I have been a catch-and-cook fisherman most of my life, and over the years I have become much more selective about where I keep fish. Inner-city ponds and canals are usually not where I am looking for dinner. But not every fishing trip needs to involve towing a boat 50 miles into the marsh.
For kids, new anglers, and city residents who simply want to wet a line, New Orleans has convenient urban fishing opportunities. City Park is one of the most obvious places to start.
Easy Fish for New Anglers
If the goal is simply to catch something, catfish are a practical target. Worms or chicken liver fished on the bottom can produce. Panfish, often called perch locally, are another good option. Small hooks, light line, a small piece of worm, and a float make a simple setup for beginners.
Bass and Other Fish
The waterways around the city can also hold largemouth bass and other species. The rough notes for this site also mention seasonal trout stocking in New Orleans-area ponds, including Joe Brown Park, which gives local anglers another cold-weather option.
Urban fishing is a good reminder that you do not always need a boat or a long drive to spend an hour outside with a rod in your hand.