NEW IBERIA, La. --- Iberia Parish has been featured on a list of the top 7 fishing destinations in the United States for 2021.

There’s no better time to get out on the water than the summertime! Having in mind that we spent the majority of 2020 indoors, it’s no surprise that we’re excited to enjoy the sunshine this year. FishingBooker, the world’s largest platform for booking fishing trips, has compiled a list of the top summer fishing destinations in the US for this summer, and Iberia Parish has been featured on the list.

"There's a good reason there are so many boat owners in Iberia Parish," said Don Shoopman, a local angler and outdoors writer. "Anglers here need them to get to the beaucoup fish that inhabit our freshwater bayous and lakes and the saltwater species in and around Vermilion Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico."

Did you know that water makes up nearly half of Iberia Parish? Come to this part of Louisiana, and you’ll have the chance to fish for days! Those who hop on a boat in summer will come across Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, Amberjack, and Yellowfin Tuna – just to name a few. It really is an offshore buffet!

However, that’s not all you can catch in Iberia Parish. You can also explore inshore fisheries, and fight with Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder. If you’d prefer to explore some of the lakes, you’ll be rewarded with Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish, White, and Black Crappie, White Bass, Striped Bass, and Catfish.

"It's no surprise to me this great parish has been featured as one of the Top 7 Fishing Destinations," said Shoopman. "We are blessed with arguably the best, at times, bass, bream and sac-a-lait fishing in and around the Atchafalaya Basin, including Lake Dauterive-Fausse Pointe, and within a short drive great opportunities to catch speckled trout, redfish, drum, croaker, flounder and more, water and weather conditions permitting.

"There are a handful of reputable saltwater charter boat captains around here who know the reefs, bays, passes and Marsh Island hotspots like the back of their hand."

A full list of top summer fishing destinations in the United States can be found below:

FishingBooker is the world's largest platform for connecting anglers and fishing guides, with over 32,000 fishing trips available in more than 2,000 destinations worldwide.

For more information about fishing in Iberia, please visit IberiaTravel.com's fishing page.

For more information on parish events and tourism assets, call the bureau at 337-365-1540 or visit IberiaTravel.com