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This week’s Louisiana Delta Fishing Report features host Andre’ Savoie with two reports from very different parts of Southeast Louisiana. The episode starts in the Hopedale and Delacroix area with Capt. Jimmy Corley of Waterfowl Specialist, who breaks down a redfish bite that has stayed strong even when wind has limited access to open water.
Andre’ then heads offshore out of Venice with Capt. Josh Edwards of Calcutta Gold Fishing Charters, who shares a current tuna and red snapper report, explains how the Venice yellowfin pattern changes through the year, and talks about what he is seeing around grass lines as summer fishing approaches.
The big theme this week is flexibility. Protected marsh water is producing redfish when the wind blows, better trout water opens up when conditions settle down, and Venice continues to give offshore anglers a strong mix of yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, red snapper, mahi, and the occasional surprise.
Conditions Recap
Wind has been the biggest factor across the inshore report. Capt. Jimmy says steady south and southeast winds have kept many trips tucked into protected marsh water, but that has not stopped the redfish bite. In Delacroix-area ponds, grass lines, and bait-filled shallow water, the fish have been there when anglers can find clean enough water and active bait.
When the wind lays down, the trout options improve. Capt. Jimmy points to deeper water, rigs, flow pipes, Lake Borgne, Breton Sound, the MRGO rocks, and areas with birds and bait as places that can produce when boats can safely get there. On tougher wind days, he is staying inside and adjusting the plan around redfish.
Out of Venice, Capt. Josh says the offshore bite has been a mix of yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and red snapper. Tuna have been more concentrated in the 30- to 40-mile range lately, while red snapper numbers remain strong around rigs, mud humps, bottom features, and state-water structure. Grass lines are also starting to hold small mahi, with better-sized fish expected as the pattern builds.
Hopedale and Delacroix Fishing Report
Capt. Jimmy Corley of Waterfowl Specialist fishes out of Shell Beach, Louisiana, with regular trips around Hopedale, Delacroix, Breton Sound, and the surrounding marshes. Lately, the wind has pushed him toward protected redfish water, and that move has paid off.
In the Delacroix marsh, Capt. Jimmy has been finding redfish along shallow grass lines, in small ponds, and around bait. His approach is simple: find the bait and the redfish are usually close. On a recent two-boat trip, both boats got on fish quickly, with one crew finishing a redfish limit early in the morning before shifting gears to look for trout.
When conditions allow him to get out of the marsh, Capt. Jimmy expects the trout bite to stay productive around deeper water, rigs, flow pipes, Lake Borgne, Breton Sound, the MRGO rocks, and areas where birds and bait are showing. He says some of the trout they have picked up lately have been quality fish, including 18- and 19-inch specks, even when the bite has not been wide open because of the wind.
For trout in deeper water, Capt. Jimmy talked about fishing live shrimp on Carolina rigs, adjusting egg sinker size based on tide strength. In stronger current, he may go heavier, while lighter tide lets him scale down. Around marsh edges and redfish water, he has been using Zook Rods, popping corks, Campo’s live shrimp, Matrix Shad, and Vudu-style soft plastics. He says the louder popping corks have been useful for drawing fish from grass lines and marsh edges.
Capt. Jimmy also emphasized how good this bite can be for families and younger anglers. He has had kids and first-time fishermen on recent trips, and the combination of protected water, steady redfish action, and coaching from the boat has made it a strong time to introduce new anglers to the Louisiana marsh.
To book a trip, visit Waterfowl Specialist or follow Waterfowl Specialist Guide Service on Facebook.
Venice Offshore Fishing Report
Capt. Josh Edwards of Calcutta Gold Fishing Charters checks in from Venice, where the offshore report includes yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, red snapper, and the first signs of better mahi fishing around grass lines.
Capt. Josh says the current tuna bite has been centered mostly in the 30- to 40-mile range rather than the longer 50- to 80-mile runs. He is seeing yellowfin tuna around 50 to 60 pounds and blackfin tuna in the 15- to 25-pound range. His program is built around live bait, including pogies and horn bellies this time of year, with hardtails becoming more important later in summer.
He also explains that Venice tuna fishing changes with the season. Fall and winter are known for bigger yellowfin, including fish in the 150- to 200-pound class. Spring brings more school-sized yellowfin, while summer can produce 50- to 100-pound fish with fewer bites but better average quality. The current pattern is still producing fish, but it requires matching the bait and approach to the season.
For live-bait tuna fishing, Capt. Josh described making sets with hook baits and free baits behind the boat. The goal is to create a natural-looking bait cloud, let the baits swim together, and draw tuna into the spread. Later in the year, his team may also mix in other tactics, including larger live baits and outrigger presentations.
Grass lines are starting to come alive offshore. Capt. Josh says small mahi are showing up around floating grass now, and he expects better-sized fish to become more common over the next month. He also shared a classic Venice offshore moment from a recent trip, when a marlin appeared around a grass mat chasing baby mahi in open water.
Red snapper fishing has been excellent since Louisiana’s season opened. Capt. Josh says 20- to 25-inch snapper are plentiful, and he has been able to put together limits around rigs, mud humps, bottom structure, and state-water areas. He also notes that cleaner water can make a difference, especially around closer rigs where water color can change quickly.
Gear and product mentions from the offshore report included live bait setups for tuna, go-fast offshore catamarans, poppers during big yellowfin season, outrigger presentations, and electronics used to locate bottom features and structure. Capt. Josh also highlighted how much time on the water matters, especially when finding unmarked bottom features that can hold snapper.
To book a Venice offshore trip, visit Calcutta Gold Fishing Charters, follow Calcutta Gold Fishing Charters on Facebook, or follow Capt. Josh Edwards on Instagram.
