Buras, LA Fishing: A Treasured Fishing Village

Buras is a census-designated place, part of the Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana. It is situated on a ribbon of road stretching across southernmost Louisiana’s water-pocked islands and peninsulas. Buras was a part of the Buras-Triumph unincorporated community. It was named after landowner Sebastian Burat. It was known as Quartiers des Burats or the Burat Settlement before its name was anglicized to Buras. In the 1840s, it was founded and informally established as a town. During the American Civil War, two decades later, in 1862, it was the site of the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. Nowadays, the area is known for its oyster fishing, citrus farming, and gas and oil industry.

Plaquemines Parish, including Buras, is a prized local secret. The region is recognized for its historic attractions and wildlife. One of the best seafood in America is caught and served in the area. This is because people have lived off its land and water for centuries. It is also known for its world-class fishing, with the parish being dubbed as ‘The Catching Capital’ for freshwater, inshore, and offshore sportfishing. Buras sits on Highway 23, which goes past some of the best fishing grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. The CDP can be found along the west bank of the Mississippi River, adding to more angling opportunities.

Buras Fishing 

Anglers who come to Buras will have plenty of opportunities to reel in freshwater and saltwater games, whether they do so from the shore or by boat.

Starting with freshwater angling, one can immediately spot the Mississippi River to the west; the second-longest river in the United States links up with the Gulf of Mexico downstream. Anglers will encounter limitless freshwater fish in the river and its tributaries. Still, the most common species they may spot include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, catfish, alligator gar, perch, northern pike, sauger, walleye, bluegill, shorthead redhorse, shovelnose sturgeon, paddlefish, blue sucker, and so many more. Anglers can also find several boat launches along the banks of the river. In Buras, one can use the Riverside Launch and Motto’s Dock to access Highway 11 and Backlevee Road. There are plenty of shore fishing options wherein trolling and drift fishing are the best ways to reel fish. Plenty of action can be found in marshes, grass covers, and oyster reefs. Fishing in the Mississippi River requires stronger, longer, and powerful rods as jigging is commonly used to fight voracious fish.

The east side is where saltwater anglers can make the most of their fishing in Buras. With the Gulf of Mexico within reach, plenty of nearby and local saltwater waterways are very accessible. Bayou Pompadour is home to species like redfish, black drum, New Zealand brill, and mangrove red snapper. Sailing further out to Bay Pomme d'Or, one can target southern flounder. Anglers venturing further out to the Gulf for a deep sea fishing excursion will get the chance to battle billfish and yellowfin tuna. Off the coast, one can catch wahoo, blue marlin, swordfish, greater amberjack, cobia, gag grouper, tripletail, snapper, and tarpon.  One can sight fish for redfish in marsh ponds from the shore or cast a light tackle line to hook southern flounder, tarpon, and even trophy-sized speckled trout. The closest boat launch areas are at Joshua’s Marina on Buras Boat House Road and Yellow Cotton Bayside.

Yellow Cotton Bay provides plenty of redfish. Black drum, cobia, and speckled trout are also found in its waters surrounded by native Roseau canes. Big fish tend to hang out near those areas, in little pockets, and with more cover. Angling farther away from the canes can yield smaller fish and ladyfish. Cruising with a kayak and popping using crab or shrimp are the most effective methods to lure in fish. Anglers can use the windiness of the area as an advantage, drifting along and then and then paddling back to see if fish have gathered.

Along with the Louisiana Barrier Islands, inshore fishing and kayak fishing are excellent ways to catch redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, tripletail, and sheepshead. The islands’ waters include Dry Cypress Bayou, an excellent largemouth bass fishery. The historical Scofield Bay or Scofield Bayou houses redfish, cobia, yellowfin tuna, Florida pompano, and sheepshead. On the other side of the Mississippi River, Quarantine Bay can find more redfish, black drum, and trout. Bastian Bay holds spotted sea trout and redfish, while Adams Bay also has those species, including black drum. Brackish bays like  Bay Denesse, Bay Jacques, Mitchell Pond, Bay Coquette, and Shell Island Bay have similar fish species.

Top 10 Fish Species in Buras, LA

The top 10 fish species found in Buras, Louisiana are redfish, black drum, speckled trout, cobia, largemouth bass, catfish, yellowfin tuna, tripletail, and southern flounder.

Seasonal Fishing

November to late March is the best period to catch large redfish. Black drum are best caught when they spawn and congregate in large schools from January to April. The same goes for speckled trout, which spawn from April to September. The evening is usually the ideal time to target them, but anglers can get good results in the morning and late at night. Summer to early fall is a good time to target cobia. Spring and fall present the best action for bass fishing. Catfish can be caught in the Mississippi River year-round, but the best time is from May to September, when waters are warmer. Anglers can reel in trophy-sized yellowfin tuna during the autumn and winter. Fishing for a tripletail is done in the summer, but the season can last until late summer and fall. They are best caught in the daylight when they’re feeding. The peak season for southern flounder is in December and January. Anglers can start when they begin to spawn in October and November. Mangrove snapper season is open from June to December. Always check local rules and regulations on how many fish one can catch and keep before fishing in Buras.

Do More in Buras

Buras has an eclectic mix of historical and natural attractions, giving people plenty of things to do in the bi-coastal village.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Buras is home to several fishing charters that offer a wide range of angling experiences. Kayak fishing is a smart option, with charters also offering kayak tours. There are also deep sea excursions for those who want to go further out the Gulf of Mexico. Boat rental services and bait and tackle shops can be found throughout the CDP.

2. Visit Historical Places

During the American Civil War, Buras was the site of the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. People can visit those National Historic Landmarks and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places near the Mississippi River. Nearby, a museum is open to the public and operates on weekdays. The fort’s grounds have been used as the venue for the Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival since 1970. The festival is held during the winter, usually in early December, to celebrate the parish’s citrus industry. It has food and alcoholic beverage booths, merch shops, arts and crafts booths, and a carnival. Buras also offers historic tours. 

3. Go Island Hopping

The Louisiana Barrier Islands surround Buras and its adjacent areas. People can go exploring around those islands by booking tours or transport charters. Swimming, water skiing, boating, and many more water-bound activities await those who visit any nearby island. People can also avail boat or ferry cruises, eco-tours, airboat rides, and seaplane tours as further means to explore.