Despite rough conditions, group scores on specks, redfish and more
The Texas Lady Anglers and the U.S. Postal Service have something in common: Neither rain, sleet or snow can keep them from their appointed rounds.
The weather wasn’t quite that bad on Nov. 1 when the 24-member group chartered eight guide boats for their fourth annual fishing trip to Big Lake – but the conditions weren’t exactly pleasant, either.
“It was 42 degrees with 15- to 20-mph winds,” said Debbie Mann May, a leadership committee member of the Texas Lady Anglers. “I was worried about all the ladies being comfortable by having warm clothing for the event.
“Fortunately, we had enough winter clothing that we shared some.”
The charitable group, which hosts a fundraising banquet each year, is dedicated to enhancing the joy of fishing for ladies of all ages, with ladies ranging in age from 21 to 70 making the Calcasieu trip.
“This past year, proceeds from our banquet went to The Bridge in Pasadena, Texas – a crisis center for homeless women and children, often those who are victims of domestic violence,” she said.
Despite the conditions, Cajun Paradise Lodge and Charters put the ladies on fish.
“This was our fourth annual trip in a row with Capt. Kevin Broussard, Cajun Phil and their assisting captains,” she said.
According to May, of Manvel, Texas, Capt. Gary “Gary-man” Peloquin motored over with her and two other members to Turner’s Bay, where they encountered three other boats chartered with their group.
“It was rough out there,” she said. “It was just getting daylight when we arrived. And we started by casting live shrimp under a popping cork.
“We started catching a few trout immediately.”
When the morning was done, all four boats had taken quite a few specks, most averaging 2 pounds along with one nice 5-pounder. The ladies in another boat who headed north into Prien Lake all scored on limits of trout.
“There were redfish mixed in the trout schools as well,” May said. “One boat had two reds and another caught eight. There was a boat with our group that went to nearby Sabine Lake, and all the ladies there limited out on redfish.
“We enjoyed a good bite for most of the day and we also had catches of puppy drum and sheepshead mixed in.”
The ladies enjoy returning to Big Lake each year because of the fishing action, as well as the warm welcome they receive.
“We have chosen Calcasieu Lake so frequently because it’s one of the best estuaries to catch fish,” she said. “Plus it’s a great place to stay, and Spicer-Hughes Marina and Hotel has plenty room and accommodates us well.
“Also Capt. Kevin and Cajun Phil are such great hosts. As I tell people about the area, there are plenty of friends, food and fishing to be enjoyed.”
For more information on the Texas Lady Anglers, click here.
