Private Inshore Fishing in Louisiana's Best Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour inshore fishing trip for 12 guestsTarget speckled trout and flounder with Captain TimEarly 5 AM start with all equipment included
If you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience that puts you right in the action, Captain Tim's private charters out of Shell Beach and Hopedale deliver exactly what Louisiana fishing is all about. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip where you're crammed in with strangers—it's a 6-hour adventure built for 1-2 anglers who want the captain's full attention and the flexibility to fish the way that works best. Starting at 5:00 AM sharp, you'll hit the water when the fish are most active and the marsh comes alive with feeding activity.
Captain Tim knows these Louisiana marshes like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to stick to one spot if the fish aren't cooperating. You'll spend your morning and early afternoon working the prime inshore waters around Shell Beach and Hopedale, two of the most productive fishing areas in the state. The beauty of a private charter is that Tim can read the conditions—tide movement, water clarity, bait activity—and adjust your strategy on the fly. Maybe that means working the grass flats early, then moving to deeper cuts when the tide changes, or switching from live bait to artificials if that's what's getting bites. This hands-on approach means you're always fishing where the action is hottest, not just going through the motions at predetermined spots.
Inshore fishing here is all about matching your approach to what the fish want on any given day. Captain Tim comes equipped with everything you need—quality rods and reels, a variety of live bait options, and tackle that's proven in these waters. You might find yourself sight-casting to cruising trout in shallow water, working the bottom for flounder around structure, or drifting live shrimp under popping corks when the fish are suspended. The technique depends on conditions, but Tim's got the experience to put you on fish regardless of what Mother Nature throws at you. Live bait is included, along with ice to keep your catch fresh, fuel for those longer runs to productive spots, and professional fish cleaning so you can take home dinner-ready fillets.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These aggressive feeders love the grass flats and bayou mouths around Shell Beach and Hopedale, especially during the cooler morning hours when they're actively hunting bait. A good speckled trout will pull drag and make multiple runs, and the bigger ones—we're talking 20+ inches—are known for their head-shaking fights that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but even winter months can produce quality fish when you know where to look. What makes specks so popular is their willingness to hit both live and artificial baits, so whether you prefer the excitement of a topwater explosion or the steady action of live shrimp, these fish will accommodate.
Southern flounder bring a completely different kind of excitement to your inshore box. These ambush predators lie buried in sand and mud, waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim within striking distance. Finding flounder requires understanding structure—channel edges, oyster beds, points where current creates feeding opportunities. When a flounder hits, there's often no mistaking it for anything else; they grab bait with authority and head straight for the bottom. The best part about targeting flounder is that you're often fishing the same areas that hold trout, so it's not uncommon to catch both species on the same drift. Fall months are prime time for flounder as they stage for their offshore spawning run, but quality fish are available most of the year in these productive Louisiana waters.
This private fishing experience gives you everything you need for a world-class day on Louisiana's renowned inshore waters—no hidden fees, no shared boat drama, just quality fishing time with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The early start time means you'll beat the boat traffic and fish during prime feeding windows, while the 6-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and techniques. Whether you're a couple looking for a relaxed fishing getaway, a parent wanting to introduce a kid to serious angling, or an experienced angler who wants to learn these waters, Captain Tim's approach ensures you get the most out of your time on the water. With live bait, cleaning, and all the essentials included, you can focus on what matters most—catching fish and enjoying one of Louisiana's best inshore fishing experiences.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our bread-and-butter species here in Louisiana waters. These silvery fish with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats, shallow bays, and around structure in 2-8 feet of water. They feed heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish, making them pretty predictable to target. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. What makes them popular is they bite consistently, fight well for their size, and make excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. My go-to tip: work your lure slow and steady just above the grass - trout will come up to hit it, and you'll avoid getting hung up in the weeds.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - flat, oval-shaped fish that bury themselves in sand and mud to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch plenty up to 5 pounds around here. They love shallow bays, muddy bottoms near drop-offs, and areas where current brings baitfish. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before heading offshore for winter. What guests love about flounder fishing is the sudden, hard thump when they grab your bait - no mistaking that bite. They're also some of the best eating fish we have, with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Key trick: use a slow drift with live bull minnows on a light jighead, keeping your bait right on bottom. When you feel that tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around.
Louisiana