Redfish Guide — Holly Beach, LA

Holly Beach sits along the Calcasieu Ship Channel on Louisiana's Creole Nature Trail, and the flats stretching east toward the Sabine River are some of the most productive redfish water on the Gulf Coast. The area doesn't get the attention of Calcasieu Lake to the north, but the fish are there and the pressure is lower.

This is classic Louisiana coastal marsh fishing. Shallow flats, grass edges, shell pads, and tidal cuts. Redfish in this environment are predictable once you understand how they move with the water.

Work the tide. On a rising tide, reds push up onto the flats to feed. They're hunting shrimp and crabs in the shallow grass and they're not hard to find if you're watching the water. Look for nervous water, wakes, or tails breaking the surface. On a falling tide they pull back to the edges and the deeper cuts. That's where you set up and wait for them to come to you.

Sight fishing is possible on calm days with clear water. Polarized sunglasses are essential. Without them you're blind. With them you'll spot fish moving through the grass before you'd ever hear them.

For tackle, a soft plastic paddle tail on a 1/4 ounce jig head is the go-to for wading the flats. Cast ahead of the fish, let it sink, and slow roll it back. Don't rush it. Redfish are not chasing fast moving lures in shallow water. Live shrimp under a popping cork is equally effective if you have it.

Tie 20lb fluorocarbon leader to your braided line. The water can be clear enough that redfish will inspect the bait before committing. Fluorocarbon disappears in the water column in a way mono doesn't.

Holly Beach is accessible from shore and by wade fishing, which makes it one of the better spots on the Louisiana coast for anglers without a boat. Park along Highway 82, wade out to the grass edges, and work the tidal movement. You don't need a fancy boat to catch redfish here. You need patience, the right tide, and eyes on the water.

For similar marsh fishing with more structure options, the Grand Isle redfish fishery runs the same grass edges and jetties about an hour east along the Louisiana coast.

If you want fish on the hook quickly, hit the rising tide an hour after it starts and work the grass edges with a popping cork and live shrimp. If you have more time and are chasing a wall hanger, slow down. Wade quietly, watch the water, and let the fish come to you. The big reds in shallow water are spooky. One heavy footstep or a splash puts them down.