Louisiana Sportsman

April 27, 2026

For some down-sized thrilling fishing action, an ultralight spinning combo and a tiny Beetle Spin is hard to beat. A simple cast and retrieve action is all that is needed to trick these colorful, feisty and tasty little demons.

Paddling for panfish

August 23, 2024 Chris Holmes

Whether you collectively call them sunfish, bream, bluegill or panfish, chasing these tiny fighters in a kayak is an absolute blast.[…]

This shark chomped down on a large chunk of ladyfish and gave James Vellum an epic kayak battle. Once the shark was subdued, it was brought alongside the kayak before the line was cut several inches from the mouth.

Kayakers should prepare for up-close encounters with sharks

August 10, 2024 Chris Holmes

If you kayak fish in coastal Louisiana, whether on purpose or by accident, you will likely encounter sharks.[…]

With a typical saltwater bay boat passing in the background, this nice blue catfish was caught on a Gulp! in the MRGO near the Hopedale dam. While trout and redfish are still caught in the area, the change in salinities since the dam was installed has caused an influx of freshwater catfish.

Don’t discount catfish

July 12, 2024 Chris Holmes

Catfish provide great sport and have become common catches for kayak anglers fishing in all the traditional saltwater areas.[…]

Christopher Bassil brings his first place redfish to the net in the Southeast Louisiana Kayak Fishing Club’s Kids Pole Challenge. The little Zebco Splash spincast combo and a gold spoon got a workout, but did the trick on this upper-slot redfish.

Join a kayak fishing club

June 13, 2024 Chris Holmes

If you are looking to learn about kayak fishing, improve your skills, or meet new friends, try joining a kayak fishing club.[…]

Cast nets are great for catching your own live bait. They can easily be learned to throw from land or docks. However, if using in a kayak or wading, it takes a bit more practice to get proficient, but it can be done.

Shrimp are what’s for dinner

May 6, 2024 Chris Holmes

Kayak fishing provides some challenges for anglers wanting to keep a healthy supply of shrimp or other live bait along for the day’s trip.[…]

Plopper-type topwater lures combine the best of hard body topwaters and a buzzbait. The tail prop gurgles and leaves a bubble trail as the lure is retrieved across the surface.

Break out the kayak and tie on the topwater lures

April 8, 2024 Chris Holmes

Whether you kayak fish inshore saltwater or freshwater species, now is the time to break out the topwater lures.[…]

Mothershipping kayaks out to the rigs off the coast of Louisiana opens up a whole new world of kayak angling adventures. A wide variety of fish species abound and these pristine waters are sure to provide a trip to remember.

Kayakers take on the Gulf with extra care

March 11, 2024 Chris Holmes

When you want to take your kayak fishing to the next level, get some friends together and plan a mothership offshore trip.[…]

Seasoned anglers know their favorite winter trout holes. Usually marked by deep water and perhaps a steep drop-off, trout gang up in these areas when the water is cold.

February kayak question

February 11, 2024 Chris Holmes

Kayak fishing lends itself to winter fishing, as anglers are moving slower and tend to give an area more time to produce before moving on.[…]

This angler was lucky that he fell out of his kayak during the summer and had many people nearby. However, doing so alone, during the winter, could have disastrous consequences. There is no need to avoid most kayak fishing during the winter, but common-sense precautions must be utilized.

The fish are biting, but kayakers should be prepared

January 11, 2024 Chris Holmes

Kayak fishing in the winter can be fun and rewarding, but common sense must be applied. Carry some type of emergency bag.[…]

Trolling a variety of lures with the kayak is a great way to catch fall trout. A simple jighead and plastic tail combo is one of the easiest and deadliest lures to troll. Adjust your line, jig weight and kayak speed to keep the lure barely bouncing the bottom as you move along.

Suited for kayaks

November 12, 2023 Chris Holmes

The trout have moved into the marsh as they transition to their fall patterns and kayak fishing is particularly suited for these times.[…]

Fil Spencer kept this bull red on a lip grip and only briefly removed it from the water for a photo before quickly reviving and releasing it.

New regulations won’t hinder exciting Louisiana kayak tradition

October 12, 2023 Chris Holmes

Will proposed new regulations end the iconic Cajun Sleigh Ride, a highly revered right of passage for coastal Louisiana kayak anglers.[…]

A kayak with basic items like a crate and rod holders is all that is really necessary for a successful trip. Some kayak anglers embrace the minimalist style while others choose every accessory possible.

Be ready for more pleasant fishing days ahead

September 14, 2023 Chris Holmes

Some kayak anglers embrace the minimalist style while others choose every accessory possible to take with them.[…]

The target species for Ride the Bull is a hefty bull redfish. Although current law allows anglers to keep one redfish over 27 inches, proposed new regulations, once in effect, will likely no longer allow keeping any bulls. New tournament rules encourage anglers to keep all reds in the water until the chase boat comes to weigh and release it on the spot.

Ride the Bull is back with creative weigh-in, conservation measures

August 6, 2023 Chris Holmes

Ride the Bull 12 is scheduled for Aug. 25 and 26, 2023. CCA has preemptively implemented some weigh-in changes this year.[…]

This nice trout smashed a MirrOlure worked just under the surface in a large school of small pogies.

Topwater explosions

July 10, 2023 Chris Holmes

Successful topwater fishing is aided by the stealth and quietness of a kayak. You can get close to the action without spooking the fish.[…]

Perry Watts tricked this nice speck with a curly-tail Gulp and jig head combo. Fishing down Hwy. 1 offers kayak anglers diverse habitat ranging from marsh, rock jetties, road-side canals, bridges, beaches, and more.

The kayak highway

June 12, 2023 Chris Holmes

From Galliano down to Grand Isle, there are endless places to launch the kayak in pursuit of a wide variety of saltwater species.[…]

Bass have finished spawning and are on the prowl for food. This one missed a topwater lure several times but connected with a jerk shad quickly cast to exactly the same spot.

Kayak anglers have great fishing opportunities in May

May 13, 2023 Chris Holmes

May offers great fishing for Louisiana kayak anglers, whether you choose to pursue fresh or saltwater species.[…]