“Louisiana has, by far, the most bountiful waters in the lower 48 states,” says Captain Daryl Carpenter, owner of

If you live in a climate that ranges from cool to downright cold – or even if you don't – consider escaping winter and packing your gear for a Louisiana

My earliest memories include soaking crickets and earthworms around moss-draped cypress trees, snatching chunky Lake Verret bream into the boat as my parents hooted encouragement.