Jutting up from the depths the Midnight Lump creates an up swelling of currents that capture bait fish and provides habitat for just about any of the species of saltwater fish found in Louisiana. As experienced anglers will tell you, you never know what you will catch here. Tuna and wahoo top the list of targeted species at the lump and are plentiful especially from late December to March. Slow trolling or drifting with live bait and jigs are good tactics.
The first oil rig was erected off the coast of Louisiana in 1947. There are now more than 3, 000 rigs and drilling platforms, each is an artificial reef attracting scores of marine life. Large Spotted Seat trout providing good sport and good eating are plentiful at the oil rigs. Use jigs fished deep enough to reach the strike zone and you will be in for a limit day. Techniques employed are to drift, anchor or tie up to the rig. It depends on the current, if it is strong you will want to anchor out and cast so the jig is retrieved with the current. For safety reasons, never go into or under any platform or drilling rig that has horizontal or near horizontal supports. Also, remember these platforms are private property. Do not climb on them; you will be trespassing.
Cobia and Redfish among other saltwater fish can be found cruising the waters along Louisiana's coastline. Both species eat crabs as well as bait fish. Cobia can be found by looking for floating ,including turtles and patches of sea grass. Slowly drift past floating debris and cast a jig for fast cobia action. With the number of islands, bays and river deltas that line Louisiana's coast providing plentiful fishing habitat and food sources, it is little wonder why Louisiana is called the sportsman's paradise. You really do need a boat to fully explore the coast of Louisiana along with good navigation skills. Looking at a map of the Louisiana coast you will see few roads or other shore line access, a maze of waterways and a lifetime of places to wet a line.
Bisecting the country from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico the Mississippi river delta is massive. The river carries nutrients from the rich farmlands of America's heartland, depositing them into the gulf. This flow of nutrients attracts shrimp, crabs and bait fish which in turn bring in predator fish. Venice Louisiana located near the very southern tip of Louisiana is a good jumping off point for fishing the delta waters. Use jigs, spoons, plugs and natural baits to catch almost any species found in the gulf including spotted sea trout, redfish, black drum, cobia and sharks.
With so much fishable water available to the sports angler, hiring a guide or charter can be a good option. An experienced captain will be able to put you on the fish no matter the time of year. This inside information comes from years of fishing the area and local knowledge the visiting angler just does not have. A lot of guides and charters are available throughout the coastal areas of Louisiana, which will increase your chances of finding the captain with the right mix of knowledge and personality to help make your fishing adventures successful.
