Louisiana Legends

Louisiana Legends
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The Louisiana Legends Podcast brings you real conversations with the people who live and breathe the Louisiana outdoors. From inshore guides and hardcore anglers to industry voices and under-the-radar killers, we sit down with the guys who actually know how to find and catch fish when it matters. This isn’t fluff or recycled info. It’s raw, experience-driven insight from the marsh, Lake Pontchartrain, and beyond. We talk tactics, stories, failures, wins, and everything in between. We get into the stuff that actually affects fishing in Louisiana, including the Menhaden Debate, Water Access Battles, New Creel Limits, and the ongoing fight between Dredging and River Diversions. No politics for the sake of it, just real conversations about what’s happening and how it impacts the fishery. Whether you're chasing speckled trout, redfish, or just trying to level up your game, this podcast gives you a front-row seat to how Louisiana’s best think and operate. New episodes weekly. Stay Legendary.

  1. 6d ago

    The Professor of Hopedale | Chad Gonzales

    Chad “Cheech” Gonzales didn't grow up as some legendary Louisiana trout fisherman. He became one through pure obsession. After getting back into fishing in 2019, Chad spent countless days on the water studying tides, wind, satellite imagery, bait presentation, water depth, hard baits, casting distance, boat positioning and just about every other variable he could find. Eventually, the Hopedale fishing community gave him another name: The Professor. In this episode of Louisiana Legends, Chad joins Boyce and Nathan to tell the story of how he went from getting his boat stuck in the Louisiana marsh for HOURS to becoming one of the most methodical speckled trout fishermen in Hopedale. And then Cliff Hall crashes the podcast. We get into: • Why Chad became obsessed with Hopedale • Catching 100+ trout on his first trip with Cliff Hall • Why he stopped chasing limits and started chasing BIG trout • Release Over 20 and Louisiana trout conservation • Hard baits, jerkbaits and topwater fishing • Why 10 lb braid completely changed his fishing • How far casting can matter for trophy trout • Why Chad barely uses his trolling motor • The insane importance of stealth and boat noise • FG knots, Canoe Man loop knots and leader setup • Learning from John Miller, Devin Denman and other Louisiana trout fishermen • Why fishing with another great angler can accelerate everything • The changing Hopedale and Biloxi Marsh fishery • Why Chad might eventually become addicted to Venice • And why if you slam a boat hatch... the trout will be back NEXT THURSDAY This one gets deep into the mentality behind consistently finding and catching speckled trout in Louisiana. If you're obsessed with speckled trout, Hopedale, Biloxi Marsh, hard-bait fishing or simply becoming a better angler, this episode is for you. Louisiana Legends Podcast Real people. Real stories. Louisiana. Subscribe for the full episodes and new Louisiana fishing content every week.

    The Professor of Hopedale | Chad Gonzales

  2. Sep 6

    He Rescued A Fisherman Who Refused A Helicopter Rescue | Rob Buck

    Rob Buck has spent over 15 years rescuing boaters in South Louisiana, and if you fish Venice, Louisiana, there’s a good chance you’ve either heard his name or needed his number. In this episode of Louisiana Legends, we sit down with Rob Buck of Sea Tow South Louisiana to talk about the real dangers of fishing Venice, how fast the Mississippi River Delta changes, and why even experienced fishermen can get into serious trouble if they don’t respect the water. Rob shares stories from years of pulling boats off sandbars, rocks, shallow passes, and mud flats — including one unbelievable rescue where a stranded fisherman was missing from Friday to Sunday, ran out of fuel, was covered in mud and blood, and still refused to leave his boat when a helicopter showed up. We also break down some of the most dangerous areas around Venice, including Tiger Pass, South Pass, Cubits Gap, Octave, the Jump, and other places where GPS tracks can give fishermen a false sense of security. Rob explains why tide range, river level, moon phase, sediment, and constantly shifting sandbars can make yesterday’s safe route a completely different situation today. If you’ve ever launched in Venice, run the river, chased trout, fished the beaches, or thought about making your first trip down there, this episode is packed with information that could save your boat — and maybe your life. We also get into Rob’s background, from growing up in the New Orleans area to working in banking, land development, BP response work, and eventually building a life around the water. Along the way, Rob shares what he’s learned from decades of fishing, towing, rescuing, and navigating one of the most dangerous and rewarding fisheries in the country. This is a must-watch for anyone who fishes South Louisiana. Follow Louisiana Legends for more conversations with the people, stories, and places that make Louisiana one of a kind.

