Private Full-Day Inshore Sight Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Prime bull redfish season targeting large fish in shallow watersTechnical poling skiff designed for navigating Louisiana coastal flatsSight fishing with fly gear or light tackle techniques
When Louisiana's prime bull redfish season kicks into high gear from October through December, there's no better way to experience these coastal waters than from the deck of a technical poling skiff. This top-rated full-day adventure puts you in the heart of the action, sight fishing the shallow flats where trophy redfish cruise in plain sight. With just two anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and the undivided attention of your guide as you target some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species.
Your day starts early, because that's when the magic happens on Louisiana's inshore waters. We'll launch in a purpose-built poling skiff designed to navigate the skinny water where big redfish love to feed. This isn't your typical bay boat fishing—we're talking about stalking individual fish in water so shallow you can see their backs cutting the surface. The technical poling platform gives your guide the elevated view needed to spot fish from a distance, then silently pole within casting range without spooking them. Whether you're slinging flies or working light tackle, the setup is perfect for presenting baits naturally to fish that can bolt at the first sign of trouble. October through December is absolutely prime time for this style of fishing, when cooler water temperatures push big bulls into predictable feeding patterns on the flats. Along with redfish, you'll have shots at sheepshead around structure and black drum cruising the shallows. Make sure everyone in your group has their Louisiana fishing license sorted before we head out—it's required and strictly enforced in these waters.
Sight fishing is a completely different game from blind casting or bottom fishing. It requires patience, precision, and the ability to make accurate casts when the moment presents itself. Your guide will position the skiff using a push pole, keeping everything dead quiet as we approach feeding fish. The technical poling skiff sits high enough that your captain can see fish from 100+ yards away in good conditions, calling out targets and coaching you through each presentation. For fly anglers, this is world-class fishing—big redfish in shallow water with room for long strips and dramatic takes. Light tackle enthusiasts will appreciate the finesse required to fool these pressured fish with small jigs, spoons, and soft plastics. The key is making that first cast count, because in clear, shallow water, you rarely get a second chance with the same fish. Polarized sunglasses aren't just recommended—they're absolutely essential for seeing fish, structure, and reading water conditions throughout the day.
Redfish are the undisputed stars of Louisiana's inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can push well over 30 inches during peak season, with bulls in the 35-40 inch range showing up regularly on the flats. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to feed in extremely shallow water where you can watch the entire fight unfold. They're aggressive feeders but spook easily, making sight fishing both challenging and rewarding. October through December represents peak bull redfish season, when mature fish move into predictable feeding areas and become more active as water temperatures drop. The visual aspect of watching a big red track down your fly or lure in two feet of water never gets old.
Black drum might not have the flashy reputation of redfish, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your tackle and technique. These thick-bodied fish often travel in small schools and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40+ pounds in Louisiana waters. They're bottom feeders by nature, using their downturned mouths to root around for crabs and shellfish, but they'll readily take well-presented baits in the shallows. Black drum fight with pure power rather than speed, making long, determined runs that can take you well into your backing on fly gear. They're most active during the cooler months, making them a perfect target species for this late-season trip.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the bunch—renowned for their light bites and ability to steal bait without getting hooked. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, and they use that mouth to nibble baits with surgical precision. Around Louisiana's inshore structure like pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs, sheepshead provide consistent action when redfish and drum fishing slows down. They're excellent table fare and put up a respectable fight on light tackle, making them a customer favorite for anglers who enjoy the chess match of detecting subtle bites and setting the hook at just the right moment.
This private full-day sight fishing experience represents some of the best inshore angling Louisiana has to offer during peak season. With space for just two anglers, you'll have the personalized attention and room to fish properly without feeling crowded. The combination of technical poling skiff fishing, prime seasonal timing, and multiple target species creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Don't forget to pack a hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunblock, and plenty of water for the long day ahead. Feel free to bring your own beverages—just leave the glass bottles and hard liquor at home. Book your spot now for this renowned Louisiana inshore fishing adventure and experience why anglers keep coming back to these productive coastal waters year after year.
Your fishing platform is a 17' Mitzi skiff built specifically for working Louisiana's shallow inshore waters. This technical poling skiff gets you into those skinny flats where big bull redfish cruise during prime season. The shallow draft design lets Captain John pole silently through water so thin other boats can't reach, putting you right where the fish are feeding. The boat comes rigged with GPS and fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, while the stable platform gives you clean casting angles whether you're throwing flies or working light tackle. All fishing gear is provided - quality rods, reels, and a tackle selection matched to daily conditions. The setup handles two anglers comfortably with room to move and fight fish without getting tangled up. Perfect for sight fishing redfish, plus you'll have shots at sheepshead and black drum in the same waters. The boat's design lets you get up close to the action while staying quiet enough not to spook wary fish in clear shallow water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 90. They love our Louisiana marshes and hang around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spawning season in spring - that's when they school up and get easier to target. These fish are built like tanks and will test your drag system. For eating, stick with the smaller ones under 15 pounds - the big bulls get tough and stringy. Best bait is fresh crab since it won't get stolen by catfish. Here's a tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap on bottom, don't wait - set the hook hard. They're notorious for stealing bait right off your hook if you hesitate.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull reds are what dreams are made of during our October-December season. These copper-colored fish with the signature black eyespot cruise the shallow flats in just 1-4 feet of water, sometimes with their backs showing. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but the bulls we target can push 40+ inches and really bend the rod. They patrol grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes them special is how they eat - explosive topwater strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The meat on smaller ones is fantastic, mild and sweet. During our sight fishing trips, polarized glasses are everything. Watch for that bronze flash or nervous water. When you spot one, cast ahead of where it's moving and strip that fly or lure just fast enough to get their attention. Too fast and they'll spook.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those black and gray stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, though 20-pounders show up around deeper structure. They stick tight to any kind of cover - dock pilings, bridges, oil rigs - anywhere barnacles and small crabs are growing. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they move to spawn. These fish are pure table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals snapper. The challenge is they're master bait thieves with those crushing jaws. They'll nibble and pick at your bait trying to clean it off the hook. My advice: get your bait right against the structure, feel for that subtle weight, and slam the hook home immediately. Fiddler crabs and small pieces of shrimp work best.
Louisiana