A Note from Your Least Qualified Fishing Experts
Picture this: Three lawyers in a boat, surrounded by the vast Gulf of Mexico, watching in amazement as actual fishermen catch incredible fish while we perfect our card-playing skills. We're so good at cards, we could probably gamble away a small fortune while simultaneously failing to bait a hook. Welcome to Camp Alibi's guide to deep sea fishing in Louisiana, written by the proud holders of the "Most Likely to Follow Real Fishing Boats" award since 1986. We've been "learning" about deep sea fishing for decades, mostly by observing (and occasionally getting in the way of) the pros.
Quick Disclaimer: We don't offer fishing charters. We're actually terrible at fishing. But we know people who are really good at it!
So, you're looking to experience the thrill of deep sea fishing in Louisiana? Fantastic! You've come to the right place...sort of. We may not be the ones reeling in the monster tuna, but we can definitely point you in the direction of those who can. Think of us as your comedic relief before you embark on a real fishing adventure. We'll tell you stories of our epic failures (which are far more entertaining than our rare successes), and then we'll steer you toward the captains who actually know what they're doing. Because let's face it, nobody wants to spend their day on the water with us.
This page is your gateway to understanding the wonders of deep sea fishing in the Pelican State. We'll talk about the amazing fish you can catch, the best spots to cast your line (or, in our case, tangle it), and how to find a charter that won't leave you stranded with nothing but sunburn and a tall tale about the one that got away (because, let's be honest, that's usually our story). We're especially fond of Cocodrie, LA, our home base, and we'll tell you why it's a fantastic place to start your deep sea fishing adventure. Just don't expect us to join you. We'll be the ones waving from the shore, probably holding a fishing rod upside down.
Why Louisiana Deep Sea Fishing is Amazing (Despite Our Best Efforts)
The Fish You Could Catch (Unlike Us)
Louisiana's Gulf Coast is brimming with incredible fish, all waiting to be caught. We mostly just admire them from a distance. Don't let our fishing failures discourage you. Here are some of the magnificent creatures you might find on a Louisiana deep sea fishing trip:
Yellowfin Tuna
These massive fighters are legendary. We've heard tales of their strength and speed whispered around the docks. They put up a tremendous fight. Yellowfin tuna often gather near oil rigs. These are helpful landmarks for us when we get turned around. We've been told they taste wonderful, but our cooking skills peak at grilling hot dogs.
Red Snapper
These beautiful red fish are a favorite among Louisiana anglers. They're known for their bright color and delicious flavor. Red snapper like to stay near reefs and underwater structures. This makes them quite difficult for us to catch. They're currently undefeated in our ongoing game of hide-and-seek. We're fairly certain they're laughing at us.
Marlin
These majestic creatures are the royalty of the deep sea. They're famous for their spectacular leaps and impressive size. Marlin are a dream catch for any serious fisherman. We've seen pictures of them in magazines. We're pretty sure they're real. We've even tried to catch them, but they just mock our feeble attempts. They probably have annual meetings to discuss new ways to avoid our hooks.
The Gulf Experience
Louisiana deep sea fishing provides an unforgettable experience. Even we have to admit that.
The open water stretches out before you, a vast and beautiful sight. It's also easy to get lost out there. The charter captains we suggest know exactly where they're going. Stunning sunrises paint the sky with amazing colors. These are best enjoyed while you're hopefully reeling in a huge fish. We usually see these sunrises while trailing real fishing boats, hoping to pick up some tips. The Gulf is home to all sorts of wildlife. There are dolphins, sea turtles, and other creatures we haven't identified. We're usually too busy untangling our lines to pay much attention. We assume the wildlife is out there, chuckling at our expense. Oil rigs dot the horizon. These tall structures are good landmarks for us when we're trying to get back to land. They're also supposedly good spots for fishing, according to the captains we follow.
Where to Actually Find Fish (According to the Pros)
Cocodrie: Our Home Base
Cocodrie is the perfect jumping-off point for deep sea fishing adventures in Louisiana. It's our home base, and we love it. Coco Marina is here, a hub for actual, skilled fishermen. We're usually here too, but we're more likely to be found playing cards than wrestling with a marlin. Cocodrie is close to some very productive fishing areas. At least, that's what the real fishermen tell us. We mostly just nod and smile.
Other Notable Locations
Louisiana has several other fantastic deep sea fishing destinations. There's Venice, the self-proclaimed "fishing capital," a place we've heard whispers about but haven't been allowed to visit (something about a restraining order from the fish). Grand Isle is another popular spot, but the fish there seem to have a sixth sense for our presence and vanish the moment we arrive. Then there's Fourchon, a place we always intend to explore, but we usually end up getting lost somewhere between Cocodrie and the marina.
Finding a Legitimate Charter Captain (Not Us)
What to Look For
Finding the right charter captain is crucial for a successful deep sea fishing trip. Here are some essential things to look for: Make sure they have a valid captain's license. Ours are more like library cards at this point. Look for someone with actual fishing experience. Our experience mostly involves losing lures and getting tangled lines. They should have a real boat, not just a floating card table like ours. And, most importantly, they need to know where the fish are. Our knowledge of fish habitats extends to "somewhere in the water."
