Redfish Guide — Shell Beach, LA

Shell Beach sits on the edge of Lake Borgne in St. Bernard Parish, and the network of bayous, inlets, and marsh flats surrounding it holds both redfish and speckled trout. It doesn't get the same attention as some of the more well-known Louisiana spots, but the fishing is consistent and the access is easy.

Shell Beach is naturally protected from the open Gulf, which keeps wave action minimal even on windy days. That makes it a good option for smaller boats, kayaks, and first-time anglers who want calm water without sacrificing quality fishing.

From Shell Beach, Fort Proctor is a useful landmark to orient your trip. The old Civil War era fort sits right on Lake Borgne, partially submerged due to years of coastal erosion. Use it as your starting point, then work your way out toward Three Mile Bay and Shell Island Lake, checking the individual bayous and inlets along the way. Each one has its own tidal flow and bottom structure. Some will hold fish, some won't. The ones that consistently produce are worth marking and coming back to.

April and May are the most productive months. Water temps are climbing, fish are actively feeding, and both species are moving through the bayous and onto the flats. A falling tide concentrates fish at the mouths of the little inlets and tidal cuts. A rising tide pushes them back into the grass. Learn the tidal movement and you'll know where to set up before you get there.

The marina at Shell Beach has live shrimp available. Pull directly up to the dock, load up, and you're fishing within minutes. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable setup for both species in this water. Pop it, let it sit, pop it again. The strike can come fast or after a long pause, so don't reel in too soon.

A trolling motor with GPS spot-lock is a significant advantage here. Map your productive waypoints, run them in order, and hold position at each one long enough to work it properly. Small boats and kayaks with spot-lock motors have changed how people fish water like this. You can cover a milk run of proven spots efficiently without spooking fish or fighting current.

Tie 20lb fluorocarbon leader below the cork and use a circle hook sized for live shrimp. Run PowerPro braided line as your mainline and an inshore spinning rod and reel combo handles everything you'll encounter in this water.

Shell Beach is a mixed bag spot. On any given drift you might hook a red, a speck, a sheepshead, or a flounder. That variety is part of what makes it worth the trip.