Premier Weekend Inshore Fishing in Louisiana

Published Date: September 14, 2025
Fishing

South Louisiana
$1,100 price range

Summary

Ready for a great day of fishing in South Louisiana? Join us on an 8-hour inshore charter from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle. We'll be targeting black drum, redfish, and whatever's biting that season. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – our captain's got you covered with tips and top-notch Daiwa gear for jigging and popping. We'll have fresh live bait ready to go, and if you're into fly fishing, feel free to bring your own setup. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Our waters are rich with fish, and we know just where to find them. You'll get hands-on experience with different techniques, and our crew's always there to lend a hand or share local knowledge. By the end of the day, you'll have some great catches and even better stories to tell.

Premier Weekend Inshore Fishing in Louisiana

Reelin' It In

Four people enjoying a fishing trip in Golden Meadow

Reel in South Louisiana's best catches

Three anglers fishing in LA with their catch

Trophy fish in Louisiana waters

7 spotted weakfish caught while fishing in LA

Louisiana fishing adventures await

South Louisiana fishing charters

Weekend Inshore Slam: Louisiana's Fishing Paradise

Get ready to wet a line in some of the most productive inshore waters the Gulf Coast has to offer. This full-day charter takes you through the rich estuaries from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle, where the redfish are thick and the drum are always drumming. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our experienced captains will put you on the fish and make sure you're having a blast doing it. With top-notch Daiwa gear and fresh live bait, you'll be set up for success from the moment you step on board.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting at the dock in Golden Meadow. After a quick safety briefing, we'll head out into the maze of bayous and backwaters that make South Louisiana a fisherman's paradise. Your captain will be on the hunt for signs of feeding fish - from birds diving to bait balls dimpling the surface. We'll hit prime spots for redfish, black drum, and speckled trout, adjusting our tactics based on what's biting. Expect to do a mix of jigging, popping, and live bait fishing. If the bite is hot, we might even run out to some nearshore rigs for a shot at bigger game. By the end of your 8-hour trip, you'll have worked a variety of spots and techniques, giving you the best shot at a Louisiana inshore slam.

Gear Up for Success

Leave your tacklebox at home - we've got you covered with some of the best gear in the business. You'll be fishing with Daiwa rods and reels, perfectly matched to the species we're after. For artificial lures, we'll be throwing a mix of soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending baits. When it comes to live bait, we don't mess around. Depending on the season, we'll have fresh shrimp, croakers, or mullet - all professionally rigged to entice even the most finicky fish. Fly fishermen are welcome to bring their own gear, and your captain will be happy to put you on some tailing reds in the shallow stuff. Don't forget to pack some sunscreen, a hat, and polarized glasses - the Louisiana sun can be intense out on the water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, redfish (also known as red drum) are hard-fighting and great eating. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in shallow marshes or hanging around oyster reefs. In the fall, big bull reds move into the passes, offering a chance at a true trophy. Redfish will hit just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures, making them a blast for anglers of all skill levels.

Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their redfish cousins, black drum are a worthy target in their own right. These bulldogs of the bayou can grow to massive sizes, with 30+ pounders not uncommon. Younger "puppy drum" are excellent table fare, while the big ones provide an epic battle. Black drum love crustaceans, so a fresh shrimp or crab bait is often the ticket.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fast-moving predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. Specks school up around bait pods and structure, making for exciting topwater action in the early mornings. While they average 1-3 pounds, gator trout pushing 5+ pounds are possible and highly prized. A popping cork rig with live shrimp is deadly effective, but artificials like soft plastics and suspending twitch baits work great too.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're ambush predators with a nasty attitude. Flounder like to hang out on drop-offs and around structure, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. The key to catching them is a slow presentation - dragging a soft plastic or live bait along the bottom. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they stage up before their offshore migration. Landing a doormat flounder is always a highlight of any trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though there are plenty of those. What sets a Louisiana inshore trip apart is the incredible ecosystem you'll be fishing in. As you weave through the marshes, you'll see pelicans diving, dolphins playing, and maybe even an alligator sunning itself on the bank. The landscape is ever-changing, shaped by the mighty Mississippi and the forces of nature. Your captain isn't just a fish-finder, but a local expert who can share the history and ecology of this unique corner of America. Whether you're marveling at a perfect sunset over the bayou or reeling in your personal best redfish, these are the moments that keep anglers coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer, don't wait to lock in your date. Our weekend charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. With a max of 4 anglers per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention and time on the rod. Whether you're planning a family outing, a trip with your fishing buddies, or looking to introduce someone to the sport, this charter offers something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunglasses, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. The reds are calling - it's time to answer!

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, growing up to 90 pounds, though most run 5 to 30. Look for them around oyster beds, mud flats, and pier pilings in brackish waters and estuaries. They're adaptable fish, tolerating a range of temperatures and salinities. Spring's your best bet when they school up to spawn, making for easier targeting. Anglers dig 'em for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so bring sturdy tackle. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it can give away their location. Fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom is your best bet, but they'll hit jigs too. Just remember to fish it slow – these guys aren't known for their speed.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. They love the shallows, often tailing in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. Most run 20 to 30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges, especially on falling tides. They'll eat just about anything that fits in their mouth, from crabs to mullet. Fall's the prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love redfish for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. They're not the smartest fish in the sea, but they make up for it with pure strength. Here's a tip: on calm days, scan the flats for their copper-colored backs or v-shaped wakes. Toss a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp their way, and hold on tight!

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite around here. They typically run 14 to 24 inches, with some monsters pushing 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're schooling fish, so where you catch one, there's likely more. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but winter can be hot too when they bunch up in deeper channels. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, tender meat. They put up a good scrap on light tackle, and they're suckers for topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their distinctive V-shaped wakes in shallow water. They spook easy, so make long casts. Try soft plastics under a popping cork, or live shrimp if you really want to get their attention.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. These flatfish are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. You'll find them in bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, often around structure like oyster reefs. Fall is prime time as they move to spawn, but they're catchable year-round. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking them. They're known for their light bite, so stay alert. A local trick: when you feel that soft tap, give it a few seconds before setting the hook. Let 'em take it and turn the bait in their mouth. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig, or try slow-dragging soft plastics along the bottom for best results.

About the Fishtales Guide Service

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 55

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 400

Ready for a weekend of inshore fishing action in South Louisiana? Our 8-hour charter takes you from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle, chasing black drum, redfish, and whatever's biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, our experienced captain's got you covered. We provide top-notch Daiwa gear for jigging and popping, plus fresh live bait to entice the fish. Fly fishing enthusiasts are welcome to bring their own gear for a customized experience. Throughout the day, you'll get hands-on guidance to improve your technique and maximize your catches. With room for up to 4 guests, it's the perfect way to spend a day on the water with friends or family. Soak up the Louisiana coastline while reeling in some impressive inshore and nearshore species on this action-packed fishing adventure.

Sitemap