October has come to an end and proved itself yet again as a great month to be out on Calcasieu Lake wetting a line. We were faced with some challenging weather as the week closed out due to some strong winds, but for the majority of the week it was very pleasant fishing conditions. The water level was higher than normal for most of the week, with some big falling tides that got those fish ready to eat. The high S/SE winds brought the temps back up to what you would expect for SWLA this time of the year but we’re definitely looking forward to the next cold snap that heads our way.
The speckled trout fishing was on fire this week with many HR&G boats returning to the dock with their limit of trout as well as some bonus fish to go along with them. Several of our guides gave reports of fishing under birds to land those keeper trout, as well as fishing out on the reefs when the weather permitted. Redfish out on the lake have slowly been making their way back within the slot size but are taking their time to do so. We’ve seen handfuls of boats coming in with keeper reds mixed among their trout. Oversized redfish are still playing ball and don’t seem to be going anywhere.
Speckled trout have seemed to favor more of the live shrimp this go-round rather than its counterpart, the artificial lure. But with the ones that are falling victim to plastic, the Marker 54 Glide Shrimp or DSL’s have been getting the job done. Redfish fancied live shrimp, either under a popping cork or rigged for bottom fishing.
HUNTING REPORT
Opening day of duck season is this coming Saturday and everyone at HR&G is more than excited to get things rolling for the 2024-2025 season! Our duck guides will be out and about in the marsh this week in preparation for the day we’ve been waiting for all year. A few of our guides have already been out this past weekend bringing the future of the sport (youth hunters) out for the first crack at some waterfowl. We saw great success with the young guns and can’t wait to light em’ up opening morning!
FISHING TIP OF THE WEEK
If you are planning a fishing trip on a very windy day, try to make sure and bring a spinning rod and reel along in your arsenal! Even though I prefer a bait caster in my hands, I find that on those extremely windy days, it’s much easier to cast your bait out there a long way with a spinning rod.
We have some boats available so call Tanya at (888) 762-3391 and come see what the Hackberry Rod & Gun Club is all about!
CHECK OUT THIS WEEKS CATCHES
If you’d like to view all our catches on our website – CLICK HERE.
“Ya Shoulda Been Here Yesterday”
2024-2025 Duck Season Dates!
The 2024-2025 Duck season dates have been set in stone! They are as follows-
The dates are officially set, so get with your hunting partners and start checking those calendars! Call Tanya at (888) 762-3391 and get your name on a blind for this year’s duck season! If you would like to check out all this year’s hunting and WMA regulations, click the link below! (All dates listed above are for our zone of the state, which is the “West Zone”)
Fall is rapidly approaching so come on down to the HACKBERRY MALL and see what’s NEW.
Need a gift? We got it.
We have Falcon Rod, Shimano reel, Florida Fishing Reel, Costa Del Mar sunglasses, some comfy Skuze shoes and flip flops and many other items or pick up a gift card for that special birthday, anniversary or Christmas present?
Check out a few of our new arrivals:
Call or email Pauline at dockshop@hrandg.com if you would like to place an order to be shipped.
We also have gift cards if you would like to bless someone that has an upcoming trip.
BE SURE TO VISIT OUR ONLINE 24/7 CAMERAS EVERYDAY LOCATED ON OUR DOCK. TUNE IN AND TAKE A LOOK AT OUR CUSTOMERS DAILY CATCHES AS THET RETURN TO THE DOCK. BEST TIME IS USUALLY 11:00A.M. UNTIL 3:30 OR SO. CHECK IT OUT.
1 teaspoon Acadiana Table Cajun Seasoning Blend, see recipe here
½ tablespoon kosher salt
1 (10-ounce) can mild diced tomatoes and green chiles, such as Rotel
½ cup tomato sauce
4 cups chopped cabbage
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, such as Supreme
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
In a cast-iron pot with a heavy lid over medium-high heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until the fat is rendered, about 3 minutes. Add the ground chuck and sausage, and cook the meat until it is browned, about 5 minutes.
Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper, and cook until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic along with the spices, and stir to combine.
Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken stock. Add the cabbage and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let cook for 45 minutes.
Once the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded, add the rice and stir. Cover the pot and cook for another 20 minutes.
Once the rice has absorbed all of the liquid and is fully cooked, transfer to a baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 350ºF. Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven.
Notes
Some folks stir in a beaten egg before baking in the oven for a denser casserole, but I prefer this lighter version (your option).
