Family Inshore Fishing Charter in Louisiana
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour inshore charter targeting redfish and black drumFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to 4 guests safelyProfessional gear and live bait provided by experienced captain
When you're looking to get the whole crew on some quality fish in South Louisiana's legendary inshore waters, this 8-hour family charter with Fishtales Guide Service delivers everything you need for a top-rated day on the water. We're talking about fishing prime waters stretching from Golden Meadow all the way down to Grand Isle – some of the most productive redfish and black drum territory you'll find anywhere along the Gulf Coast. Your captain knows these marshes and nearshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience and know-how to make sure everyone from grandpa to the youngest angler gets in on the action.
This isn't your typical rushed half-day trip where you barely get your line wet before heading back to the dock. Eight hours gives you real time to work different spots, adjust to the conditions, and let everyone in your group of up to four anglers find their rhythm. The captain provides all the high-quality Daiwa gear you need for jigging and popping – techniques that consistently produce fish in these waters. He'll have fresh live bait ready to go, professionally prepared and stored to keep it lively throughout the day. The beauty of this charter is that it's built around families, so whether you've got teenagers who've never held a rod or experienced anglers looking to try something new, the captain adjusts the approach to match your crew's skill level. Got someone in your group who's into fly fishing? Bring your own gear and work those sight-fishing opportunities when they present themselves.
The waters between Golden Meadow and Grand Isle offer incredible variety – from protected marsh channels perfect for beginners to nearshore structure that holds bigger fish for more experienced anglers. Your captain will read the conditions and target the spots that are firing that day. Jigging around structure is a customer favorite technique here because it's effective and easy for newcomers to pick up. You'll work soft plastics and live bait around oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where redfish and black drum like to stage. Popping topwater baits early in the morning or late in the day can produce explosive strikes that'll have the whole family hollering. The Daiwa gear provided is perfectly matched to these techniques – sensitive enough to feel the subtlest bite but with enough backbone to handle the bruiser drum and bull reds these waters are famous for. When the fish are shallow and spooky, that's when fly anglers really shine, sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive, plentiful, and put up a fight that'll test your drag system. In these waters, you'll find everything from slot-size reds perfect for the dinner table to oversized bulls that'll take you into your backing. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but don't count out winter fishing – cold fronts often stack these fish up in predictable spots. What makes redfish so special for families is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their tendency to travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found more.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that'll give even experienced anglers a workout. These bottom-huggers love structure and are suckers for fresh crab and shrimp. The smaller ones in the 5-15 pound range make excellent table fare, while the big spawning females can push 40 pounds or more. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer when they move shallow to spawn. Kids love catching drum because they don't give up easy – it's a real tug-of-war that builds confidence and teaches proper fighting technique.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the perfect species for building excitement in your group. They're aggressive strikers that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. The best action typically happens during cooler months when schools of quality fish move into the marshes. Specks have soft mouths, so they teach you to fight fish with finesse rather than brute force. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters – firm white meat that's perfect for a family fish fry.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters, lying in wait along channel edges and drop-offs for unsuspecting baitfish. These flatfish are prized for their excellent table quality and the challenge they present – you've got to work the bottom methodically and recognize their subtle bite. Fall months bring the best flounder action as they move toward deeper water, often concentrating around passes and inlets. Landing a quality "doormat" flounder is a rite of passage for serious inshore anglers, and the captain knows exactly where to find them.
This family charter represents everything that makes Louisiana inshore fishing world-class – diverse species, productive waters, and the expertise to put it all together for your crew. Eight hours gives you the time to really experience what these marshes have to offer, from the excitement of topwater strikes to the satisfaction of bringing quality fish to the boat. The captain's commitment to providing proper instruction means everyone goes home with new skills and confidence on the water. With all gear and bait included, plus the flexibility to incorporate fly fishing for those who want it, this trip delivers serious value for families looking to create lasting memories. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and families are planning their Gulf Coast getaways.
The Blue Wave is your ticket to Louisiana's prime inshore fishing grounds, running the productive waters between Golden Meadow and Grand Isle. This 2021 Bay boat packs serious power with a 400HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the fish fast, hitting speeds up to 55 knots when conditions call for covering water quickly. Built for families who want to fish seriously, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow spots where redfish and black drum hang out, while the GPS keeps you on productive structure and the fish finder shows what's swimming below. Whether you're working live bait around oyster reefs or throwing artificials at tailing reds in the marsh, this boat handles Louisiana's varied inshore terrain with ease. The spacious deck gives four anglers room to fish comfortably, and the shallow draft design opens up backcountry spots that bigger boats can't reach. Perfect for introducing kids to saltwater fishing while still being capable enough for experienced anglers targeting quality fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our Louisiana flats, ranging from schoolie 5-pounders to monsters pushing 30+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love hanging around oyster reefs and muddy areas where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is when they really shine - they school up for spawning and you can hear them "drumming" underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Bigger fish are more about the fight than the fillet. They're perfect for families since they're abundant and not too finicky. Here's what works: fresh crab on a circle hook fished right on the bottom. These fish have tough mouths, so let them eat it before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana legends - copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. These drum typically run 20-27 inches in our waters, though we see plenty of oversized fish that'll test your drag. They cruise super shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water where you can sight-cast to them. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds special is their hard-pulling fight and that beautiful bronze color. They're also excellent eating when kept within slot limits. Families love them because they eat almost anything - live shrimp, crab, or artificials. Local trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on calm mornings. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Louisiana inshore fishing, running 14-20 inches with some keepers pushing 24+ inches. These spotted beauties love grass flats and deeper channels, especially around structure like old well heads or shell beds. They're most active during cooler months when water temperatures drop, and early morning or late evening bites are usually best. What families love about specks is they're aggressive strikers and great eating - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit both live shrimp and artificial lures, making them perfect for teaching kids. Pro tip: when fishing artificials, work them with subtle twitches near the bottom. Trout have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them in.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on muddy and sandy bottoms throughout our Louisiana marshes and bays. These ambush predators typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some pushing 25+ inches that really put up a fight. They're masters of disguise - both eyes sit on their left side and they change color to match the bottom. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our areas heading to spawn offshore. What makes them special is their firm, white meat that's some of the best eating you'll find. My tip: work your bait slow along the bottom near structure changes like drop-offs or oyster shell. They won't chase - you need to put it right in front of them.
South Louisiana