Louisiana · Southeast Louisiana
INSHORE FISHING
IN NEW ORLEANS
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in New Orleans. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. New Orleans is a world-class fishing destination hiding in plain sight, with the vast Louisiana marshes, Lake Pontchartrain, and Mississippi River delta all within easy reach of the city. Anglers can chase redfish and speckled trout in morning marsh trips and be back for dinner on Bourbon Street, making it one of the most unique fishing-and-culture combinations in America. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in New Orleans target an impressive roster of species including Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Flounder and more. Peak season runs through March, April, October, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in New Orleans. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, Louisiana fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
What's Biting in New Orleans This September
Inshore Fishing Calendar — New Orleans
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Drum |
G
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
| Redfish |
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
| Sheepshead |
P
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
| Speckled Trout |
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
| Flounder |
—
|
—
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
—
|
| Mangrove Snapper |
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in New Orleans
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the New Orleans area.
Delacroix Marsh
The Delacroix marsh system in St. Bernard Parish is one of Louisiana's most legendary inshore fisheries, offering miles of sheltered bayous and ponds loaded with redfish and speckled trout. Anglers work the grass-lined shorelines and oyster reef edges on moving tides to intercept schools of slot redfish tailing in shallow water. The area's proximity to New Orleans makes it the city's most accessible world-class marsh fishery.
Bayou Bienvenue
Bayou Bienvenue flows through the eastern marsh of New Orleans and connects to Lake Borgne, creating a productive corridor for redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead. The bayou's submerged oyster beds and grass banks hold fish on both incoming and outgoing tides, with fall providing the best action. Its location just minutes from downtown New Orleans makes it a favorite for local anglers seeking a quick inshore trip.
Manchac Swamp
Manchac Swamp sits between Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas, offering a unique freshwater-to-brackish fishery for largemouth bass, sac-a-lait, and seasonal redfish that push in from the lake. The swamp's cypress-lined channels and submerged timber create prime ambush structure for bass and panfish throughout the year. It is one of the most scenic and productive swamp fisheries accessible from the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Lafitte Bayou System
The maze of bayous surrounding the historic fishing village of Lafitte in Jefferson Parish provides outstanding inshore access to the Barataria Basin. Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead populate the tidal channels and marsh ponds that stretch south toward the Gulf. Lafitte has been a commercial and recreational fishing hub for generations, with experienced local guides running trips into some of Louisiana's most productive marsh habitat.
Top Inshore Fish Species in New Orleans
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a New Orleans charter. Click any species to learn more.
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Peak: Feb, Mar, Apr
A powerful bottom-feeding species found in bays and passes. Juveniles are excellent table fare.
Redfish
Sciaenops ocellatus
Peak: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
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.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Peak: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
The "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes. Found around structure and pilings, known for stealing bait.
Speckled Trout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Peak: Mar, Apr, May, Oct
A favorite inshore species found throughout the Gulf. Excellent eating fish that feeds aggressively on live bait and artificial lures.
Flounder
Paralichthys albiguttata
Peak: Oct
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Mangrove Snapper
Lutjanus griseus
Also called Gray Snapper. Found around structure, mangroves, and docks. Excellent eating.
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in New Orleans
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in New Orleans.
Boats
Inshore fishing in New Orleans is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in New Orleans typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in New Orleans
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in New Orleans. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in New Orleans. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in New Orleans
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in New Orleans include Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in New Orleans are March, April, October, when the most species are at peak availability. However, New Orleans offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in New Orleans is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in New Orleans, your captain provides all required Louisiana fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in New Orleans is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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