Private Full-Day Inshore Sight Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Prime bull redfish season fishing from October through DecemberTechnical poling skiff designed for shallow water sight fishingSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
Picture this: you're standing on the bow of a technical poling skiff, scanning shallow Louisiana flats for the copper flash of a bull redfish cruising just beneath the surface. This is sight fishing at its finest, and October through December is when these legendary fish put on their best show. Our private full-day trip gives you exclusive access to some of the most productive inshore waters along the Louisiana coast, where sight fishing isn't just a technique—it's an art form that'll have you hooked from the first cast.
We're talking about a true sight fishing experience here, not your typical chuck-and-chance-it approach. You'll be fishing from a purpose-built poling skiff designed to slip through water so shallow you could practically wade it. The magic happens when we pole into these flats and start hunting fish with our eyes first. During prime bull redfish season from October 1st to December 31st, these copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows in numbers that'll make your heart race. We'll set you up with fly gear or light tackle—whatever matches your comfort level—and teach you to read the water like a book. The beauty of this fishery is that while we're targeting those trophy reds, you never know when a chunky sheepshead or hefty black drum will show up to crash the party. Just remember to grab your Louisiana fishing license before we push off, and pack smart: polarized sunglasses aren't optional out here, they're your secret weapon for spotting fish. Throw in a good hat, reef-safe sunblock that won't pollute our waters, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during your day on the flats.
This isn't your grandfather's fishing trip where you anchor up and wait for something to bite. Sight fishing requires stealth, patience, and a completely different mindset. Our technical poling skiff puts us in prime position to work the shallow flats where big redfish love to feed. I'll be up on the poling platform, quietly pushing us through water that's often less than three feet deep, while you're positioned on the bow scanning for movement, shadows, and that telltale wake that screams "fish on!" The skiff's design lets us access spots that bigger boats can't touch, and the silent approach means we're not spooking fish before we even get a shot at them. When it comes to gear, we've got options for every angler. Fly fishing purists will love the challenge of presenting a perfectly placed cast to a tailing redfish, while light tackle enthusiasts can work soft plastics and spoons with surgical precision. The key is reading the conditions—water clarity, wind direction, tide movement—and adjusting our approach accordingly. Some days the fish are laid up in skinny water, barely moving. Other days they're cruising with purpose, and timing your cast becomes everything.
Bull redfish are the undisputed stars of this show, especially during our October through December window. These copper-colored tanks can push 40+ inches and fight like they've got something to prove. What makes Louisiana's bull reds special is their willingness to cruise shallow flats where you can actually see them coming. They'll cruise in singles, pairs, or small schools, often with their backs partially exposed as they root around for crabs and baitfish. The sight of a 30-pound redfish tailing in two feet of water never gets old, and the fight that follows will test every knot you tied that morning. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful—catch one and you'll understand why anglers travel thousands of miles just for a shot at Louisiana bulls.
Sheepshead might look like the odd man out with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth, but don't let their appearance fool you. These fish are some of the smartest and most challenging targets you'll encounter on the flats. They're notorious bait thieves with a bite so subtle you'll swear they're just mouthing your offering. Sheepshead love structure—oyster bars, dock pilings, anything with texture where crabs and barnacles call home. When you hook into a quality sheepshead, they'll make short, powerful runs and use every piece of cover they can find. Plus, they're fantastic table fare if you're looking to take dinner home.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore flats, with mature fish capable of reaching 50+ pounds and providing arm-burning fights that'll leave you questioning your tackle choices. These bronze-colored bruisers are often found tailing in shallow water as they root around for crabs and mollusks. What makes black drum special is their incredible power—they don't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll pull with the steady determination of a freight train. During the cooler months, big drum move into the shallows to feed, creating perfect sight fishing opportunities. They're also surprisingly spooky for such large fish, so presentation and stealth become crucial when targeting these Louisiana giants.
This private full-day sight fishing trip represents everything that's special about Louisiana's inshore fishery. You're getting exclusive access to some of the most productive flats on the coast, personalized instruction from an experienced guide, and the chance to target world-class redfish during their peak season. With space for just two anglers, this isn't a cattle boat operation—it's an intimate fishing experience designed around your skill level and interests. Whether you're a seasoned sight fishing veteran or someone who's always wanted to try this challenging and rewarding style of angling, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of technical fishing, stunning coastal scenery, and the pure adrenaline rush of watching a bull redfish eat your fly in skinny water creates memories that'll last long after you've hung up your gear. Don't wait—prime dates during bull redfish season fill up fast, and the best fishing of the year won't wait for your schedule to clear up.
Your fishing platform for the day is a nimble 17' Mitzi skiff, custom-rigged for serious sight fishing in Louisiana's shallow coastal waters. This technical poling skiff cuts through skinny water like a dream, getting you right on top of those cruising bull reds without spooking them. The shallow draft design lets Captain John pole you into backcountry flats where the big fish feed, while the stable platform gives you a solid casting deck for both fly fishing and light tackle work. Onboard fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while GPS keeps you on productive spots. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels, plus a tackle selection dialed in for redfish, sheepshead, and black drum. Clean, organized layout means your gear stays put and you can focus on the fishing. Built for two anglers max, so you'll have plenty of room to work without crowding each other during those heart-pounding sight fishing moments when a 30-pound bull red slides across the flat.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Louisiana's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These grey-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats where they use their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. You'll hear them before you see them - they make distinctive drumming sounds, especially during spring spawning when they school up. Fall and winter fishing can be productive too when they move into shallow water to feed. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, but keep smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table - the big ones get tough and stringy. My tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near structure. These fish are cautious, so be patient and let them run with the bait before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana's shallow water fishing. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots run 20-40 inches in our waters, cruising flats so shallow their backs break the surface. October through December is prime bull redfish season when the big ones move into the marshes to feed. They're sight fishing gold - watching a 30-pound red crush a topwater lure in two feet of water never gets old. These fish eat everything from crabs to shrimp to baitfish, making them perfect for both live bait and artificials. The smaller slot fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. What really hooks guests is the visual aspect - polarized glasses let you watch them hunt and react to your presentation. Pro tip: when sight fishing, lead them by a few feet and let your bait settle naturally. Movement triggers their strike, but too much action spooks them in skinny water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Louisiana waters with their distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty 1-8 pounders hang around any structure they can find - docks, bridges, oil rigs, and barnacle-covered pilings. What makes them famous are their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling to steal your offering without getting hooked. Spring spawning season from February through April is prime time when they gather in big schools. Guests love the challenge - they're tricky to hook but fight hard once on. The sweet, flaky white meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf. My secret: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crab and get as close to structure as possible. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Their bony mouths require an aggressive hookset to stick.
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