Louisiana · Cajun Coast
REDFISH FISHING
IN HOUMA
Houma 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 Houma
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 — Houma
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Houma, LA.
How to Catch Redfish in Houma
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 Houma
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Lake Boudreaux
Lake Boudreaux is a shallow, brackish lake in Terrebonne Parish connected to the vast marsh system south of Houma by numerous bayous and canals. Redfish and speckled trout patrol the lake's grass-lined shorelines and oyster reefs, with excellent topwater action during calm summer mornings. The lake's easy access from Montegut and Chauvin makes it one of the most popular and productive inshore destinations in the Houma area.
Bayou Terrebonne
Bayou Terrebonne is the historic waterway winding south from Houma through the heart of Terrebonne Parish toward the Gulf of Mexico. The bayou's deeper channels and adjacent marsh ponds hold redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, and flounder throughout the year, with fall providing the most consistent action. Generations of Cajun fishermen have relied on Bayou Terrebonne as their primary access to the rich marsh fishery surrounding Houma.
Pointe-aux-Chenes Marsh
The Pointe-aux-Chenes marsh system southeast of Houma is a labyrinth of bayous, ponds, and grass flats that supports exceptional populations of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The marsh's oyster-studded shorelines and tidal drains create natural feeding stations where gamefish ambush shrimp and mullet on falling tides. Its remote character and limited road access keep fishing pressure low and produce some of the largest redfish in the Terrebonne Parish marsh.
Lake Mechant
Lake Mechant is a productive inland lake in the Terrebonne marsh system, surrounded by grass flats and bayou channels that funnel baitfish into the lake on tidal movements. Redfish, speckled trout, and black drum feed along the lake's shoreline points and oyster beds, with spring and fall offering peak fishing activity. The lake is accessible by boat from several Terrebonne Parish launches and is a reliable destination when wind conditions make open-water fishing difficult.
Other Species in Houma
More fish you can target while visiting Houma.
Redfish Fishing in Houma — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Houma are March, April, May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Houma area.
Redfish fishing charters in Houma 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 Houma, 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 Houma, you may also catch Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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