Catch Your Own Fish (and Cook It)

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This is, in our estimation, one in a list of thirty marvelous places, flavors, events, and experiences that anyone who lives in—or loves—our part of the world should experience at least once in his or her lifetime.

When you live within casting distance of America’s most productive fisheries, you’ve just got to do this. Freshwater or salt; inshore or offshore; big or small. Doesn’t matter. Louisiana’s waters are teeming with fish species that make spectacular table fare. They’re accessible, easy to find, and nothing beats the flavor of fish you caught yourself … except maybe the smile on the face of a little boy who just caught his first fish. A little butter, a lemon, salt and pepper, voilà. You’ve got the easiest, tastiest dinner ever. Nothing beats fresh fish. Nothing.

• On the coast, September’s when the bull reds move through the passes; and with water levels falling, there’s great redfishing in the marshes.