Advanced Inshore Fishing: New Orleans Redfish Hunt
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour advanced inshore fishing targeting redfish, sea trout, flounderCaptain Mark provides local expertise with casting, jigging, trolling techniquesAll gear, bait, lures included plus complimentary fish cleaning service
Captain Mark's extended half-day charter puts serious anglers right where they want to be – in the heart of Louisiana's most productive inshore waters with a rod in hand and trophy fish on the line. This isn't your typical tourist trip; it's six hours of focused fishing designed for anglers who know the difference between a bite and a bump. You'll work the flats, channels, and structure around New Orleans targeting three of the Gulf Coast's most prized species: redfish, sea trout, and flounder. With all tackle provided and fish cleaning included, you just need to bring your A-game and get ready to put your skills to the test.
This top-rated charter starts early when the fish are most active and the Louisiana sun hasn't turned the flats into a furnace. Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand – every oyster bed, every grass line, and every drop-off where fish stack up. You'll launch from a convenient New Orleans area marina and head straight to the honey holes where redfish cruise the shallows and sea trout ambush baitfish along the edges. The boat maxes out at two anglers, which means you'll have plenty of room to cast and won't be fighting for prime fishing spots. Bring your own drinks, snacks, and a small cooler to keep your catch fresh. Don't forget that Louisiana saltwater license – you'll definitely need it when the fish start hitting. The captain handles everything else, from rigging your lines to cleaning your catch at the dock.
This charter covers the full spectrum of inshore techniques that separate weekend warriors from serious anglers. You'll start with sight casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, where presentation and accuracy matter more than power. When the fish move deeper, you'll switch to jigging soft plastics around structure and drop-offs where flounder like to ambush prey. The captain also runs trolling patterns along grass beds and channel edges to locate schools of sea trout. Live bait gets worked under popping corks near oyster reefs, while topwater plugs create explosive strikes during feeding periods. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait come with the trip, but seasoned anglers often bring their favorite rods if they have preferences. The captain provides both spinning and baitcasting setups rigged with everything from quarter-ounce jigheads to shallow-running crankbaits, depending on conditions and fish behavior.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll test your drag system. Bulls can push 30-plus pounds and will take you into the backing faster than you can blink. Smaller slot-sized reds between 16-27 inches are perfect for the table and equally fun on light tackle. They feed year-round in these waters, but fall months bring the best action when schools move shallow to feed on crabs and shrimp. You'll find them tailing in inches of water or cruising grass beds where their bronze backs give them away. The key is a quiet approach and accurate cast – spook a school and you'll be looking for new water.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the most consistent biters in Louisiana's inshore waters. These silver-sided fighters average 14-18 inches but trophy specimens over 5 pounds show up regularly, especially during cooler months. They school up around grass beds, drop-offs, and shell ridges where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall produce the best numbers, while summer fishing focuses on deeper holes and moving water. Their soft mouths require a gentle touch, but their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make them a customer favorite. The limit is generous, so you'll likely have plenty for the dinner table.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, lying buried in sand and mud waiting for prey to swim within striking distance. These flat fighters can reach 5-6 pounds in Louisiana waters and provide some of the best eating you'll find. They're most active during cooler months when they move toward passes and deeper channels. Summer finds them scattered across shallow flats and around structure. The trick is working your bait slowly along the bottom – flounder won't chase fast-moving lures. When they hit, there's usually no doubt as they engulf the entire bait. Their runs aren't spectacular, but the solid weight and head-shaking fights make every hookup satisfying.
Captain Mark's extended half-day trip gives serious anglers the time and expertise needed to make the most of New Orleans' world-class inshore fishing. Six hours on the water with a local pro, all tackle included, and fish cleaning service – it's everything you need for a productive day of fishing. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or test your skills against Louisiana's legendary redfish, this charter delivers the goods. The two-angler limit means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish properly. Book early, especially during peak seasons when slots fill fast. These fish won't catch themselves, and Captain Mark's local knowledge puts you on them faster than anyone else on the water.
This 2023 22-foot Blazer 675 Ultimate Bay is built for serious inshore fishing in Louisiana's coastal waters. Powered by a Mercury 300R, she'll get you to those productive redfish flats and sea trout honey holes quickly and quietly. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to work lures and fight fish, while dual live wells keep your bait lively all day. When you hook into that bull red, the 8-foot power poles anchor you instantly in shallow water. The 36-volt Minn Kota iPilot trolling motor lets you position perfectly over structure where flounder hold tight. A large fish box with ice keeps your catch fresh, plus there's an icebox for your drinks and snacks. The swim ladder makes it easy to land big fish or take a quick dip between fishing spots. JL Audio keeps the mood right during those slower periods. This bay boat handles Louisiana's variable conditions with ease, from protected marshes to open bays.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water warriors, cruising Louisiana's flats in water so skinny their backs show above the surface. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in our area, with that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love oyster reefs, grass beds, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water year-round. What makes reds special is their power - once hooked, they'll make long, bulldogging runs that test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Spring and fall fishing is best when they school up heavily. My local secret? Look for nervous water and mullet jumping - that usually means reds are feeding underneath. Use a gold spoon or popping cork with live shrimp, and be ready for that signature head shake when they grab it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are Louisiana's bread and butter gamefish, and these silver beauties with dark spots are what keep anglers coming back. They average 14-18 inches but can push 5 pounds in our waters. You'll find them over grass flats in 3-8 feet, especially around shell beds and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring through fall offers the best action, with dawn and dusk being magic hours. What guests love most is their willingness to hit topwater lures - that explosive strike never gets old. The meat is tender and mild, making them perfect table fare. Just don't overcook them or they'll get mushy. Pro tip: when working topwater, give them an extra second after the strike before setting the hook. They often miss on the first swipe but come back for seconds.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Around New Orleans, we find them in 10-30 feet of water near structure and drop-offs. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big females can hit 5+ pounds. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving deeper. What makes flounder special is their aggressive strike - they'll slam baitfish and then try to bury back in the sand. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. My go-to trick? Use a bucktail jig with a strip of squid, and when you feel that thump, count to three before setting the hook. They need a second to turn the bait around in their sideways mouth.
New Orleans