New Orleans is a historic city surrounded by many bodies of water including rivers, lakes, lagoons and ocean. Kayak fishing combines the sport of kayaking with fishing. Kayaking provides upper body and cardiovascular exercise. With such a plethora of fishable bodies of water, New Orleans is a prime locale for the sport of kayak fishing.
Licensing
In order to kayak fish in the state of Louisiana, including the surrounding area of New Orleans, you must obtain a valid fishing license. Anyone under the age of 16 does not require a license to fish in the state. Kayaking does not require licensing or registration, unlike motorized boating. Fishing licenses can be obtained from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Kayak Fishing: Lakes
Lakes surround New Orleans. These large bodies of water are suitable for kayak fishing. Lake Pontchartrain is the largest lake in the New Orleans area with over 630 square miles of surface water. Native fish species found in Lake Pontchartrain include sheepshead, gulf flounder, saltwater drum and channel catfish. Lake Maurepas is connected to Lake Pontchartrain via the Pass Manchac, and it shares the same fish species. Both lakes are common kayak fishing spots; however, Lake Maurepas is usually less crowded than Lake Pontchartrain.
Kayak Fishing: The Mississippi
The Mississippi River runs directly through New Orleans. The river's slow currents are conducive to kayak fishing. The fish species commonly found in the Mississippi river include alligator gar, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and trout.
Kayaking Fishing: Bays
New Orleans is located just miles from various bays and sounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Black Bay, Chandeleur Sound, Barataria Bay and Lake Borgne Bay provide shallow saltwater fishing spots. Kayaks are welcomed in all public areas. Kayaks can easily navigate through the small inlets in the area's marshes.
Kayak Fishing: Lagoon
Lagoons contain shallow, brackish water and are separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of land. New Orleans features various lagoons that allow kayak fishing. The Blind Lagoon brims with channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, lake gar and flounder. The lagoon is less than five miles from New Orleans.
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