What is the Redfish Jubilee? When does it happen? What’s the best tackle to use?
The Redfish Jubilee in Louisiana
The Redfish Jubilee is an event that takes place during winter when the conditions are just right.
Inshore anglers love it because it's an opportunity for easy redfish limits.
Not just any inshore angler, but those who typically fish along popular banks across Louisiana's coast.
After all, they spend most of the year fishing those banks regardless of conditions, so by the time the Jubilee rolls around they have it all figured out.
When does the Redfish Jubilee happen?
It can only happen in the winter when the weather becomes ridiculously cold.
December 2017 and January 2018 yielded such weather, so cold it actually snowed!
This qualifies as ridiculously cold for us thin-blooded Southerners.
Yup! It was actual snow, not sleet!
Just big, puffy snowflakes!
Bonafide snow blanketed the neighborhood outside my residence in Pearl River, a surefire sign the Redfish Jubilee was on its way.
Read Fishing Reports
You don't want to miss out!
So make sure to read the latest fishing reports at LAFB Inshore on Facebook to know when the Jubilee kicks off.
Here's a good one from January 2018:
What causes the Redfish Jubilee?
Dropping water level and temperature.
A strong cold front (the only kind that can make it snow in Louisiana) will do both of those things, pushing virtually all redfish into the safety of deeper water.
Where is the Redfish Jubilee?
It's best known along the banks of Bayou LaLoutre in Yscloskey, Louisiana.
Specifically, around the drawbridge there.
But the banks of Delacroix Highway are a great location, too.
You should know the Redfish Jubilee is based upon conditions, not exact fishing spots.
If you have a complete understanding of redfish behavior, the conditions, and location of deep and shallow water, you will be able to find your own Redfish Jubilee and avoid the crowd.
What kind of fishing tackle should I bring?
That's a whole other topic, so I've broken it down with a few easy lists (and recommendations) in this blog post.
Who's allowed to go?
Anyone with a Louisiana fishing license.
Just be nice to your neighbors and be sure to pick up your trash.
You can bet on it being crowded, as the Jubilee is no secret.
Questions or comments? Chime in below!
Hey Michael, thanks for commenting.
Although North Carolina has a great fishery, I’ve never fished there for reds.
However, I’d imagine redfish would still congregate in deeper water when it gets really cold.
Again, I am not a subject matter expert on North Carolina, and it’d be up to you to find them.
Tight lines
Devin, would this redfish jubilee happen here in North Carolina? I would think this is common with redfish. Do I need to check back bay areas or ocean beach or both. Sounds like a lot of fun!
We do have a jubilee In the summer where the flounder and crabs are prectically coming out of the water. You can walk the beach and pick the ones you want.
Click this article and look at the sores on the belly of the speckled trout. You will need to scroll down some.
It got those sores from resting on the bottom.
https://www.lafishblog.com/inspect-your-fish/
Jeff, you’re thinking.
And you’re right.
But consider that when fish lay on the bottom, like literally resting on the bottom, they achieve much better hydrodynamic efficiency and don’t need to exert themselves to stay put.
I’ve caught fish in cold water with current. What that speed is, I do not know. What speed you are referring to, I do not know, either.
Will the fish be there if the current is strong? Or will the fish be in the canals running into Bayou LaLoutre? It’s my understanding that fish are lazy when the water temperature is low, therefore, they don’t want to fight a strong current while they are cold.
I just fished out there with a friend yesterday. He pulled out around 30 with two other people, but only 7 keepers.
Very important to bring lots of extra rigs/weights because there is tons of debris on the bottom. In about an hour I had to snap it off 6 times.
Unless you are plugged in to the right grapevine , By the time you hear about it happening it will be over. Learn the conditions that cause the “jubilee’ and you will be able to predict when it will happen ahead of time.