Louisiana · Cajun Coast
RED SNAPPER FISHING
IN COCODRIE
Cocodrie is an excellent destination for red snapper fishing, with peak season in June, July and good catches in May, August. Book a charter and target red snapper with local experts.
About Red Snapper Fishing in Cocodrie
The king of Gulf reef fish. Highly prized for its sweet, firm flesh. Found on reefs, wrecks, and artificial structure.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf of Mexico reef fishing — their brilliant red color, sweet firm flesh, and hard-fighting nature make them the most sought-after bottom fish in the Gulf. Adults are a vivid pinkish-red over the entire body, with a pointed snout and distinctive red eye. Juveniles have a dark spot on each side that fades with age. Red Snapper are long-lived (50+ years) and grow slowly, which has led to strict management regulations.
Scientific name: Lutjanus campechanus
Red Snapper Seasonal Calendar — Cocodrie
Month-by-month availability for red snapper in Cocodrie, LA.
How to Catch Red Snapper in Cocodrie
Techniques & Bait
Bottom fishing with cut squid, live cigar minnows, or live vermilion snapper (where legal) on double-hook bottom rigs dropped to reef, wreck, and artificial reef structure in 60-200+ feet of water. Chicken rigs (multi-hook rigs) with squid strips work well for smaller fish. Large live baits like pinfish on fish-finder rigs target the largest fish. Vertical jigging with heavy butterfly jigs (150-300g) is gaining popularity and reduces bycatch.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy conventional rod (6'6"), reel loaded with 40-65 lb braid, 60-80 lb fluorocarbon leader, bank sinker (6-16 oz depending on depth/current), size 5/0-8/0 circle hooks (required by regulation in many areas).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Cocodrie
Top spots where local captains target red snapper and other nearshore species.
Timbalier Bay
Timbalier Bay stretches between the Terrebonne marsh and the barrier islands, creating a vast nearshore fishery where speckled trout school up on oyster reefs and shell pads in impressive numbers. Bull redfish cruise the bay's deeper channels during fall, and flounder hold along the sandy passes connecting the bay to the Gulf. Running south from Cocodrie, anglers reach the upper portions of Timbalier Bay within a short boat ride for productive nearshore action.
Wine Island Pass
Wine Island Pass is a tidal cut between the remnants of Wine Island and the adjacent barrier island shoreline, funneling strong currents that attract speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. The pass's sandy bottom and shell-bed edges create ambush points where gamefish intercept baitfish swept through on tidal changes. Wine Island Pass is a well-known nearshore waypoint for Cocodrie captains seeking concentrated fish in moving water.
Caillou Boca Pass
Caillou Boca is one of the primary passes connecting the inner Terrebonne marsh to the open Gulf of Mexico, channeling tremendous tidal flow through a relatively narrow opening. Speckled trout, bull redfish, tarpon, and jack crevalle stack up in the pass during tidal changes, with the most explosive fishing occurring on strong outgoing tides during fall. The pass marks the transition from nearshore to offshore waters and is a natural funnel for migrating gamefish.
Lake Pelto
Lake Pelto is a shallow nearshore lake sitting between the lower marsh and the barrier islands in western Terrebonne Parish. Speckled trout and redfish populate the lake's oyster reefs and gas well channels, with excellent fall fishing as water temperatures drop and baitfish migrate southward. The lake's sheltered location protects it from Gulf swells, making it a reliable nearshore fishing option even when offshore conditions are too rough.
Other Species in Cocodrie
More fish you can target while visiting Cocodrie.
Red Snapper Fishing in Cocodrie — FAQ
The peak months for Red Snapper fishing in Cocodrie are June, July. During these months, Red Snapper are most active and abundant in the Cocodrie area.
Red Snapper fishing charters in Cocodrie are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Bottom fishing with cut squid, live cigar minnows, or live vermilion snapper (where legal) on double-hook bottom rigs dropped to reef, wreck, and artificial reef structure in 60-200+ feet of water. Chicken rigs (multi-hook rigs) with squid strips work well for smaller fish. Large live baits like pinfish on fish-finder rigs target the largest fish. Vertical jigging with heavy butterfly jigs (150-300g) is gaining popularity and reduces bycatch.
No — when you book a charter in Cocodrie, your captain provides all required Louisiana fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Red Snapper regulations in Louisiana include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Red Snapper in Cocodrie, you may also catch Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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