Here are the best fish to catch in Louisiana this summer.
1. Channel Catfish
When it comes to finding the best fish to catch in Louisiana this summer, you have to try your hand at catching channel catfish. Unlike blue catfish, channel catfish are heavily underrated as fighters. They’re more than capable of testing your angling skills and pushing your tackling abilities to the limit. When channel catfish reach large sizes, get ready for a fight. You’ll want to use a heavier rod and reel combination for the best results. The larger the catfish, the heavier the rod and reel need to be. The line itself should be at least a 15 lb test, and a 20 lb test safety margin is advisable. If you are bait fishing, make sure you use sturdy hooks. Bait fishing also requires a variety of sinkers for bottom fishing. Channel catfish are eager to strike lures. They’re especially active in the fast waters below rapids or dams.
2. Largemouth Bass
You’re fishing in a Louisiana lake when all of a sudden, you find a downed tree! Do you know what that means? It’s the largemouth bass fishing time! Bass belong on our list of the best fish to catch in Louisiana this summer because they’re exhilarating to target. Largemouth bass love hanging out around covers, and they’re a thrill to catch. These fish are short, chunky, muscular, and fast. Even though you can catch largemouth bass by trolling artificial lures or casting live bait, the best method is to cast various artificial lures. You’ll be able to fool these big fish like never before. Consistent success requires trying a variety of lures until you figure out what the hot lure is for the bass in your area. The water conditions, weather, and time of day will all play a role. Once you know what the hot lure is, you’ll be able to make regular catches. The most successful anglers also concentrate in weedy or woody areas. The time of day matters too. You’ll get the most bites during the early morning. If the fish still aren’t biting, slow down your presentation. Slowing things down can help a lot. Sometimes the fish haven’t moved away, but they’re just inactive. A slow-moving worm trailing over a log can be tantalizing, even to a lethargic largemouth. Once you get your first one, you’ll see why they’re on our list of the best fish to catch in Louisiana this summer.
3. Pickerel
How would you like to catch a lunker? The biggest chain pickerel in Louisiana live in the backwater sloughs of lakes. Pickerel also thrive in areas of the main slack water bays in rivers. These types of shallow waters have an abundance of food for the pickerel to eat. These fish are opportunistic feeders. The main diet of pickerels includes small fish, aquatic insects, frogs, minnows, mice, and newts. When there’s a lot of food, pickerel can grow much faster and much longer. The shallow waters also tend to have less of a current, which these fish enjoy. The milder the current, the less energy they have to expend to find food. For the best results, you’ll want to try weedless spoons in shallow water areas. Weedless spoons will help you avoid the aquatic vegetation. You can use these spoons with a piece of pork rind or a twister tail. You’ll be creating an irresistible bait for the hidden fish. Before you know it, you’ll be able to catch a lunker!
4. Rock Bass
One bass isn’t enough; summer requires at least 2 species to target! That’s why rock bass is on our list of the best fish to catch in Louisiana this summer. In the United States, they’ve spread from the St Lawrence River southwards along the Eastern flank of the Appalachian Mountains. Now they live throughout the Gulf Coast in Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. During the summer, fully mature rock bass swim in schools. They like staying near deepwater structures. Rocky points, gravelly humps, and reefs become hot spots for these popular game fish. Rock bass are aggressive feeders, and they’re quick to snap up terrestrial insects, aquatic insects, crayfish, minnows, perch, and even their own young. The best lure for rock bass is a crayfish imitating lure. If you’re fishing in a stream, avoid areas with a lot of sunlight, and target shady overhangs. You can easily find rock bass along the weed lines.
5. Sauger
Last on our list of the best fish to catch in Louisiana this summer is saugers. They live on the northern tip of Louisiana waters. They’re similar to walleyes, and sometimes, these two fish interbreed. Sauger walleye hybrids are “saugeyes.” Walleyes tend to be bigger than saugeyes. In comparison, the sauger is a smaller fish, with the world record specimen weighing 8 lb and 12 oz. On average, anglers catch saugers that weigh between 1 and 2 lb. However, you could get lucky and catch a 4 to 6-lb sauger if you know what you’re doing. Do you know how to fish for walleyes? If yes, you already have the upper hand. You’ll be using a lot of the same techniques. If you’re trolling, try using a weight-forward spinner live bait. Spiced-up lures inspire slow-striking fish to become more enthusiastic. Even a piece of bright yarn tied to the knot above the hook can increase the chances of your presentation working. Once you nab a few of these fish, get ready for a treat. They have a wonderful taste, and there are all sorts of fun recipes you can use them in.
