Gag grouper fishing out of Grand Isle is an offshore game on named reefs, platforms and banks south of Barataria and Caminada passes. Boats run out the passes to rigs, a sulphur reef and a deep bank. This page lists the named structure with depths, distances and bearings from the green No. 1 ATON, and names the station to read before the run. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
How far Grand Isle boats run for gag
Boats run to offshore reefs and structure. The named grounds with published distances sit between about 3.9 and about 11 miles from the green No. 1 ATON, and Midnight Lump lies farther out. The Grand Isle port guide covers the passes, ramps and local navigation.
Out the passes
Grand Isle boats reach the Gulf through Barataria Pass and Caminada Pass. Distances on this page are measured from the green No. 1 ATON, so plan your route from whichever pass you use.
When gag are around
Gag are on the port’s offshore species list. Regulators set the open season, so check the Regulations section below. The gag grouper guide covers spawning-season biology.
Who fishes them
Anglers who run their own boats offshore to reefs and structure fish for gag from this port.
Grounds and structure that hold gag off Grand Isle
The table lists five named grounds, with figures as published. Only some have a depth, distance or bearing.
| Ground | Depth | Distance / bearing from green No. 1 ATON |
|---|---|---|
| Caminada Pass jetties | ||
| Freeport sulphur rig reef (FLRA-27, Grand Isle 9) | 30 ft | About 3.9 miles |
| Exxon-Mobil platforms southwest of Barataria Pass | About 11 miles at 202 degrees | |
| Sandy Point rigs (West Delta platforms) | ||
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | Crest about 206 ft |
Chart Contours in Breakpoint help you place this structure against the bottom. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Caminada Pass jetties
The jetties are the named structure closest to the port, at Caminada Pass. Start your list here.
Freeport sulphur rig reef (Grand Isle 9, FLRA-27)
The Freeport sulphur rig reef is also listed as FLRA-27 and Grand Isle 9. It sits in 30 ft, about 3.9 miles from the green No. 1 ATON.
Exxon-Mobil platforms southwest of Barataria Pass
This field lies about 11 miles from the green No. 1 ATON at 202 degrees. The platforms are L, BB, CC, 9M, 019, J, P, Q, R, S, T, U and W.
Sandy Point rigs
The Sandy Point rigs are West Delta platforms. The named platforms are Green Monster, MX-WD 23-3, MX-WD 24-4 and MX-WD 23-FLARE No. 3.
Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)
Midnight Lump, also called Sackett Bank, has a crest of about 206 ft, the deepest of the named grounds listed here.
How gag are fished from Grand Isle
Gag share the port’s offshore species list with Warsaw grouper and scamp grouper. The gag grouper guide covers general methods, depth behavior and spawning biology, and the reef fish guides cover the regional picture for the grouper group.
Reading conditions before the run
Read NOAA NDBC station GISL1 before you leave the dock. It is NOAA station 8761724 at Grand Isle, LA, at 29.265 N, 89.958 W. Check wind in knots, wave height in feet and period in seconds, then compare them with the official NWS marine forecast. GISL1 is a coastal station, not an offshore buoy over the grounds, so conditions at Midnight Lump or the platforms can differ from what the station reports.
FAQ: gag grouper out of Grand Isle
How far is the Freeport reef for gag grouper fishing out of Grand Isle?
About 3.9 miles from the green No. 1 ATON, in 30 ft. It is also known as FLRA-27 and Grand Isle 9.
How deep is Midnight Lump?
The crest is about 206 ft. It is also called Sackett Bank.
Which buoy should I check before running out?
GISL1, NOAA station 8761724, at Grand Isle. Read wind, wave height and period, and compare them with the official forecast.
Are gag at the Caminada Pass jetties?
The jetties are the closest named structure to the port. The grounds list above covers the rest of the named structure.
What else is on the offshore list with gag?
Warsaw grouper and scamp grouper.
Where are the rules for gag?
LDWF sets the state rules. The Regulations section above links the state and federal pages.
