Expert Fishing Tips from Capt. Sammie Faulk of Gotta Go Charters in Southwest Louisiana
Capt. Sammie Faulk with Gotta Go Charters
Thirty years ago, Sammie Faulk left his day job to become a full-time fishing guide on Lake Calcasieu—locally known as Big Lake—when guides were few and far between. Today, Capt. Faulk's Gotta Go Charters thrives amid Southwest Louisiana's rising fame, drawing anglers nationwide.
Whether targeting freshwater bass, crappie, and catfish in the Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers or saltwater redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in Calcasieu Lake—famous for its trophy trout and the coveted Cajun Grand Slam—this region delivers exceptional fishing.
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Recently, I spoke with Capt. Faulk for proven tips, especially for families like mine starting out—my husband wants to introduce our son to recreational fishing.
Best Bait for Beginners
For novices, Faulk recommends Berkley Gulp! Soft Plastic in chartreuse. "Nothing in the wild looks like that, but with Gulf shrimp pieces around, it's nearly as effective as live shrimp—fish grab it," he explains.
He favors affordable open-faced spinning reels, like the light-action 7-foot Ugly Stik paired with a Shakespeare reel, to build confidence. "Zebco combos work for young kids, but by age 8 or so, they handle a 5.5-foot rod with spinning reel surprisingly well," Faulk adds.
Best Bait for Advanced Anglers
For pros, topwater baits shine in Southwest Louisiana for their simplicity and explosive strikes. "Under ideal conditions, you'll get heart-stopping action," says Faulk.
Where to Buy Bait
Academy offers extensive selections. For personalized service, try Lake Charles Tackle on Common Street or Cajun Tackle on Country Club Road. Live shrimp and bait? Head to Calcasieu Point Marina or Spicer Bait in Hackberry.
Professional fishing guides abound in Southwest Louisiana. Learn more about guide services here.
