Sulphur's Top-Rated 7-Hour Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
7-hour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and speckled trout24ft Nautic Star bay boat accommodates up to 3 guestsProfessional guide service welcomes both novice and expert anglers
When you're looking for world-class inshore fishing in Southwest Louisiana, Captain Tom's got you covered. This 7-hour charter puts you right in the heart of some of the Gulf Coast's most productive waters, where redfish cruise the shallows and speckled trout stack up around structure. You'll fish from a spacious 24-foot Nautic Star Bay Boat that's built for these waters – shallow draft, stable platform, and room for up to three anglers to spread out and work different spots without getting tangled up.
Your day kicks off early when you meet Captain Tom at the dock in Sulphur. The Nautic Star is already rigged and ready – rods spooled with fresh line, tackle boxes stocked, and the live well fired up for whatever bait we're running that day. Seven hours gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots, from grass flats where redfish tail in knee-deep water to deeper channels where black drum and sheepshead hang around old oil field structure. The boat draws less than two feet, so we can get back into places the bigger offshore rigs can't touch. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time, Captain Tom adjusts the program to match your skill level. Beginners get hands-on instruction with everything from tying knots to reading the water, while seasoned anglers can focus on refining techniques and targeting trophy fish.
We fish light tackle here – 7-foot medium action spinning rods paired with 3000-series reels spooled with 15-pound braided line and 20-pound fluorocarbon leaders. The setup gives you sensitivity to feel those subtle trout bites while having enough backbone to turn a bull redfish away from structure. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we'll run everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics on jig heads. When the water's clear and fish are spooky, we might switch to longer leaders and lighter jigs. If it's muddy after a front, we'll bump up to louder baits with more vibration. Captain Tom keeps multiple rod setups rigged so you can switch tactics quickly when fish preferences change throughout the day. The shallow water means sight fishing opportunities too – nothing beats watching a 30-inch redfish cruise up to your bait in three feet of crystal-clear water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what most anglers come here to catch. They average 20 to 28 inches in these waters, with plenty of oversized bulls pushing 35 inches or more during peak season from March through November. Reds are aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to paddle-tail plastics, and they fight like freight trains once hooked. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass beds during high tide, cruising drop-offs on the falling water, and ambushing bait around oyster reefs year-round.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the other main target and arguably the best eating fish in these waters. They run 14 to 20 inches on average, with keeper-sized fish at 12 inches and trophy trout hitting the 25-inch mark. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, especially around dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively in two to four feet of water. Specks are finicky biters that require lighter tackle and more subtle presentations, making them a favorite among technical anglers who enjoy the challenge.
Black drum don't get as much attention as reds and specks, but they're powerful fighters that test your drag system. These bottom-dwellers average 5 to 15 pounds around Sulphur's inshore waters, with larger fish common near bridges and deep channels. They bite best on natural baits like live or dead shrimp, and once hooked, they bulldoze toward structure with surprising power. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer when they move into shallow water to spawn.
Sheepshead are the wild cards of this fishery – incredibly strong fighters with human-like teeth that can crush crabs and steal your bait in a heartbeat. They average 2 to 5 pounds but feel much bigger on light tackle. These black-and-white striped fish hang around any kind of structure, from dock pilings to oil rigs, and they're notorious for being picky eaters. When you hook one, though, they make powerful runs and use their flat bodies to fight the current. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the frying pan.
Captain Tom's 7-hour charter gives you the full Louisiana inshore experience without breaking the bank. You get a full day on proven fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and all the tackle you need to put fish in the boat. The Nautic Star provides a stable, comfortable platform for anglers of all experience levels, and the three-person capacity means you won't feel crowded even when everyone's fighting fish at the same time. Whether you're a visiting angler looking to experience world-class Louisiana fishing or a local wanting to learn new water, this customer favorite charter delivers consistent action and memorable days on the water. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Sulphur's inshore waters produce some of the Gulf Coast's best fishing.
You'll fish aboard a 24-foot Nautic Star Bay Boat, perfectly rigged for Louisiana's inshore waters around Sulphur. This motorboat handles the shallow flats and marsh channels like a dream, getting you to the best redfish and speckled trout spots without spooking the fish. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over structure where sheephead and drum hang out, while the fish finder shows you exactly what's below. GPS keeps you on the productive areas, and there's an ice box to keep your catch fresh. With room for up to 3 anglers, this boat gives everyone plenty of space to cast and fight fish. Whether you're working soft plastics through the grass or bouncing live bait along the bottom for flounder, this setup puts you in prime position to hook into Louisiana's finest inshore gamefish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the bruisers of our inshore waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 90. These bottom-feeders love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season - that's when they school up and fishing gets hot. They're built like tanks and will test your drag when hooked. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with flaky white meat, but the big boys get tough and stringy. Best tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near structure. They're picky eaters but once they commit, hold on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and signature black spot near the tail. They run 20-35 inches in our waters, cruising oyster beds and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet deep. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up tight. What makes them special is their powerful runs and that distinctive tail-slapping fight. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, or topwater plugs all work. Pro tip: look for tailing fish in super shallow water during incoming tides. Approach quietly and cast ahead of their direction - they spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, typically running 14-24 inches with those beautiful spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up tight. What guests love is their willingness to hit artificial lures - topwater plugs at first light will get your heart pumping with explosive strikes. The meat is delicate and flaky, perfect for a fish fry. My go-to trick: work soft plastics slow over the grass beds and watch for that subtle thump. Don't horse them - their mouths are soft and hooks pull out easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling to steal your offering before committing. Spring spawning brings the best action when they gather in big schools. What makes them special is that sweet, mild white meat - some of the best eating fish we catch. The challenge is their light bite and quick reflexes. Here's the trick: get your bait tight against the pilings and when you feel that subtle tap, set the hook hard immediately. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp and keep your drag tight to pull them away from structure.
Lafayette