What to Know About Fishing in Louisiana
Fishing in Louisiana can be an adventure because of the variety of landscape found in this state. Along with the miles of shoreline, you’ll find lakes and rivers for freshwater fishing as well as marshes for a unique catch.
To find the best places for fishing, you can check out the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality website where an interactive map provides valuable information. Some areas are best for catch-and-release. If you’re more interested in catching dinner, you’ll need to find a location where the fish are safe to eat. Some areas are too polluted for eating.
Freshwater Fishing
If you’re a freshwater fisher, you may wonder what to expect in Louisiana. You’re sure to find bass if you’re lucky enough to get a catch. However, you’ll discover different types of bass, such as white bass, striped bass and both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
For more variety, white and black crappie, catfish and bluegill can be found in the lakes and rivers of the area. With so many places to go, you’ll need a game plan for the region that most appeals.
Saltwater Fishing
There’s even more variety for the saltwater fisher. You’ll find mackerel, tuna, swordfish, snapper or redfish, grouper, black seabass and marlin. There are also drum and cobia fish in these areas.
One of the best places to go for saltwater fishing include Port Fourchon because of the large size of the catches you can expect to get. Venice is a popular place as well, especially with the locals. It’s so well-loved that the area has even made it in fishing magazines. With the International Tarpon Rodeo being held at Grand Isle, you know this is the place to go for the large fish.
Best Times to Fish
Louisiana has a temperate climate, making it the perfect destination for fishing almost all year long. When you visit will depend on what kind of fish you want to catch. The warm temperatures of summer make it an ideal time to go offshore where you will find red snapper and yellowfin tuna. Spring is perfect for white bass and speckled trout. Of course, you can get lucky around Venice even early in the year with cool water attracting tuna and marshes bringing in redfish and trout.
The last few months of the year will give you the best chance at inland fishing for redfish or trout. Even though temperatures are cooler, they don’t get too cold to be bearable.
Fishing Licenses in Louisiana
To fish on public land, you must have a fishing license. However, you will need a particular kind of license. Both residents and non-residents have their own licenses, and they can get different options for how long the license lasts. You even have a saltwater or freshwater line for a license or get a basic fishing license. You can also get both if you don’t want to be limited or get in trouble with the law.
If you don’t know the area, one of the best ways to find the perfect fishing place is to hire a guide or charter. These professionals will help you locate the right spot and assist you in getting that memorable catch.
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