Lafitte Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Adventure
Looking to get your feet wet in Louisiana's legendary inshore fishing scene? Captain Kevin Hezeau's 7-hour beginner-friendly charter out of Lafitte is exactly what you need. This isn't some cookie-cutter tourist trip – it's a genuine introduction to the marshes and backwaters that make Louisiana fishing world-class. Starting at dawn with a 6:00 AM departure, you'll spend the day learning proper techniques while targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. At $600 for up to two anglers, with room for four total, this private charter gives you the personal attention that makes all the difference when you're starting out.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Kevin knows that everyone starts somewhere, and he's built this trip around making sure you actually learn something while having a blast. You'll be fishing the productive inshore waters around Lafitte, where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf, creating the perfect nursery habitat for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. The beauty of this area is the variety – one cast you might be working a grass flat for trout, the next you're sight-casting to a school of reds cruising a shallow bay. Captain Kevin provides step-by-step instruction throughout the day, so whether you've never held a rod or just want to sharpen your skills, you'll leave feeling confident about your next fishing adventure. Everything's included except your Louisiana fishing license, so all you need to bring is some snacks, drinks, and the willingness to learn.
Light Tackle Techniques
This charter focuses on light tackle fishing and popping techniques – two methods that are absolutely perfect for beginners and deadly effective in Louisiana's inshore waters. Light tackle means you're using lighter rods and reels that let you feel every bite and fight, making even smaller fish fun to catch while still having the backbone to handle bigger redfish and trout. You'll learn to work soft plastics along the bottom for flounder, bounce jigs around structure for sheepshead, and work topwater poppers that create surface commotion to trigger aggressive strikes. Captain Kevin will show you how to read the water, understand tidal movements, and recognize the subtle signs that tell you fish are nearby. The popping technique is especially exciting for beginners because you can actually see the fish explode on your lure – it's visual, aggressive, and gets your heart pumping every single time.
Customer Stories
"Capt Derrious Austin made it happen" - David
Top Catches This Season
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are aggressive, fight hard, and are found year-round in the marshes around Lafitte. They typically range from 16 to 27 inches in the slot limit, though you'll occasionally hook into an oversized bull that'll test your drag system. Redfish love shallow water and aren't particularly spooky, making them perfect for beginners to target. They'll eat everything from live shrimp to soft plastics, and when they hit, there's no mistaking it.
Speckled Trout are the other cornerstone species that keeps anglers coming back to these waters. These beautiful spotted fish are more finicky than redfish but incredibly rewarding to catch. They prefer slightly deeper water with grass beds and drop-offs, and they're absolute suckers for a well-presented soft plastic or topwater lure early in the morning. Specks are most active during cooler months, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Captain Kevin excels at putting beginners on trout because he understands their feeding patterns and can adjust techniques based on conditions.
Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Summer flounder, also known as fluke, are particularly fun for beginners because they require a different technique – slow, methodical bottom bouncing that teaches patience and feel. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large, with doormat-sized fish providing serious fights. They're most active during warmer months and are excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for those looking to take dinner home.
Sheepshead are often called the "convict fish" due to their distinctive black stripes, and they're notorious for their incredibly strong bite and sneaky nature. These fish hang around structure like pilings, rocks, and reefs, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and barnacles. They're challenging for beginners because they're light biters and quick to drop the bait, but Captain Kevin's patient instruction helps anglers develop the quick reflexes needed to hook these tasty fish. Landing a quality sheepshead is a real accomplishment that beginners remember long after the trip.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of the inshore scene, often growing much larger than their red drum cousins. These fish are bottom feeders with a preference for crabs and shrimp, and they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're most commonly found around oyster reefs and structure, and while they might not be as flashy as other species, they're reliable biters that help ensure everyone on board gets some action. Larger black drum are catch-and-release only, but smaller ones make excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor.
Time to Book Your Spot
This beginner-friendly charter with Captain Kevin represents exactly what Louisiana inshore fishing is all about – learning from an experienced guide while targeting multiple species in some of the most productive waters on the Gulf Coast. The 7-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to master different techniques without feeling rushed, and the private charter format means you get personalized instruction that group trips simply can't match. With everything provided except your fishing license, and the flexibility to add up to two more guests at $100