Louisiana · Southeast Louisiana
REDFISH FISHING
IN NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans 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 New Orleans
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 — New Orleans
Month-by-month availability for redfish in New Orleans, LA.
How to Catch Redfish in New Orleans
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 New Orleans
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
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.
Other Species in New Orleans
More fish you can target while visiting New Orleans.
Redfish Fishing in New Orleans — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in New Orleans are March, April, May, September, October, November. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the New Orleans area.
Redfish fishing charters in New Orleans 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 New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, you may also catch Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Redfish in New Orleans?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your redfish fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes