Private Inshore Fishing - Shell Beach & Hopedale
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour inshore fishing trip for up to 4 guestsEarly 5:00 AM start targeting speckled trout and flounderAll bait, ice, fuel, and fish cleaning included
Captain Tim's 6-hour private charter puts you and up to three friends on some of Louisiana's most productive inshore waters around Shell Beach and Hopedale. Starting at 5:00 AM, you'll beat the crowds and hit the flats when speckled trout and flounder are most active. This isn't a cattle boat operation – it's your crew, your captain, and prime fishing territory where the marsh meets the Gulf. Everything's included: live bait, ice, fuel, and fish cleaning, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
Captain Tim runs these waters daily and knows exactly where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. You'll launch from either Shell Beach or Hopedale depending on conditions, then head to productive grass beds, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where trout and flounder ambush baitfish. The 5:00 AM start time isn't just for show – it gets you to the best spots during the magic hours when predator fish are feeding aggressively in shallow water. Your captain adjusts the game plan throughout the day, moving between productive areas to keep rods bent and action steady. This private setup means no waiting for other anglers, no crowded fishing spots, and complete flexibility to target the species you're most excited about catching.
Inshore fishing in Louisiana's coastal marshes requires finesse and local knowledge. You'll work live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds, drift soft plastics along oyster shell ridges, and cast topwater plugs into feeding schools when conditions are right. Captain Tim provides all the tackle, but the technique is what separates good days from great ones. Speckled trout respond to subtle presentations – a slow twitch of the rod tip or letting your bait settle into pockets between grass clumps. Flounder fishing demands patience as these ambush predators lie motionless on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to pass overhead. You'll learn to read the water, spot nervous baitfish, and feel the difference between a trout's aggressive strike and a flounder's subtle pickup. The shallow draft boat gets you into skinny water where bigger fish feel safe, and the captain's local knowledge puts you on structure that doesn't show up on GPS units.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 15-20 inches but can stretch well over two feet when conditions align. Spring and fall offer the best action as trout move shallow to feed on abundant shrimp and mullet. They're aggressive fighters that make long runs and jump when hooked, plus they're outstanding table fare with firm, flaky white meat. Trout school up in predictable areas – around oyster reefs, grass bed edges, and channel drop-offs – making them reliable targets when you know where to look. The bite typically peaks during moving tides, especially the first two hours of incoming water when baitfish get pushed over shallow flats.
Southern flounder are the ultimate inshore challenge, requiring patience and precision to master. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with keeper fish starting at 15 inches and trophy specimens pushing 25+ inches. Flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud, striking prey with lightning speed. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, when they move shallow to feed before heading to deeper water. What makes flounder special is their intelligence – they study baits carefully and often require perfect presentations to trigger strikes. When you hook one, expect a bulldogging fight as they use their flat profile to create maximum resistance. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, mild fillets that are perfect for any preparation.
This top-rated private charter fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons when both trout and flounder are feeding aggressively. Captain Tim's local expertise and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this a customer favorite among serious anglers and families alike. The 6-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different areas, try various techniques, and build memories that last long after the fish are cleaned. With all essentials included and a captain who adjusts tactics based on real-time conditions, you're getting world-class inshore fishing without the hassle of planning gear or cleaning your catch. Book now to secure your preferred date – deposits are non-refundable, but the fishing memories you'll create are priceless.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes specks so popular is their willingness to hit both live and artificial baits, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - firm, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when working grass flats, let your bait settle near the bottom and give it subtle twitches. Specks often hit on the fall, so stay ready when your lure drops into pockets.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that bury themselves in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. These flat, oval-shaped fish average 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches and weigh up to 20 pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that distinctive look. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow bays, around structure, and near drop-offs where they can easily camouflage. Fall and winter are peak seasons as they fatten up before heading offshore. Guests love targeting flounder because they're surprisingly strong fighters and make outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The key to consistent flounder fishing is slow presentation along the bottom - use a Carolina rig with live bull minnows or shrimp and drag it slowly across likely spots.
Louisiana