Louisiana · Southeast Louisiana
REDFISH FISHING
IN SLIDELL
Slidell 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 Slidell
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 — Slidell
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Slidell, LA.
How to Catch Redfish in Slidell
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 Slidell
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Biloxi Marsh
The Biloxi Marsh is a vast, roadless expanse of salt marsh in St. Bernard Parish that ranks among the finest inshore fisheries in North America. Redfish and speckled trout thrive in the marsh's labyrinth of bayous, ponds, and grass-lined shorelines where anglers sight-cast to tailing reds on shallow flats. The marsh's sheer size and limited access keep fishing pressure low and fish populations remarkably healthy throughout the year.
Shell Beach
Shell Beach in St. Bernard Parish serves as the primary launch point for accessing the legendary Biloxi Marsh and Lake Borgne. The surrounding waters hold excellent populations of redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead around oyster reefs and marsh points that line the shoreline. Anglers running out of Shell Beach can reach productive water within minutes, making it one of the most efficient fishing destinations accessible from the Slidell area.
Bayou Bonfouca
Bayou Bonfouca winds through Slidell's backyard and empties into the northeast corner of Lake Pontchartrain, creating a productive brackish-water fishery for redfish, speckled trout, and bass. The bayou's cypress-lined banks and submerged timber provide excellent structure fishing, particularly during cooler months when fish move into the deeper channel bends. Local anglers launch from public ramps along the bayou and fish the surrounding creeks and lake shoreline.
Fort Pike Shoreline
The shoreline surrounding historic Fort Pike at the junction of the Rigolets and Chef Menteur Pass offers productive wade-fishing and bank-fishing for redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead. The area's rocky substrate and tidal current create feeding zones where gamefish ambush baitfish swept through the passes. Fort Pike's combination of historical significance and accessible fishing makes it a unique destination on Louisiana's north shore.
Other Species in Slidell
More fish you can target while visiting Slidell.
Redfish Fishing in Slidell — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Slidell are March, April, May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Slidell area.
Redfish fishing charters in Slidell 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 Slidell, 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 Slidell, you may also catch Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Flounder. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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