    He Rescued A Fisherman Who Refused A Helicopter Rescue | Rob Buck

  3. Aug 30

    He Invented the Corky. His Neighbor Became a Big Trout LEGEND | Paul Brown & Bruce Baugh

    We drove across Louisiana to sit down with two men who helped shape modern speckled trout fishing: Paul Brown and Bruce Baugh. Paul Brown is the creator of the legendary Corky, a lure that became synonymous with targeting trophy speckled trout along the Gulf Coast. Sitting beside him is Bruce Baugh, Troutmasters Angler of the Year, lifelong wade fisherman, and one of the most respected big-trout anglers to ever fish Louisiana and Texas waters. And these two aren't just fishing legends. They're neighbors. In this episode, Paul tells the incredible story of how the Corky was developed, built by hand, tested by hardcore fishermen, modified until it behaved exactly the way trophy-trout anglers needed it to, and eventually became one of the most iconic speckled trout lures ever created. Bruce takes us back to the glory days of trophy trout fishing, when Calcasieu Lake was producing numbers of giant trout that sound almost impossible today. He explains how he learned to target big fish, why he became obsessed with wade fishing, how he competed in the original Troutmasters circuit, and what happened to some of the legendary fisheries that once produced enormous speckled trout. They talk about 13-pound trout, 9- and 10-pound-class fish, Corky secrets, old-school lure making, Troutmasters, Baffin Bay, Port Mansfield, Calcasieu Lake, conservation, gill nets, oyster reefs, wade fishing, releasing trophy trout, and decades of Gulf Coast fishing history. But the best part isn't the accomplishments. It's getting to sit under a dock and listen to two old friends tell the stories themselves. No internet research. No secondhand stories. No fishing folklore passed down through five different people. Paul Brown and Bruce Baugh, in their own words. This is Louisiana fishing history. If you love speckled trout fishing, trophy trout, Louisiana fishing history, the Corky, wade fishing, or simply hearing stories from the people who were actually there, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

    He Invented the Corky. His Neighbor Became a Big Trout LEGEND | Paul Brown & Bruce Baugh

  4. Aug 23

    How Josh Hall Became One of Louisiana's Fishiest Anglers

    If you fish Louisiana, chances are you've heard Josh Hall's name. While he may not be the loudest voice in the fishing world, those who know, know. Josh has spent decades mastering Louisiana's marshes, dominating redfish tournaments, and learning Lake Pontchartrain one tide at a time. In this episode of Louisiana Legends Podcast, Josh shares the lessons he's learned from thousands of days on the water, from chasing giant trout around Seabrook and the Causeway to sight fishing redfish at the highest level of tournament competition. We dive into: • How Chas Champagne helped shape Josh's fishing career • Why Lake Pontchartrain is getting better every year • The truth about Delacroix's changing redfish population • Tournament strategies that consistently produce winning fish • The difference between finding fish and finding tournament fish • Bank fishing stories that every Louisiana angler will appreciate • Josh's custom spinnerbait that can survive dozens of redfish • Why he stopped filling the freezer with fish • His plans for charter fishing and life on the water Whether you're chasing speckled trout, sight fishing redfish, or just love hearing stories from anglers who've earned their reputation the hard way, this is an episode you don't want to miss. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment letting us know who you'd like to see on Louisiana Legends Podcast next. 🎣 Follow Louisiana Legends Podcast for more conversations with the people who have shaped Louisiana fishing.

    How Josh Hall Became One of Louisiana's Fishiest Anglers

  5. Aug 16

    Sammy Romano: Behind the Counter at Louisiana’s Most Iconic Tackle Shop

    Everyone in Louisiana knows Chag's. But very few people know the stories behind the counter. In this episode of the Louisiana Legends Podcast, we sit down with Sammy Romano, the longtime manager of Chag's Sporting Goods and one of the most respected voices in Louisiana fishing. After spending more than three decades talking to the best fishermen in the state, Sammy has seen Louisiana's fisheries change firsthand. From the legendary trout fishing of the 1990s to today's debates over habitat loss, pogey boats, and conservation, he shares stories and insights that only someone with a front-row seat could tell. We also dive into: 🎣 How Chag's became a Louisiana icon 🎣 Growing up fishing Lafitte and the New Orleans area 🎣 The glory days of Seabrook, Breton Sound, Elmer's Island, and Chandeleur 🎣 The biggest trout and bass stories of his life 🎣 Why finding patterns matters more than finding spots 🎣 How Louisiana's marshes have changed over the last 40 years 🎣 What every angler gets wrong about fisheries management 🎣 Behind-the-scenes stories about some of Louisiana's greatest fishermen Whether you've been shopping at Chag's for decades or you're just getting into fishing, this episode is packed with history, stories, and knowledge you won't hear anywhere else. If you love Louisiana fishing, subscribe because we've got more conversations with the legends who built our fishing culture. 👍 Like the video if you enjoyed it. 💬 Tell us your favorite Chag's memory or the best piece of fishing advice you've ever received.

    Sammy Romano: Behind the Counter at Louisiana’s Most Iconic Tackle Shop

  6. Aug 9

    The Prince of Lake Pontchartrain | Chas Champagne

    Chas Champagne just gave us nearly three decades of Louisiana fishing knowledge in one conversation. Most people know Chas as the founder of Matrix Shad, but the real story goes much deeper. He started as a kid obsessed with fishing, learned directly from some of the greatest anglers Lake Pontchartrain has ever produced, and eventually built one of the most recognizable fishing brands in Louisiana. In this episode, Chas explains how Matrix Shad really started, why most fishermen overthink lure color, what separates great anglers from everyone else, and why covering water is one of the most important skills in fishing. He also tells the truth about what happened to Lake Pontchartrain’s trophy trout, why the fishing was so incredible in the late 1990s, how the MRGO closure changed the entire ecosystem, and what freshwater diversions, Mardi Gras Pass, river levels, hurricanes, and saltwater intrusion are doing to Louisiana’s fisheries. We also get into: • The fishing legends who taught Chas everything • The early days of Matrix Shad • Pouring prototype baits one at a time • Why Lemonhead became one of the most successful colors ever • The biggest mistake most artificial lure fishermen make • Why lure action matters more than tiny color differences • The rise and decline of Lake Pontchartrain trophy trout • Where Chas would target a STAR winning speckled trout • Venice, the Chandeleur Islands, South Pass, and Block 69 • Fishing memories that still guide him decades later • The truth about building a successful fishing company • Raising his daughter Blakely in the fishing world • And the wild story of the kids who stole his baitcasting rods This is not just the story of Matrix Shad. It is the story of a kid who walked away from baseball, dedicated his life to fishing, and became one of the most respected and influential anglers in Louisiana. Watch the full episode and hear Chas Champagne tell it himself. Subscribe to Louisiana Legends for more conversations with the people who shaped Louisiana fishing.

    The Prince of Lake Pontchartrain | Chas Champagne

  7. Aug 2

    The Man Behind the Rucker Rig Finally Tells the Whole Story

    John Rucker is one of Louisiana's most respected speckled trout anglers, but if you ask him, he'll tell you he's just another fisherman who put in the time. From countless nights fishing the Seabrook Bridge to winning the STAR Tournament and helping popularize what many know as the "Rucker Rig," John shares the stories, lessons, and experiences that shaped him into one of the Gulf Coast's most accomplished trout fishermen. In this episode, we dive into the legendary days of Seabrook, Bayou Bienvenue, Grand Isle, and the Causeway, discussing giant trout, deep water current patterns, the importance of confidence on the water, and the old school anglers who passed down their knowledge. John also shares how fishing helped change the course of his life, why he believes big trout relate to deep water and heavy current, and why he never wanted the "Rucker Rig" named after him. Whether you're a seasoned trout fisherman or just getting started, this conversation is packed with Louisiana fishing history, practical knowledge, and stories you won't hear anywhere else. Topics include: • The story behind the Rucker Rig • Winning the STAR Tournament • Legendary Seabrook trout fishing • Bayou Bienvenue and Grand Isle tactics • Big trout behavior and seasonal patterns • Favorite rods, reels, and tackle • The anglers who influenced John the most • Why fishing changed his life If you enjoy Louisiana fishing history, speckled trout, and learning from the anglers who helped shape our fishery, make sure to like, subscribe, and let us know who you'd like to see on Louisiana Legends next.

    The Man Behind the Rucker Rig Finally Tells the Whole Story

  8. Jul 26

    The Godfather of Louisiana Trophy Trout | Rudy Hall

    When it comes to big speckled trout in Louisiana, Rudy Hall is one of the first names that comes to mind. Rudy has spent decades studying, catching, and learning from trophy trout, and his knowledge has earned him the respect of anglers across the state. He has also been involved with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries trout studies, helping provide real world insight into where big fish live, how they move, and what makes Louisiana’s fishery so unique. In this episode, Rudy shares stories and knowledge from a lifetime on the water. He talks about trophy trout studies, Venice fishing history, trout migration, river levels, rough water, barrier islands, and why some of the biggest fish are caught in places people never expected. This is not just fishing talk. It is Louisiana trout history straight from someone who lived it. Rudy Hall is a true Louisiana fishing legend, and this episode is packed with the kind of knowledge you only get from decades of experience.

    The Godfather of Louisiana Trophy Trout | Rudy Hall
See All (30)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Louisiana Legends Podcast brings you real conversations with the people who live and breathe the Louisiana outdoors. From inshore guides and hardcore anglers to industry voices and under-the-radar killers, we sit down with the guys who actually know how to find and catch fish when it matters. This isn’t fluff or recycled info. It’s raw, experience-driven insight from the marsh, Lake Pontchartrain, and beyond. We talk tactics, stories, failures, wins, and everything in between. We get into the stuff that actually affects fishing in Louisiana, including the Menhaden Debate, Water Access Battles, New Creel Limits, and the ongoing fight between Dredging and River Diversions. No politics for the sake of it, just real conversations about what’s happening and how it impacts the fishery. Whether you're chasing speckled trout, redfish, or just trying to level up your game, this podcast gives you a front-row seat to how Louisiana’s best think and operate. New episodes weekly. Stay Legendary.

Information

  • Creator
    Louisiana Legends
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Louisiana Legends
  • Show Website
    Louisiana Legends

You Might Also Like