shocker are enough. After the cast, use increasing counts before beginning the retrieve until you reach the productive zone.

As far as individual hotspots go, I am sworn to secrecy. However, I can safely say this: Any platform -- often the bigger the better -- found across the northern blocks from the 50s down to the 70s can offer the best speck fishing you could ever imagine during early summer. And that goes for quality as well as quantity!

You can create your own map of the area by searching "Gulf Leasing Maps and Protraction Diagrams" on the Internet. Then, scroll down and click on the same title -- the exact same title! Next, scroll down through "Central Gulf of Mexico" to LA4. Click here, then enlarge the image to 66.67 percent. Print it out; then on your trip you can pencil in and label the platforms where you catch fish for future reference. They all should have their respective blocks on signs at deck-level or thereabouts.

The Eugene Island area can be reached from two locations, both requiring a fairly long run. From the public landing in Berwick, take the Atchafalaya River south through its delta and follow the channel markers past the channel-stabilizing project. You'll see the rocks to the east there along with possibly a few barges. This route requires a run across Atchafalaya Bay, as well as at least five miles or so of Gulf, so watch the weather. One good thing about it, though, is if the Gulf turns lumpy, you can head back and fish the reefs around Point au Fer.

The run from Burns Point -- south of U.S. Route 90 on state Route 317 between the Calumet Cut and Franklin -- is sheltered for a short distance from an east breeze down to Point Chevreuil, but from there on it will be exposed. However, this is a shorter run to the platforms in the western blocks, and you can always stop by the Nickel Reef, south of Marsh Island, on the way back. In both cases, the launch-site fees are a buck or two on an honor pay system. While the concrete back-down ramps are entirely adequate, no amenities are available at either site, so come entirely self-supported.

And if you are so inclined, you could reach the western blocks from Cypremort Point. However, at this writing, it's doubtful that the bridge on state Route 83 north of Weeks Island that was wrecked by one of last September's hurricanes will have been repaired. That will demand accessing the point via Route 83's lower loop from Baldwin through Louisa. In any case, gaining the Eugene Island blocks from the Point will require a lot of gas and a lot of time getting there and back. Plan your trips accordingly!

Wherever you choose to launch, I'd recommend a craft no smaller than a 20-foot bay-boat -- Metz's choice -- for working this area, and a little bigger could end up being a whole lot better! Use common sense in navigating, and don't forget your safety gear. The fishing at Eugene Island can be too good to mess up a trip there by being careless!