Get ready to tackle some of the most productive inshore waters in the Gulf Coast. This 8-hour charter takes you through the rich estuaries from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle, where monster redfish and chunky black drum are waiting to test your skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to up your game, our local captains know exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on them. With top-notch Daiwa gear and live bait at your fingertips, you're in for a day of non-stop action on the water.
From the moment you step on board, you'll feel the excitement building. Our seasoned captains kick things off with a quick rundown of the day's game plan, tailored to current conditions and fish patterns. We'll cruise through a maze of coastal marshes and hidden bayous, hitting prime spots where the big ones lurk. Expect to work a variety of techniques – from sight-casting to redfish in skinny water to jigging deep holes for black drum. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the diversity – one minute you're battling a bull red, the next you're finessing speckled trout around oyster reefs. And for the fly anglers out there, feel free to bring your own gear for some world-class sight fishing opportunities.
We don't mess around when it comes to equipment. You'll be armed with high-end Daiwa rods and reels, perfect for the hard-fighting inshore species we target. Our go-to setups include medium-heavy spinning combos for working jigs and soft plastics, as well as baitcasting gear for tossing topwater lures and live bait. Speaking of bait, we take pride in our professionally rigged live offerings – from frisky shrimp to finger mullet, we match the hatch to what the fish are keyed in on. For you jig heads out there, we'll show you the local favorite techniques for working plastics through structure and over grass flats. And if the conditions are right, nothing beats the heart-pounding action of watching a redfish crush a topwater plug in shallow water.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, these copper-colored brutes are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. We target reds year-round, but fall and winter often bring the biggest bulls inshore. Look for them tailing in shallow water or crushing bait along grass lines. When a 30+ pound red takes off, you'll understand why they're such a prized catch.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but never underestimated, black drum are the bulldogs of the marsh. These cousins to the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with 40+ pounders not uncommon. They love crustaceans, so a well-placed crab or shrimp bait near structure can lead to some serious rod-bending action. The bigger ones even make a distinctive "drumming" sound that adds to the excitement.
Speckled Trout: While not as big as reds or drums, specks more than make up for it with their aggressive strikes and delicious flavor. We find them schooling around oyster reefs, drop-offs, and along the beaches. Light tackle and soft plastics are the ticket here – there's nothing quite like feeling that telltale 'thump' when a trout inhales your lure.
Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage present a unique challenge and reward. We target them around structure and sandy bottoms, often using a slow retrieve with soft plastics or live bait. The bite can be subtle, but once hooked, flounder put up a spirited fight. And let's not forget – they're arguably the tastiest fish in the Gulf, perfect for a post-trip fish fry.
It's not just about the fish – though trust me, there are plenty of those. What keeps our clients coming back year after year is the overall experience. The labyrinth of coastal waterways we fish is a sight to behold, teeming with wildlife from ospreys and pelicans to the occasional gator sunning on the bank. You'll gain insights into reading the water, understanding tides, and picking apart structure that'll make you a better angler wherever you fish. And let's be real – there's something special about that moment when you're locked in battle with a big red, the sun's setting over the marsh, and you realize this is what fishing is all about.
Want to make the most of your day on the water? Here are some pro tips from years of guiding these waters:
1. Don't sleep on the early bite. Some of our biggest fish come in the first hour of daylight. 2. Pay attention to tide changes. We often see a flurry of activity as water starts moving in or out. 3. When sight-fishing for reds, accuracy is key. Lead the fish and avoid casting shadows. 4. For black drum, patience is a virtue. They often give a subtle take, so stay focused. 5. Bring a camera! The scenery is stunning, and you'll want to capture those trophy catches.
Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or gunning for some personal bests, our South Louisiana inshore charters deliver the goods. With years of local knowledge, top-notch gear, and a passion for putting clients on fish, we're ready to show you why this is one of the best inshore fisheries in the country. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get in touch, and let's start planning your ultimate day on the water. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of battling bull reds in the Louisiana marsh, you'll be hooked for life.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of our inshore waters. These bruisers can tip the scales at 30 pounds or more, though we usually catch 'em in the 5 to 15-pound range. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and brackish estuaries. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, making for some exciting action. Black drum are notorious for their powerful, thumping fight – it's like hooking into a bulldozer. They're not the prettiest fish, but they make up for it with their stubborn attitude. For the best results, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a pro tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate a school. Anglers love the challenge of landing these bruisers, and the smaller ones make for some fine eating too.
Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties with their signature tail spot typically run 20 to 30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find 'em tailing in shallow flats, prowling oyster reefs, or busting bait along marshy edges. They're aggressive feeders, willing to hit everything from live bait to topwater lures. Fall's the prime time when they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. Reds are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fights – hook a big one, and you're in for a real tussle. They're not too picky, but here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface in shallow water. Redfish are a favorite target for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a staple in our waters. These sleek predators typically run 14 to 24 inches, with some gators pushing 5 pounds or more. You'll find them prowling grass flats, oyster reefs, and deeper channels, especially at night or early morning. They're suckers for live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic their prey. Fall and spring are prime seasons when the water temps are just right. Specks are known for their soft, subtle bite and spirited fights, often jumping clear out of the water. They're a blast on light tackle and make for some mighty fine eating too. One local trick: look for diving birds to find feeding schools. Trout fishing's a favorite among our guests for the steady action and tasty fillets.
Southern flounder are a prized catch in our waters, typically ranging from 15 to 18 inches. These ambush predators are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal areas. You'll find them year-round, but they move offshore in winter. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision. We often target them around oyster beds, grass flats, and channel edges. They're known for their light bite, so stay alert. A local trick is to use a slow retrieve with a live bait or soft plastic on a jig head, dragging it along the bottom. Flounder put up a good fight and make for excellent table fare with their mild, sweet flavor. The challenge of hooking these flatfish and their delicious taste make them a favorite among our guests.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 400