Bourgeois Fishing Charters
sunning alligators image by Kurt Anderson from
Fotolia.com
Bourgeois Fishing Charters operates trips in the swamps and bayous around New Orleans and offers a "No-fish, No-pay" guarantee: If you don't land one, the outing is free. Charters include bait, tackle, boat service and guide. Among the boat options are kayak, swamp boat or air boat, and the choice depends, in part, on whether you want to go bayou or swamp fishing. Assistance with fish cleaning is provided. Anglers should bring a sunhat and sunglasses, long-sleeve shirt, lunch, drinks and a camera. While out on the charter, you may spot alligators and birds, including the rare and once-thought-to-be-extinct ivory-billed woodpecker.
Bourgeois Fishing Charters
2783 Privateer Blvd.
Barataria, LA 70036
504-341-5614
neworleansfishing.com
Jean Lafitte Fishing Charters
Jean Lafitte Charters offers a range of options, including swamp charters, for catfish. Be prepared for hot and humid conditions. Bring plenty of bug-spray, a sunhat, sunglasses, camera, cooler with ice, lunch, drinks (no glass containers,) and wear soft-soled shoes. All fishing gear, tackle and bait, guides and boat service is provided. A fishing license is included with charter fees. Refreshments are offered during trips. Alligators and a variety of birds are frequently spotted during catfish swamp trips.
Jean Lafitte Fishing Charters
Barataria, LA 70036-4735
877-689-4120
jeanlafittecharters.com
New Orleans City Park
If heading out on a charter or with a guide isn't your cup of chicory (a popular substitute for coffee in New Orleans), you can head to the New Orleans City Park and drop a line. The New Orleans City Park system contains 11 miles of lagoons and waterways. Anglers will need to have a valid Louisiana Fresh Water Fishing license with them when fishing in the park. The Louisiana Fish and Game Department has information on the catfish and rules regarding fishing for them.
New Orleans City Park
1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
504-482-4888
neworleanscitypark.com/
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