Preparing for Your Deep Sea Adventure
Essential Items
Packing the right gear can make or break your deep sea fishing trip. Here's a list of essentials, curated by experts in not catching fish:
Sunscreen (SPF 1000 for lawyers): The Louisiana sun is intense. We recommend SPF 1000, especially for lawyers who spend most of their time indoors. Sunburns are no joke, and we've had some… experiences.
Motion sickness medication (we're experts on this one): Let's just say we've spent a lot of time chumming the water. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before you board the boat. Trust us on this one.
Camera (to document actual fish): You'll want to capture the moment you reel in that monster tuna (or, you know, that tiny little catfish). We usually just take pictures of other people's catches.
Deck of cards (in case you fish like us): If the fish aren't biting, at least you can have a friendly game of poker. We're pretty good at cards. Fishing, not so much.
Sense of humor (mandatory): Things don't always go as planned on a fishing trip. A good sense of humor is essential, especially if you're fishing with us.
What to Expect
Here's a glimpse into what you can expect on a typical deep sea fishing charter in Louisiana:
Early morning start (crack of dawn or earlier): The early bird gets the worm (and the fish). Be prepared for a very early wake-up call. We usually hit snooze and then scramble to catch up with the other boats.
Long boat ride (perfect for napping): The ride out to the fishing grounds can be long. It's a great time to relax, enjoy the scenery, or take a nap. We usually nap.
Actual fishing (results may vary): This is the main event! You'll get to try your hand at catching some amazing fish. Results may vary, especially if you're fishing with us.
Return with fish (if you're not with us): Hopefully, you'll return to the dock with a cooler full of fish. If you're fishing with us, you'll probably return with a cooler full of… well, we're not sure what. Stories, maybe?
Camp Alibi: Where Fish Tales Grow Taller
What We Actually Do Well
At Camp Alibi, we may not be experts in catching fish, but we excel at other important things:
Play cards (professional level): We're serious about our card games. We've been known to host tournaments that rival the World Series of Poker (minus the actual money).
Cook amazing meals (no fish involved): While we can't catch fish to save our lives, we can whip up some delicious meals. Our culinary specialties include everything except seafood. Think hearty comfort food, grilled meats, and maybe a vegetable or two.
Tell stories (mostly fiction): We're masters of the tall tale. Our fishing stories may not be true, but they're certainly entertaining. We can spin a yarn about the one that got away (which is pretty much every fish we've ever encountered) that will have you rolling with laughter.
Get lost creatively: We have a unique talent for getting lost, both on the water and in our own thoughts. This often leads to unexpected adventures and hilarious situations.
Support the local fishing economy (by buying, not catching): We contribute to the local fishing industry by purchasing seafood from the market. We figure it's the least we can do since we're so terrible at catching it ourselves.
Why You Can't Stay With Us
We get a lot of inquiries about lodging at Camp Alibi. While we appreciate the interest, we must politely decline. Here's why:
Our camp is purposefully uncomfortable: We've designed our camp to be as uncomfortable as possible. Think leaky roofs, lumpy beds, and a general lack of amenities. It's all part of our charm (or at least, that's what we tell ourselves).
The fish have restraining orders: The local fish population has collectively filed a restraining order against us. They've made it clear that they don't want us anywhere near them.
We need space for our card tournaments: Our card tournaments require a lot of space. We need room for the tables, the chairs, and, most importantly, the snacks.
Did we mention we're terrible at fishing? We feel it's important to reiterate this point. We are truly, utterly, and hopelessly terrible at fishing. If you're looking for a serious fishing experience, we're definitely not the right choice.
Local Knowledge (That We've Acquired by Accident)
Best Times to Fish
We've observed (from a safe distance) that different seasons bring different fishing opportunities:
Spring: Spring is when the fish are fresh and full of energy. They're also probably feeling sorry for us and our lack of fishing skills.
Summer: Summer is when the fish are hot and bothered (probably by our constant attempts to catch them). It's also hot for us.
Fall: Fall is when the fish are falling… for other people's bait, that is. We mostly just watch them fall.
Winter: Winter is the perfect time for card-playing. The fish are hibernating, and so are we (mostly).
Weather Considerations
Paying attention to the weather is important for any deep sea fishing trip. We've learned this through some… interesting experiences:
Check marine forecasts (we learned this the hard way): Don't just assume the weather will be nice. Check the marine forecasts before you head out. We've learned this lesson the hard way (multiple times).
Watch for storms (they're wet): Storms can pop up quickly in the Gulf. They're also quite wet, as we've discovered during our many misadventures.
Monitor wind conditions (affects card dealing): Strong winds can make fishing difficult. They can also make card dealing a real challenge.
Contact Us (If You Must)
Reasons to Reach Out
Feel free to contact us for any of the following reasons:
Need a good laugh: We're always happy to share our fishing horror stories.
Want to learn how to not fish: We're experts in this field.
Seeking card game opponents: We're always up for a friendly game (or a high-stakes tournament).
Looking for real charter recommendations: We know some captains who actually know what they're doing.
For tales of epic fishing failures (we have many), find us at Camp Alibi.
-- Your Friends at Camp Alibi
Steve Copley, Walter Stuart, & Stephen Babcock
(Lawyers by necessity, terrible fishermen by choice)
P.S. If you see us on the water, give us a wave! We'll be the ones following the real fishing boats, maintaining a respectful (and safe) distance. We might even have some extra hot dogs.
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