Redfish · Trout · Drum · Seasonal species

Louisiana inshore fish species.

A South Louisiana fish identification guide for the species anglers may encounter around Vermilion Bay, Marsh Island and nearby coastal waters.

Know what you are catching

Common fish around South Louisiana redfishing trips.

Vermilion Bay, Marsh Island, Weeks Bay and the nearby coast hold a mix of inshore and seasonal nearshore species. This guide keeps the original fish identification content available in the new site design while making it easier to scan before a trip.

Sciaenops ocellatus

Red Drum

Red drum, commonly called redfish, are the signature South Louisiana inshore target. They are usually copper to bronze with one or more dark spots near the base of the tail and no chin barbels.

Juvenile redfish spend much of their time in bays, marshes and estuaries.
Larger adults may move through passes, nearshore waters and offshore schools.
Slot-size redfish are a year-round reason anglers book Vermilion Bay charters.

Cynoscion nebulosus

Spotted Seatrout

Spotted seatrout have a dark green to gray back, bright sides, scattered black spots and prominent canine teeth. They are a favorite target when bait, tide and cleaner water come together.

Often found around grass, sand, mud, reefs and moving water.
Cold weather can push trout toward deeper channels and holes.
Spring through fall commonly brings good trout opportunities when conditions line up.

Pogonias cromis

Black Drum

Black drum have a high arched back, chin barbels and strong crushing teeth. Younger fish often show vertical bars, while larger drum can grow very heavy.

Often found near oyster beds, muddy bottoms, bayous and bay systems.
Feeds on crabs, shrimp, oysters and other bottom forage.
A frequent companion species on Louisiana redfish trips.

Archosargus probatocephalus

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are silver fish with dark vertical bars and strong teeth built for eating crustaceans and shellfish. They are common around structure and can be excellent table fare.

Look near oysters, pilings, seawalls, jetties and tidal creeks.
Late winter and spring can bring strong sheepshead action.
They feed on crabs, shrimp, barnacles and mollusks.

Rachycentron canadum

Cobia

Cobia are long, powerful fish with a broad head and dark lateral stripe. They are a seasonal nearshore possibility when Gulf conditions safely allow the plan to stretch beyond protected inshore water.

Often found around buoys, pilings, wrecks and other structure.
Known for strong fights and curious behavior around boats.
Usually discussed as a weather-dependent seasonal option.

Mycteroperca microlepis

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are structure-oriented fish more associated with reefs, rocks and offshore or nearshore structure than shallow marsh fishing.

Seasonal access depends on weather, distance and current regulations.
They relate to hard bottom, reefs and underwater structure.
Included here for identification and trip-planning context.

Caranx hippos

Jack Crevalle

Jack crevalle are aggressive, hard-pulling fish that may show up in coastal and nearshore water. They are known more for power than table quality.

Often travel in schools and feed aggressively on baitfish.
Can appear around passes, channels and nearshore bait activity.
A memorable fight when they crash into the plan.

Mugilidae

Fantail Mullet

Mullet are common forage throughout South Louisiana estuaries. Watching bait movement is part of understanding where redfish, trout and other predators may feed.

Often seen flipping or schooling in bays, bayous and marsh ponds.
An important food source for larger predatory fish.
Bait movement helps shape daily fishing decisions.

Trachinotus carolinus

Florida Pompano

Florida pompano are prized coastal fish with a compact body and bright silver sides. They are more common along sandy coastal areas and surf zones than deep marsh interiors.

Usually associated with sand, surf and clearer coastal water.
Can be a seasonal bonus species in the right water.
Valued for excellent table quality.

Scomberomorus maculatus

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are fast, toothy, seasonal fish that can feed aggressively on bait schools when nearshore water lines up.

Often found around bait, birds, current lines and cleaner nearshore water.
Light tackle action can be fast when schools are feeding.
Sharp teeth make wire or careful leader choices important.

Megalops atlanticus

Tarpon

Tarpon are large, migratory coastal fish known for power and spectacular jumps. They are included as part of the broader South Louisiana coastal species list.

More likely in seasonal coastal and nearshore windows than standard marsh redfish trips.
Often connected to bait movement, warm water and migration patterns.
A bucket-list fish when conditions and timing come together.

Plan by conditions

Ask what is biting before you book.

Capt. Troy builds the day around the season, wind, tide, water clarity and your crew. Redfish are the core target, but trout, black drum, flounder, sheepshead and seasonal nearshore fish can shape the plan.

Regulations can change. Always confirm current Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules before harvesting fish.

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