Louisiana · Southeast Louisiana
REDFISH FISHING
IN GRAND ISLE
Grand Isle is an outstanding destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in March, April, May and good catches in January, February, June. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Grand Isle
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Grand Isle
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Grand Isle, LA.
How to Catch Redfish in Grand Isle
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Grand Isle
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Caminada Bay
Caminada Bay lies between Grand Isle and the mainland, with productive oyster reefs, marsh shorelines, and grass flats holding redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. The bay's shallow waters warm quickly in spring, kicking off excellent trout fishing earlier than deeper inshore areas. The bay is easily accessible from Grand Isle's north-side launches.
Barataria Pass
Barataria Pass is the tidal inlet connecting Barataria Bay to the Gulf of Mexico at the eastern end of Grand Isle. Strong currents funnel massive volumes of baitfish through the pass, attracting tarpon, redfish, cobia, jack crevalle, and Spanish mackerel. The pass's rock jetties provide accessible shore fishing and produce consistent catches on every tide change.
Barataria Bay
Barataria Bay is a sprawling estuary north of Grand Isle that encompasses thousands of acres of marsh, bayous, and open water teeming with redfish and speckled trout. The bay's nutrient-rich waters from the Mississippi River basin support an incredibly productive food chain. Trout limits are common on the bay's shell reefs and marsh points during spring and fall.
Bayou Rigaud
Bayou Rigaud runs along the north side of Grand Isle, connecting the island's interior waterways to Caminada Bay. Redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and drum hold around the bayou's bridges, docks, and oyster shell points. The bayou provides quick and easy inshore fishing access for anglers staying on Grand Isle without needing to run to distant marsh areas.
Other Species in Grand Isle
More fish you can target while visiting Grand Isle.
Redfish Fishing in Grand Isle — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Grand Isle are March, April, May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Grand Isle area.
Redfish fishing charters in Grand Isle are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Grand Isle, your captain provides all required Louisiana fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish 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 Redfish in Grand Isle, you may also catch Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Vermilion Snapper, King Mackerel. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Redfish in Grand Isle?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your redfish fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes