Updated: Thursday, May 14, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, May 21, 2026
This Louisiana fishing report covers mid-May, when the state fires on every cylinder. Tarpon are the lead species, with the legendary Venice run reaching early peak in the Tarpon Triangle and boats getting shots at fish at the river mouths and along the beaches. Offshore, yellowfin tuna and the first blue marlin of the year headline, and the inshore marsh sits at its spring high. Plan around the outgoing tide at the river mouths and the strong dawn bite of the Saturday new moon.
What’s Hitting
Tarpon numbers build through June, and the next four weeks are prime in one of the best big-tarpon fisheries in the country. Offshore, the Venice fleet is having one of its best springs in years: yellowfin tuna stack at the floaters, the first blue marlin come over the rail, and wahoo mix in on the high-speed troll.
Inshore, slot redfish crush topwaters at first light, limits of speckled trout come on through the rest of the day, and bull reds stack at the river passes. Vermilion Bay gives up limits of trout daily, and Cocodrie offers reds and trout in equal measure.
Where to Find Them
Tarpon boats run out of Venice and Port Eads to the river mouths at Pass a Loutre, South Pass and Southwest Pass, where fish roll on the surface at first light; the Wagon Wheel area inside the Triangle also holds fish. Offshore, the floaters (Bullwinkle, Lena, Marlin, Ram-Powell) in 1,500-plus feet give up yellowfin at night, and marlin trolling is best at the deep-water rigs in 1,800-plus feet, 100-plus miles southeast.
Inshore, the duck ponds and back lakes from Hopedale through Delacroix are loaded with redfish and trout. In Vermilion Bay, work the spoil banks and the Last Island shoreline.
Tides & Conditions
Expect water temperatures of 74–77°F. The new moon falls Saturday and sets up a strong dawn bite for tarpon and reds. Light south winds blow Wednesday and Thursday, then light easterlies Friday and Saturday, for excellent conditions through the weekend. River-mouth tarpon are best on the outgoing tide, when the river and falling water push bait out to the beaches.
Tackle & Tactics
- Tarpon: live mullet and crabs are the standard.
- Yellowfin: drift the rigs at night with chunks, then run and gun the floaters by day.
- Marlin: rigged ballyhoo and Ilanders at the deep-water rigs.
- Wahoo: the high-speed troll.
- Marsh reds and trout: gold spoons and topwater plugs at first light, then soft plastics under a popping cork.
- Bull reds: cut mullet or pogy on the bottom at the passes.
- Vermilion Bay trout: live shrimp under a popping cork or an LSU-colored Z-Man on a jighead.
Local Intel This Week
Bridge Side Marina in Venice is the jumping-off point for the Tarpon Triangle; boats running out of there get shots at the river mouths on the outgoing. Hopedale Marina is a public launch for the Hopedale and Delacroix marsh, where limit trout and reds come before 9 AM on most mornings. Cypremort Point State Park puts you on Vermilion Bay. A Louisiana saltwater license is required. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Be set up at the river mouths before first light on the outgoing and watch for rollers. Hold up-current of the fish and let a live mullet or crab drift naturally to them instead of running the boat over the school.
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