Full-Day Beginner Charter in Lake Charles
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour beginner fishing charter targeting flounder and redfishAll gear, bait, and tackle provided by Captain CaseyMaximum 3 guests on inshore Lake Charles waters
Lake Charles serves up some of Louisiana's most consistent inshore fishing, and Captain Casey knows exactly where the reds and trout are holding. This 8-hour beginner-friendly charter puts you right in the action without any of the guesswork or gear headaches that can overwhelm first-timers. You'll fish the productive waters around Lake Charles targeting flounder, speckled trout, and redfish – three species that'll give you plenty of shots at bent rods and tight lines. With all tackle, live bait, and fishing gear provided, you just need to show up with your license, some snacks, and the desire to learn. Captain Casey's patient teaching style and knowledge of these waters make this trip perfect for anyone looking to get serious about inshore fishing.
Your day starts early with Captain Casey, who's been working these marshes and grass flats for years. The boat's rigged and ready with quality rods, reels, and a full spread of tackle designed specifically for the species we're chasing. You'll cover different types of structure throughout the day – from shallow grass beds where redfish cruise to deeper pockets where trout stack up. The captain reads the water conditions, wind, and tides to put you on fish consistently. Since this is designed for beginners, expect plenty of hands-on instruction about reading water, feeling bites, and proper hook-setting technique. The 3-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets personal attention. Don't worry about bringing anything beyond your fishing license – Captain Casey supplies everything from circle hooks to landing nets.
You'll learn the bread-and-butter techniques that produce fish day after day in these waters. Live shrimp under popping corks is a staple setup that drives speckled trout crazy, especially around grass lines and drop-offs. For redfish, expect to pitch live or cut bait near structure and oyster beds where these copper-colored fighters like to feed. Captain Casey switches up presentations based on what's working – maybe free-lining live croakers in deeper water or working soft plastics around pilings when the bite gets tough. The beauty of this charter is learning how to adapt your approach as conditions change throughout the day. You'll get comfortable with different rod actions, understand when to set the hook versus letting fish run, and pick up the subtle differences between species when they hit your bait.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Lake Charles fishing, and they're perfect for beginners to cut their teeth on. These silvery fighters average 14-18 inches in this area, with bigger fish pushing 20+ inches showing up regularly during cooler months. Trout are aggressive feeders that hit live shrimp, croakers, and soft plastics with authority. They school up around grass beds, drop-offs, and structure, making them relatively predictable once you learn to read the water. What makes trout so appealing for new anglers is their willingness to bite and the satisfying head-shaking fight they put up. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though summer and winter fishing can be productive when you adjust your tactics.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and Lake Charles holds some beautiful specimens. These bronze-backed bruisers range from slot-sized fish around 20-27 inches up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. Reds are sight-fishing favorites in shallow water, where you can watch them cruise grass flats and oyster bars with their backs and tails breaking the surface. They're opportunistic feeders that'll crush live bait, cut mullet, and artificials when presented properly. What gets anglers hooked on redfish is their powerful, sustained runs and the way they use their broad sides to fight in the current. Peak redfish action happens during warmer months, but these fish bite year-round when you know where to look.
Flounder are the bonus fish that make every trip more interesting, and Lake Charles has some quality flatfish lurking in the right spots. These ambush predators lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms near structure, waiting to engulf passing baitfish. Flounder typically run 15-20 inches in these waters, with doormat-sized fish over 20 inches providing the kind of fight that surprises first-time flounder anglers. They're masters of disguise, changing color to match their surroundings, which makes spotting them a fun challenge. Live bait fished near the bottom around jetties, bridge pilings, and channel edges produces the most consistent flounder action. Fall migration brings the biggest concentrations, but summer fishing can be outstanding when you target the right structure.
This full-day charter gives you the complete Lake Charles inshore experience without any of the learning curve that can frustrate newcomers. Captain Casey's patient instruction combined with productive fishing waters means you'll head home with new skills, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. The all-inclusive approach – tackle, bait, and expertise provided – lets you focus on the fun part instead of worrying about gear. With only 3 spots available, this trip books up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or just want to experience what makes Louisiana inshore fishing so special, this beginner-friendly charter delivers the goods. Contact Daybreak Fishing Charters today to secure your date and get ready for a day of learning, laughing, and landing fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow Louisiana waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and pack serious muscle when hooked. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and grass flats - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. That distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify. They're active year-round but really fire up during spring and fall when they move shallow to feed. Reds fight like freight trains and make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Local secret: cast your bait ahead of cruising fish and let it sit still. Movement spooks them, but a perfectly placed shrimp or crab sitting motionless gets eaten every time.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in Lake Charles. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and fight harder than their size suggests. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially during cooler months when they school up. They love live shrimp and soft plastics worked slowly near the bottom. Spring and fall are prime times when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes specks special is their delicate, flaky white meat - some of the best eating fish in these waters. Pro tip: when you feel that light tap, don't jerk hard. Speckled trout have soft mouths, so a gentle hook set keeps them pinned better than trying to drive the hook home.
Lake Charles