New Orleans Inshore Fishing With Captain Mike
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day and half-day inshore fishing charters availableTarget Flounder, Sheepshead, Redfish, and Speckled Trout speciesCaptain Mike guides trips to proven fishing locations
Get ready to fish some of Louisiana's best inshore waters with Captain Mike and A Fishing Fool Coastal Charter. Whether you're looking for a quick half-day trip or want to spend the whole day chasing fish, this charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive fishing in prime spots with a captain who knows where the fish are biting. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most popular species in the shallow marshes, canals, and grass flats around New Orleans. With room for up to 2 anglers, this is perfect for couples, friends, or anyone wanting a more personal fishing experience without the crowd.
Captain Mike runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting fish in the boat, plain and simple. Your day starts early when you meet at the launch, and from there you'll head out to his proven honey holes in the vast network of marshes and inshore waters surrounding New Orleans. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – one minute you might be working a grass flat for speckled trout, the next you're sight-fishing redfish in skinny water. The scenery changes constantly as you move between different spots, from open bays to narrow bayous lined with cypress trees. Captain Mike reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means working structure for sheepshead or hitting the flats when the tide is right for reds. You'll spend your time actively fishing, not just riding around looking for spots.
Inshore fishing around New Orleans is all about versatility, and Captain Mike comes prepared for whatever the fish are doing. You'll primarily be using light to medium tackle – spinning reels spooled with braided line for sensitivity and strength when fighting fish around structure. Live bait is often the go-to choice, with shrimp, croakers, and pogies being local favorites that produce consistent results. When the fish are aggressive, you might switch to artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, or topwater plugs. The technique varies by species and conditions – you might be bottom fishing around oil rigs for black drum, sight-casting to tailing redfish, or working grass beds with popping corks for trout. Captain Mike provides all the gear, bait, and tackle you need, plus he'll teach you the local techniques that work best in these waters. The boat is equipped with everything from a shallow-water anchor for staying quiet in skinny water to fish finders for locating structure and bait schools.
Largemouth Bass might seem out of place on an inshore trip, but Louisiana's brackish marshes hold some surprisingly good bass fishing, especially in areas where freshwater mixes with saltwater. These fish are typically more aggressive than their freshwater cousins, hitting topwater lures with authority in the early morning hours. They average 2-4 pounds but can go bigger, and they fight harder in the current and wind of open marsh areas. Spring and fall are prime times when bass move into the shallows to feed.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from 5-pound "puppy drum" up to massive 40+ pound bulls that will test your tackle and stamina. These fish love structure – bridges, rigs, jetties, and oyster beds are prime spots. They're bottom feeders that respond well to fresh shrimp or crab, and once hooked, they use their size and the current to their advantage. The bigger fish are catch-and-release only due to regulations, but landing a trophy black drum is something every angler should experience.
Sheepshead are the pickiest eaters in the marsh, but also some of the best table fare you'll find. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They require finesse fishing with small hooks, light line, and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Sheepshead typically run 2-5 pounds and are most active during cooler months. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need to stay alert and set the hook at the slightest tap.
Sea Trout, locally called speckled trout or just "specks," are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots are found throughout the marshes and grass flats, typically in 2-8 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Specks average 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+ pounds during peak seasons. They're most active during moving tides and low-light conditions, and they make excellent table fare.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are found throughout the marsh system and are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Reds range from slot-size fish (16-27 inches) that are perfect for the dinner table up to oversized bulls that can exceed 40 inches and 30+ pounds. They're year-round residents but are most active during warmer months. Redfish feed in shallow water, often with their backs out of the water, providing exciting sight-fishing opportunities. They'll eat live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm.
Captain Mike's proven track record speaks for itself – he knows these waters like the back of his hand and consistently puts his anglers on fish. With only 2 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and the flexibility to target whatever species are biting best. Whether you choose the 4-hour half-day option for a quick fishing fix or go all-in with the 7-hour adventure, you're getting access to some of the most productive inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. The New Orleans area offers worl
Hit the waters around New Orleans aboard our 22' Shearwater bay boat, built for serious fishing action. This nimble craft handles Louisiana's inshore waters like a dream with its 150 HP Yamaha pushing you to the best fishing spots. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on redfish and speckled trout in the shallows. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS gets you to Captain Mike's secret honey holes every time. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days chasing flounder and sheepshead. With radar for foggy mornings and a toilet for comfort, this boat's ready for whatever the Gulf throws at you. Room for up to 6 anglers means plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and brackish waters where they cruise around crushing shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - much easier to target than scattered summer fish. What guests love is the strong, steady fight they put on, plus that distinctive drumming sound they make. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table - anything bigger gets tough. Here's the trick: use fresh crab bait right on the bottom near oyster reefs, and be patient with the bite.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the classic freshwater fighter, running 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds around here. They love shallow, weedy areas near cover like fallen trees or docks - anywhere they can ambush prey. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot above 60°F. What makes them special is that famous oversized mouth and the way they'll hammer topwater lures at dawn and dusk. They put up a solid fight with those aerial jumps, plus they make good eating if you keep the smaller ones. Pro tip: cast right into the thick stuff where most folks won't go - that's where the big ones hide.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water game fish, with that copper-bronze color and signature black spot near the tail. They run 20-40 inches around here, with the bigger bulls offshore and slot fish in the shallows. You'll find them cruising 1-4 feet of water over oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges year-round. Fall is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is those explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights - pure power on light tackle. They're also excellent eating in the slot size. Pro tip: look for "tailing" fish with their backs out of water feeding in super shallow spots - that's when you know you're in for some action.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, or sea trout, are beautiful spotted fish running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. They love shallow grass flats and soft bottoms in brackish water, especially at night when they feed actively. Fall and spring offer the best action, though summer nights can be productive too. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare - that white, flaky meat is hard to beat. They're also great for light tackle since they don't fight as hard as redfish. Key tip: work your lures slowly over grass beds just after sunset, and don't overcook them - the meat gets mushy fast if you're not careful.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders show up occasionally. You'll find them around any structure - docks, bridges, oil rigs - feeding on barnacles and crabs. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they spawn in large groups. Anglers love the challenge because they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, but once hooked they fight hard. The white, flaky meat is outstanding table fare. My tip: get your bait tight against the pilings and set the hook fast when you feel that subtle nibble - they'll steal your bait clean otherwise.
New Orleans