Louisiana's Top Saltwater Fishing Towns

It’s time to cruise the coast and discover the rich waters of Louisiana.

The Best Locations for Saltwater Fishing in Louisiana

Fishing in Venice
For many fishermen, Venice isn’t the best place for Louisiana fishing; it’s the only place. Year after year, magazines like Field & Stream and Outdoor Life put Venice on their best-of lists, thanks to the fish that are caught year-round in the freshwater, saltwater and brackish channels just outside of town.

Visit the Venice Marina to hook up with one of the town’s dozens of charter boat captains. If you want to see how local chefs prep their catch, stop in for a bite at Harbor Seafood Oyster Bar.

Fishing in Grand Isle
Home to the oldest fishing tournament in the U.S., Grand Isle sits at the top of many anglers’ must-fish list. The International Tarpon Rodeo is three days of saltwater fishing fever and is a testimony to how big the Gulf’s sea monsters can get (2014’s prize-winning tarpon weighed in at over 175 pounds!). Other big game fish lurking beneath the surface include wahoo, blackfin tuna and the Cadillac of trophy fish — blue marlin. 

Head down to Grand Isle and catch one yourself with the help of Reel Screamers Guide Service. And because Grand Isle is a barrier island, fishermen in search of a shallow-water experience can paddle in nearby Caminada Bay. 

Bonus: Every April, Grand Isle hosts Ride the Bull, the world’s largest extreme kayak fishing tournament. Don't miss this one!

Fishing in Port Fourchon
Like Venice and Grand Isle, Port Fourchon has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico — so grab a charter and catch some huge fish. The area’s offshore fishing includes deep waters, where many of the nation’s oil rigs sit — and there’s a thrilling art and science to fishing near these structures. Reel in marlin, tuna, wahoo, amberjack, cobia, grouper and snapper. 

Outfitters such as Cajun Made or Southern Pride Charters will ensure you have an incredible day of fishing. Also head to the Port Fourchon Marina to rent gear and have a bite to eat.

Fishing in Jean Lafitte
Jean Lafitte, a village named after Louisiana’s most infamous pirate, has plenty of noteworthy attractions. Inland saltwater fishing here is phenomenal, with redfish and speckled trout making up much of fishermen’s catches. The easy drive from New Orleans means you can enjoy café au lait and beignets in the morning, and by noon, canoe past Spanish moss-draped cypress trees.

The Lafitte Public Fishing Pier is a great spot for those looking to cast a line as quickly as possible, and Jean Lafitte Fishing Charters and Last Cast Guide Services are a couple great charter outfitters. For those who are just looking for a casual day of kayaking, visit Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

Fishing in Cocodrie
A fisherman’s paradise, Cocodrie sits close to miles of marshland and beaches that spotted sea trout and red drum love. South of town sits a string of barrier islands that serve as havens for flounder and snapper coming in from the Gulf of Mexico.

The local charter boat captains know this maze of waterways better than any GPS. Crawdaddy Charters and Bayou Guide Service are a couple operations that will help you navigate the waters and find the best spots near or along the coast. Tradewinds Marina and Lodge offers overnight accommodations, a bait shop, charter services, a restaurant and a bar for relaxing after a day on the water.

Fishing in Cameron
Cameron’s long, sandy stretches of coast are perfect for surf fishing. No need for a boat — just show up, cast a line and see what you can snag. Make sure you’re up for the challenge, though — bull redfish caught on shore frequently weigh more than 30 pounds. One of the more popular spots among anglers is the Cameron Jetties Pier. Others include Holly, Cameron and Constance beaches. Crabbing is another big draw to the Cameron area, especially during the summer months. Head inland a couple of miles and you’ll find calmer waters in Lake Calcasieu.

Explore the Creole Nature Trail, a 180-mile-long series of roads that connect visitors with hiking and wildlife viewing destinations. Here you’ll also find inland saltwater fishing opportunities galore. Call charter boat operator Bayou Charter Service to set up your southwest Louisiana fishing trip of a lifetime.

Learn more about Louisiana fishing and fishing licenses through our Fishing Resources page.