Louisiana Fish Species | Louisiana Fishing Charters

Redfish, Louisiana

Experience the thrill of sight casting to trophy redfish in the shallow marshes and canals of Delacroix, Louisiana. Our expert guides will take you to the most productive spots where you can use gold spoons, top waters, and soft plastics to catch these aggressive game fish. Don’t forget to bring your fly rod too, as we welcome fly fishermen on our half-day trips. Along the way, you may also hook into speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum for a truly unforgettable fishing experience.

Speckled Trout Fishing, Louisiana

The speckled trout is one of the most sought-after game fish in Louisiana, with its acrobatic top-water fight and delicious table fare. Known by many different names, including spotted sea trout, specks, yellow-mouths, and paper-mouths, these fish are easily identified by their silver color with olive-green tints on the back and numerous small black dots extending over the dorsal fin and into the tail. Speckled trout feed on small crustaceans, shrimp, and small fish such as pogies and croakers. They prefer shallow coastal areas near sandy and mud bottoms, making South Louisiana’s abundant bays and lakes ideal for catching these elusive fish.

GROUPER

Grouper Fishing, Louisiana

Looking for a challenging and exciting fishing adventure in Louisiana? Look no further than grouper fishing! With many different species available year-round, these fish can be caught using live or dead bait on the bottom, or by trying your luck with a jig. While it may feel like you’re reeling in a car, the thrill of landing a large grouper is second to none. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable fishing experience in Louisiana’s beautiful waters.

SNAPPER

Snapper Fishing, Louisiana

Red snapper is definitely a staple when fishing Louisiana’s offshore waters. Louisiana hands down has the best red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico and possibly the world. Most people are not aware that besides red snapper Louisiana hosts many other species of snapper. Mangrove snapper, lane snapper, vermilion snapper, and queen snapper are just a few of the other snappers you will encounter while fishing in Louisiana.

FLOUNDER

Flounder Fishing, Louisiana

An inland fishing charter with LA Charters can provide excellent flounder fishing year round, reaching its peak in the months of October and November.The Louisiana Gulf Coast are flounder central especially during October and November.

Louisiana is well known to provide great flounder fishing. Flounder move out of the current and onto the sand flats to feed on the bait moved around on the flats by the natural ebb and flow of the Mississippi River.

LA Charters follow the current activity of the species and the recent weather conditions to take you to the hottest spots for flounder fishing.

Anglers often catch flounder by accident, not design, while in pursuit of redfish and speckled trout. Flounder will hit many of the same baits or lures used for catching specked trout, redfish, and other fish. Whether you bring in flounder to compliment your other fishing expectations or are pursuing them specifically, flounder can offer fun sport fishing during your trip.

Flounder fish are masters of camouflage and will bury themselves in the sand or mud. They blend perfectly while buried in the sand or mud waiting for anything to swim close enough to feed on. These elusive fish dart instantly form their hiding spots to devour baitfish or passing shrimp with impressive speed for such a strangely shaped fish.

Booking your inland fishing trip with LA Charters, you can easily reach the daily bag limit for flounder which is currently 10 per person.

BLACK DRUM

Black Drum Fishing, Louisiana

Black drum are one of the most sought-after game fish in Louisiana and can be found in a variety of inshore and offshore locations. These fish are prized for their strong fights and delicious meat.

Black drum are typically heavy-bodied with large heads and can weigh up to 90 pounds. They can be identified by their whisker-like barbels under their chin and their distinctive silver-gray body. Young black drum feed mostly on marine worms and small fish, while older black drum switch to a diet of mollusks such as oysters, clams, and mussels.

When feeding, black drum swim with their heads slightly lowered and drift their barbels over possible food items. They use their massive pharyngeal teeth in the back of their throat to crush the shells of their prey. While feeding, black drum can create muddy plumes in the water, which can be easily seen from the air.

Overall, black drum are a fascinating and challenging species to target while inshore fishing in Louisiana. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can enjoy a successful and memorable fishing trip targeting these impressive game fish.

SHEEPSHEAD

Sheepshead Fishing, Louisiana

Sheepshead are one of the most interesting fish species found in Louisiana’s waters. They have a distinct appearance, with their broad body marked by wide, grayish-black vertical bars set against a light gray or white background. You can easily identify them by their teeth, which look similar to human or sheep incisors. Be careful when handling them, as their dorsal and anal fins have large, sharp spines.

One of the most fascinating aspects of sheepshead biology is their food habits. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat almost anything. Studies have shown that their diet can consist of plants, algae, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and fish, among other things. They also occasionally feed heavily on sea grasses and algae when available.

Sheepshead spawn from February to April, with most spawning taking place in March and April. Spawning occurs offshore but near the coast, and females can lay anywhere from 14,000 to 250,000 eggs per spawn. Females grow more rapidly than males, and growth slows dramatically after they reach 6 to 8 years of age.

Sheepshead are a fascinating and unique fish species that are well worth targeting on your next Louisiana fishing trip. Just be sure to handle them carefully and follow all local regulations regarding catch limits and size restrictions.