Full-Day Inshore Fishing Charter in Louisiana
Private Trip
Fishing
Full-day inshore charter targeting redfish and black drumExpert captain provides Daiwa gear and prepared live baitAll skill levels welcome with instruction and support
When you're looking for a top-rated fishing experience in South Louisiana's legendary waters, this 8-hour inshore charter with Fishtales Guide Service delivers exactly what serious anglers want. From the productive flats around Golden Meadow to the fish-rich waters near Grand Isle, you'll spend a full day targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, your captain knows these waters inside and out and will put you on fish while teaching you the tricks that make local guides so successful.
Your day starts early with a meet-up in the heart of Louisiana's fishing country, where the marsh meets the Gulf and the fish are always moving. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – your captain adapts to conditions, tides, and what the fish are doing that particular day. You'll cover water from Golden Meadow's protected bays to Grand Isle's nearshore structures, always chasing the bite. The boat holds up to 4 anglers comfortably, so you're not packed in like sardines. Instead, everyone gets plenty of room to fish and learn. Your guide provides all the essential tackle, including quality Daiwa gear that's perfectly suited for the jigging and popping techniques that work best in these waters. If you're into fly fishing, bring your own setup – these flats and shallow areas are perfect for sight fishing with flies.
The beauty of Louisiana inshore fishing is the variety of techniques that work. Your captain comes prepared with professionally rigged live bait – because nothing beats the real thing when redfish and drum are finicky. You'll learn to work soft plastics around structure, pop corks in the grass flats, and maybe even get some topwater action if conditions are right. The Daiwa spinning gear is perfectly balanced for these techniques, letting you feel every tick and bump while having enough backbone to handle bigger fish. When the fish are shallow and spooky, switching to popping corks with live shrimp underneath can be absolutely deadly. Your guide will show you how to read the water, spot nervous bait, and position yourself for the best shots at cruising redfish and drum.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters average 20-30 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish mixed in with some real bruisers. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some of the biggest fish of the year when they school up in deeper holes. What makes reds so special is how they fight – they'll make screaming runs, try to wrap you around structure, and never give up until they're in the net. Plus, they're just beautiful fish with those distinctive copper sides and black spots.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your drag and your patience. These bottom-huggers can range from small "puppy drum" perfect for dinner to massive 30+ pound fish that feel like you've hooked a submarine. They're most active during cooler months, particularly winter and early spring, when they move into shallower water to spawn. The fight is all about power – black drum don't jump, but they'll pull steady and hard, making long runs toward structure. Landing a big drum is one of those experiences that converts casual anglers into serious fishermen.
Sea trout are the most cooperative fish you'll encounter, making them perfect for beginners while still providing plenty of fun for experienced anglers. These spotted beauties are active year-round in Louisiana waters, though spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. They're ambush predators that love to hang around grass beds and drop-offs, hitting both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. A good trout bite can keep rods bent all day, and they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Southern flounder are the ghosts of the flats – perfectly camouflaged predators that provide some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing in these waters. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward passes and deeper water, but skilled guides know where to find them year-round. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique, working baits slowly along the bottom near structure and drop-offs. When you hook one, the fight is unique – they'll shake their heads violently and make short, powerful runs. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh flounder on the dinner table.
This world-class inshore fishing experience gives you eight solid hours to target multiple species in some of Louisiana's most productive waters. Your captain's local knowledge, quality gear, and professional approach mean you're getting the real deal – not some tourist trap fishing trip. Whether you want to learn new techniques, introduce someone to fishing, or just spend a day doing what you love, this charter delivers. The combination of expert guidance, prime fishing grounds, and Louisiana's incredible fish populations makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
The Blue Wave is your ticket to some of Louisiana's best inshore fishing waters. This 2021 Bay boat packs serious power with a 400HP Mercury engine that'll get you from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle and everywhere in between at a cruising speed of 55 knots. Built for versatility, she's equipped with a wireless trolling motor that lets you glide silently into those shallow redfish haunts without spooking your targets. The GPS navigation keeps you on track through the maze of Louisiana's coastal waters, while the fish finder helps locate schools of drum and redfish hiding in the grass flats and marsh edges. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work lures and fight fish without crowding each other. Whether you're casting topwater plugs at first light or working live bait around structure, this boat handles it all with the stability and comfort you need for a full day on the water chasing South Louisiana's legendary inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-20 pounds with some bruisers hitting 40-plus. These powerful fish cruise our oyster beds, muddy flats, and around structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with those crushing jaws. Spring spawning season, March through May, is when they school up and become easiest to target - you can actually hear them drumming underwater. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, bulldogging fight and how they test your tackle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones are better released. Fresh blue crab is hands-down the best bait - cut it in half and fish it on the bottom with enough weight to hold. When you feel that slow, heavy pull, don't set the hook hard - just lift and reel steady.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, running 20-35 inches with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. These fish love super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet where you can see their backs breaking the surface. They cruise our grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges year-round, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive strikes and powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water. For the best success, throw topwater plugs early morning or switch to gold spoons and soft plastics when the sun gets high. Watch for nervous water and muddy spots - that's usually reds rooting around for crabs and shrimp.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore species, typically running 14-20 inches with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They hang around grass flats, drop-offs near marshes, and deeper holes during cold fronts. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially early morning and late evening when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Trout are popular because they bite artificial lures readily and have that delicate, sweet-tasting white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and fight well on light tackle. During winter, look for them in deeper channels where they school up. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork - the noise draws them in, and the natural presentation seals the deal.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms and change colors to match their surroundings. Around here, you'll find them ranging from 15-25 inches, though we've pulled some pushing 30. They love our shallow bays, marsh edges, and around oyster reefs where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and spring are prime times when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes flounder special is the challenge - spotting their outline on the bottom takes a keen eye, and they put up a surprising fight for a bottom dweller. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky. My tip: drift slowly over sandy areas with live shrimp on a light jig head, and watch for that subtle tap - they mouth the bait before committing.
South Louisiana