It’s time for your Robin Hood moment! The bowfishing Louisiana has to offer is legendary. You don’t need experience to bowfish, just plenty of enthusiasm to learn and a strong shoulder to pull the bow back. It will be challenging, but you’ll feel fantastic once you hit your intended target.
What to Catch
Once the sun sets and you’ve had a chat regarding bowfishing safety, you’ll be ready to target Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Catfish, Flounder, Garfish, and more. The limit on Redfish is five per person, with a minimum length of 16 inches.
Where to Go
Southern LA offers the best places to bowfish. There are plenty of marshes here for boats to head into – these waters are shallow enough for bowfishing.
Port Sulphur Marsh
Port Sulphur is located along the west bank of the Mississippi River. This is an awesome place to go bowfishing due to the variety of bays, channels, and bayous to choose from. Charters here specialize in bowfishing. Large Redfish is the top catch you’ll want to aim for, although you’ll also have Alligator Gar, Catfish, Flounder, and others to keep you busy, too.
Saint Bernard
An hour-and-a-half north of Port Sulphur is Saint Bernard. The bayous and channels here are perfect for bowfishing. You’ll likely reach your limit of Redfish before the trip is through – don’t worry, there are still plenty of other species to target.
Grand Isle
Grand Isle is an area of bayous, bays, and marshes that are on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. This area is great for bowfishing – you’ll find all the top bowfishing species here, such as Flounder, Redfish, and Sheepshead. From here, you can easily access the productive waters of Leeville, just 30 minutes north via the LA-1 N.
Plaquemines Parish
A short 30-minute drive south from Port Sulphur will bring you to Plaquemines Parish. This is where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico – and this saltwater fishery offers great opportunities for bowfishing. Luckily, the boat you’ll be fishing from will have plenty of lighting underneath, to brighten up these waters.
LA Bowfishing Tips
-
There are some species you must not shoot! In LA, these include Stingrays, Bass, and other animals, such as ducks, dolphins, and alligators. Don’t forget, bowfishing is a very permanent type of fishing! Always head out with an experienced guide, so you can avoid shooting a protected species.
-
Generally, children will use bows that have a draw weight of 20 pounds. Bows for adults can have double that. Guides in LA will have the necessary gear on board.
-
Due to the reflection of the fish in the water, you’ll need to aim lower than you think you should. Your guide will give you instructions and a safety briefing before the trip begins.
-
You will need to purchase a license before beginning your trip. Visitors to Louisiana will need a 3-day Charter Fishing License. Locals should purchase a Basic Fishing License and a Saltwater License.
When to Go
Bowfishing is a great type of fishing as it’s possible to do all year round. However, bowfishing always happens in the evenings, after sunset.
It’s time to experience fishing in a whole new way. Louisiana is a sportfishing paradise, and bowfishing in Louisiana waters is just as exciting as casting lines. Even if you’ve never picked up a bow before, you’ll be a fishing Legolas before you know it!
