Saltwater Fishing in Louisiana

From inshore marshes to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana offers world-class saltwater fishing.

Anglers of all experience levels can fish Louisiana’s coastal waters with ease. Inshore charter trips and kayak fishing put you close to the action, where redfish and speckled trout thrive in shallow bays. Popular New Orleans–area fishing spots include the Rigolets, Lake Borgne and Chandeleur Sound, while Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles are all within easy reach of excellent inshore waters.

Charming fishing towns like Hopedale and Jean Lafitte, along with guides throughout the Atchafalaya Basin, offer expert local knowledge. For offshore adventures, hubs such as Venice, Cocodrie and Grand Isle provide full-day and overnight trips targeting tarpon, tuna, grouper, amberjack and black drum.

From the state's nutrient-rich marshes to its barrier islands, Louisiana offers some of the most productive fisheries in the U.S.

Louisiana Fishing Regulations

Most visitors must purchase a Louisiana fishing license before fishing in freshwater or saltwater. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues licenses and sets regulations such as size limits, possession limits and seasonal closures.

Saltwater Seasons & Records
Greater Amberjack
Amberjack, Greater

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
139.00
Black Drum
Drum, Black

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
79.50
MarbledGrouper
Grouper, Marbled

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
31
 Southern Flounder
Flounder, Southern

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
13.06
Crevalle Jack
Jack, Crevalle

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
57.88
Redfish
Redfish

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
61
Redfish
Snapper, Red

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
50.25
Tarpon
Tarpon

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
246.1
Yellowfin Tuna
Tuna, Big-Eye

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
213.5
Wahoo
Wahoo

Season: Yearlong

Record (LBS):
139.25
On
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