Louisiana Sportsman

August 31, 2026

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.[…]

Early spring is a great time for catching speckled trout on topwater lures. The explosions are violent and heart-pounding.

Spring provides some great kayak fishing

April 13, 2023 Chris Holmes

Mild days and hungry fish make a great combination for kayak fishing. Early spring is a great time for catching speckled trout and redfish.[…]

Working a chatterbait in shallow, heavy brush produced this green football for Steve Neece. This early March fish was packed with eggs and was quickly released after a quick photo.

Launch the kayak!

March 19, 2023 Chris Holmes

The time is now for kayak bass fishing in Louisiana. Largemouth bass generally spawn in Louisiana from January through March.[…]

This white trout fell for a jighead and plastic tail combo tight-lined slowly on a mild winter day.

Be choosy with your fishing ’yak attacks this time of the year

February 19, 2023 Chris Holmes

If you play your cards right, February can provide some good weather days and fantastic fishing for kayak anglers.[…]

Kayak anglers mill about on a cold January morning preparing for the start of the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club’s annual Minimalist Challenge. This unique event requires all anglers to fish with a small, identical selection of lures provided by the tournament.

Sign-up for a kayak tournament

January 26, 2023 Chris Holmes

Fresh or salt, there are tournaments to fit every kayak angler’s fishing style, and they are sure to make you a better fisherman.[…]

When it comes to kayak fishing accessories, anglers should consider gear made to withstand the harsh elements encountered by being in an open vessel, close to the water. Any gear exposed to salt water should be thoroughly washed and dried after each trip.

Kayak anglers’ Christmas wish list

December 11, 2022 Chris Holmes

Ask Santa for some of these items to make your kayak angling experience safer, more comfortable and successful.[…]

This big cat pulled the noodle all over the canal with it going underwater several times. Chasing down the noodles in a kayak is exciting and a whole lot of fun.

Kayak noodles

November 28, 2022 Chris Holmes

Using your kayak to set out a dozen or more baited pool noodles (or jugs), is a fun and exciting way to catch catfish.[…]

Redfish concentrate in the marsh during the fall. They feed voraciously and are fairly easy to catch with live bait or artificial lures. Kayaks make great platforms to get back into these shallow areas where most powerboats cannot go.

No better time for kayak redfish

October 17, 2022 Chris Holmes

If you are a kayak angler, the time is now to head to the shallow marshes across coastal Louisiana for excellent redfish action.[…]

Bass in open water are often feeding on schools of baitfish. Flukes make great baits in these conditions and can be fished throughout the water column. Tandem rigging them can be extremely effective.

September bass are no fluke

September 8, 2022 Chris Holmes

Although deadly year-round, fluke-style baits really excel this time of year. Kayaks are also perfectly suited for this style of fishing.[…]