Calcasieu Lake (Lake Charles) is known for its incredible redfish population, especially around the grass mats that dot the lake. When the grass gets thick, frogs become the perfect prey. Redfish key in on these amphibians, and a well-presented topwater frog can trigger explosive strikes. The key is a slow, steady retrieve that keeps the frog on top of the grass. Every few seconds, pause—this mimics a frog at rest and drives redfish crazy. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 30-lb braid and a 40-lb fluorocarbon leader stands up to the grass while maintaining sensitivity. We caught 30+ reds in one afternoon, with several pushing 30 inches.
March 5, 2026
Mat Monsters: Taming Calcasieu Redfish with Topwater Frogs
The grass mats of Calcasieu Lake hold massive redfish. Here is how to catch them on topwater.
