Premium Family Fishing on Lake Pontchartrain Basin
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour family fishing charter targets multiple inshore speciesAll fishing equipment and tackle provided for up to six guestsGuided trips through calm Lake Pontchartrain Basin waters
Looking for a fishing trip that won't have the kids complaining after an hour? This 4-hour family charter in Louisiana's Lake Pontchartrain Basin hits that sweet spot between action and comfort. You'll cruise through some of the state's most productive inshore waters, where the fishing is consistent and the scenery keeps everyone happy. Adventure Fishing Charter knows how to work with families – they keep things relaxed, help with tangled lines, and make sure everyone gets their shot at landing something worth bragging about. The calm bayous and marshes around Lake Pontchartrain are perfect for kids who might get seasick on rougher water, and there's enough space on board for up to 6 people to fish without bumping elbows.
Your captain will pick productive spots based on what's biting that day, moving between grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges where fish like to hang out. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin has this network of interconnected waters that creates perfect habitat for inshore species – one minute you're fishing a shallow flat for reds, the next you're working deeper pockets for trout. The boat stays in protected waters, so you won't deal with big waves or long runs to fishing spots. Everything's provided – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – which is huge when you're traveling with kids. No need to worry about bringing the right gear or figuring out what lures work here. Your guide handles all that technical stuff while you focus on coaching the little ones and enjoying some quality family time. The 4-hour timeframe works perfectly for keeping kids engaged without pushing it too far.
Most of your fishing will be with light tackle – spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders. Your captain will set everyone up with the right rod for their size and experience level. Kids typically get shorter, lighter rods that are easier to handle, while adults might use longer rods for better casting distance. The techniques are straightforward: live bait fishing under popping corks, soft plastic lures on jig heads, and maybe some topwater action when fish are feeding aggressively. Live shrimp is the go-to bait here – it works for everything from trout to redfish to black drum. Your guide will show kids how to work a popping cork, making that distinctive "pop" sound that drives speckled trout crazy. For the more adventurous family members, there's usually some artificial lure fishing with soft plastics that mimic shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. The marsh areas provide natural windbreaks, so casting isn't as challenging as it might be in open water.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Lake Pontchartrain fishing, and they're perfect for families. These fish hit hard, fight well for their size, and are absolutely delicious on the table. Spring and fall are prime time, when trout move into the shallows to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. They typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional bigger fish pushing 3-4 pounds. Kids love them because they're aggressive feeders and not too hard to land once hooked.
Redfish are the real crowd-pleasers on these family trips. Louisiana reds are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, and the slot-sized fish (16-27 inches) are perfect for young anglers to battle. They hang around oyster reefs and marsh edges, often in water so shallow you can see their backs. Fall and winter months are particularly good, when reds school up in larger numbers. There's nothing quite like watching a kid's face light up when a red makes that first screaming run.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the marsh, but they're fantastic for teaching kids patience and technique. These bottom-dwellers can get surprisingly large – 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon in the Basin. They're found around structure like bridges, reefs, and marina pilings. Black drum are steady fighters rather than spectacular jumpers, which makes them great for younger anglers who might struggle with more acrobatic fish. Plus, they bite year-round, giving your family consistent action regardless of the season.
Largemouth bass add some freshwater variety to your trip, especially in the upper reaches of the Basin where salinity drops. Louisiana bass are aggressive and love to hit topwater lures early in the morning or late in the afternoon. They provide explosive surface strikes that get everyone's attention on the boat. Spring spawning season brings the biggest bass into the shallows, but you can catch them year-round in the right spots.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the group – they're notorious bait stealers with incredible bite detection skills. But when someone in the family manages to hook one, it's a real accomplishment. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs. They're most active around structure during their spring spawn, and they make excellent table fare. Experienced anglers love them for their fighting ability and the skill required to hook them consistently.
This family-friendly charter fills up quickly, especially during school breaks and summer months when everyone's looking for that perfect family activity. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin offers some of Louisiana's most reliable inshore fishing, and Adventure Fishing Charter has the local knowledge to put you on fish regardless of conditions. With all gear included and a captain who knows how to work with kids, you're looking at 4 hours of quality family time that might just create some lifelong fishing enthusiasts. The non-refundable deposit policy means they're serious about holding your spot, so don't wait if you've got specific dates in mind. Book now and get ready to see who in the family has the best fish stories by the end of the day.
Hit the waters of Lake Pontchartrain Basin aboard our 2023 Robalo 25-footer, built for serious family fishing fun. This center console beauty runs on a powerful 300HP Yamaha that'll get you to the honey holes fast, then switch to whisper-quiet wireless trolling when you need stealth around those speckled trout. The spacious deck gives all six anglers room to cast without tangling lines, while the fish finder does the hard work of locating your next catch. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard icebox and use the head when nature calls. With GPS and radar keeping you on course through Louisiana's maze of marshes and bayous, you can focus on what matters – landing redfish, flounder, and drum while the kids create memories that'll last forever.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our marshes, typically running 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50-plus. These dark, powerful fish love oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll have your best shot at multiple hookups. They're tough fighters that use their weight and bulldogging power to test your gear. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Here's what works: fresh crab or cut bait fished right on the bottom near structure. Keep your drag loose at first - when these fish feel pressure, they'll make a powerful run that can snap your line if you're not ready for it.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green-bodied bass with their trademark big mouths are one of our most popular freshwater targets in the basin's calmer backwaters. Most run 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but they pack a serious punch when hooked. You'll find them hanging around submerged logs, thick grass beds, and shallow muddy areas where they ambush prey. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them special is that famous fight - they'll jump, dive, and pull hard trying to shake your hook. The meat is decent eating if you want to keep a few smaller ones. My tip: when you're working those grass lines, throw your lure right into the thick stuff where most folks won't cast. That's where the big ones hide.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature Louisiana species with that copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches in our shallow marshes, and they're built for power with broad shoulders and stamina. You'll find them cruising 1-4 foot flats, sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Fall and spring offer the best fishing when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. Families love the visual excitement of sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water. Here's my local secret: look for nervous water or mud trails where they're rooting for crabs. A gold spoon cast ahead of their path and worked steady usually seals the deal.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds with beautiful spotted sides. They love grass flats and shallow bayous, especially around moving water where baitfish gather. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with early morning and evening being magic times. These fish are pure fun - they hit hard, jump when hooked, and the meat is some of the best eating you'll find with tender, flaky white flesh. Don't overcook it or it gets mushy. What guests really enjoy is how willing they are to bite artificial lures, making them perfect for kids learning to fish. My go-to method is a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below, worked slowly over grass beds in 2-4 feet of water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, perfect family-friendly size. You'll find them around any structure - dock pilings, bridges, jetties - where they pick barnacles and crabs off the wood. They're active year-round but spring brings the best action when they're feeding heavily. Kids love seeing those weird teeth, and parents love the sweet, mild meat that makes fantastic table fare. The challenge is their notorious bait-stealing ability - they'll nibble your hook clean without getting caught. My trick is to use a smaller hook with fresh shrimp and set it hard the moment you feel any pressure. Get your bait right against the pilings where others won't cast.
Louisiana