Redfish Fishing in Louisiana
Sciaenops ocellatus
Also known as: redfish, red drum, puppy drum, channel bass
Louisiana quick take
Louisiana redfish are easiest when you let wind and tide tell you which drain, pond mouth, or shoreline edge is actually moving bait.
Max Length
150cm
Typical trophy size
Max Weight
42kg
Record class
Water Temp
64–86°F
Preferred range
Difficulty
2/5
Skill level
How to catch Redfish in Louisiana
Louisiana redfish are easiest when you let wind and tide tell you which drain, pond mouth, or shoreline edge is actually moving bait.
Where to fish for Redfish in Louisiana
Focus on marsh ponds, drains, lake edges, bays, cuts, passes, and shoreline grass where bait is moving with the tide.
On lower water, target the mouths of drains, ditches, and small channels leaving the marsh.
On higher water, expand onto shallow ponds, broken grass, and interior shorelines where fish spread out to feed.
How to work the pattern in Louisiana
Run paddle tails, spoons, shrimp, or cork rigs so the bait crosses the moving edge of the drain or shoreline instead of sitting dead in the middle.
If wind is pushing bait into one bank or pond mouth, repeat that side before trying random interior water.
Seasonal behavior in Louisiana
Warm seasons spread fish through ponds and shorelines, fall keeps schools active in open marsh and passes, and winter pulls them tighter to deeper drains, channels, and protected edges.