Professional Angler Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Fishing
Eight-hour inshore charter targeting black drum and redfishProfessional Daiwa tackle and live bait provided onboardWaters from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle explored
Picture yourself casting into the rich waters of South Louisiana, where the marsh meets the Gulf and the fishing is world-class year-round. Our 8-hour inshore charter with Fishtales Guide Service takes you through some of the most productive fishing grounds from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle. This isn't your typical tourist trip – we're talking serious fishing for anglers who want to put quality fish in the boat. With professional-grade Daiwa tackle, expertly prepared live bait, and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you're set up for the kind of day that reminds you why Louisiana fishing has such a legendary reputation.
Your day starts early, meeting at the dock while the coffee's still hot and the marsh is waking up. We'll cover serious water over 8 hours, targeting structure, grass lines, and drop-offs where black drum, redfish, sea trout, and southern flounder like to hang out. The boat's rigged with top-rated Daiwa gear perfect for jigging and popping, plus we've got fresh live bait prepped and ready. If you're a fly angler, bring your own setup – these waters are perfect for sight fishing redfish in the shallows. The captain knows when to hit the deep holes for drum and when to work the grass for trout, adjusting the game plan based on tides, weather, and what's biting. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to fish without getting tangled up, and everyone gets their shot at the best spots.
We fish smart down here, using techniques that match what the fish are doing. Live bait fishing is king – nothing beats a frisky shrimp or finger mullet when redfish are cruising the shallows. The captain sets you up with the right weight and leader for the conditions, whether we're bouncing bottom for drum or working the mid-column for trout. Popping corks are a customer favorite technique, especially when trout are schooled up and feeding actively. The rhythmic pop-pop-pause drives them crazy. For the jig fishermen, we've got everything from 1/4 ounce for shallow grass to heavier heads for deeper structure. If you brought fly gear, get ready for some sight fishing magic – watching a bull redfish inhale your fly in 2 feet of crystal clear water never gets old. The key is reading the water, and your captain's been doing that for years in these exact spots.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes in Louisiana waters, with doormat flounder over 5 pounds making regular appearances. Fall months from September through November are prime time, when they're fattening up for their offshore spawning migration. What makes them exciting is the surprise factor – you'll be working a grass edge for trout and suddenly your rod doubles over with a bulldogging flounder. They fight dirty, using their flat profile to maximum advantage.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish over 30 pounds common in these waters. They school up around structure and drop-offs, often in surprising numbers. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. These fish are all about the bottom, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. When a big drum takes your bait, there's no mistaking it – they pull with steady, determined power that tests your drag and your patience.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers who like to mix up their techniques. Peak season runs from March through May and again in fall, though you'll find keeper trout most months. The 2-3 pound fish are plentiful, but the real prize is a 5+ pound "gator trout" – a fish that'll make your reel sing and give you bragging rights back at the dock.
Redfish are Louisiana's signature species, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round, with fish ranging from slot-sized 20-inchers to bruiser bulls over 35 pounds. They're incredibly versatile feeders, taking everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. What gets anglers hooked is their fighting spirit – reds make long runs, dig hard, and never give up easy. Plus, seeing that distinctive black spot and bronze coloring never gets old, whether it's your first redfish or your hundredth.
Louisiana's inshore fishing is renowned for a reason – consistent action, variety of species, and year-round opportunities that keep professional anglers coming back. This 8-hour charter gives you the time to really work the water and experience what makes South Louisiana fishing so special. With expert guidance, quality tackle, and access to productive grounds from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle, you're set up for the kind of fishing day that creates lasting memories. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your spot with Fishtales Guide Service and get ready to experience world-class inshore fishing with a captain who's dedicated to putting you on the fish.
The Blue Wave is a 2021 bay boat built for serious inshore fishing in South Louisiana's productive waters between Golden Meadow and Grand Isle. Powered by a 400HP Mercury engine, this fishing machine cruises at 55 knots, getting you to prime redfish and black drum spots quickly. The boat's wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats or oyster beds where these fish feed. GPS navigation helps your captain locate proven honey holes, while the fish finder shows what's lurking below. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want to maximize their time on the water targeting seasonal inshore species. Whether you're jigging structure or working topwater poppers, this well-equipped platform handles Louisiana's challenging coastal conditions with ease.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-25 pounds with some bruisers pushing 40+ pounds. These bottom-feeders cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and around structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they school up in shallow water. They're incredible fighters - once hooked, they use that bulk and strength to test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. I always tell guests to fish fresh crab on the bottom and be patient - drums take their time inspecting bait. When you feel that slow, heavy pull, don't set the hook too fast. Let them load up first, then lean into them hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, typically running 20-30 inches in our waters. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots love super shallow water - often so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges where they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall brings some of our best fishing, but they bite year-round here. What guests love most is watching them blow up on topwater lures in skinny water - pure adrenaline. They fight like freight trains, making long runs and using their broad sides against the current. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor. My secret: look for nervous baitfish or muddy water from redfish rooting. Cast ahead of cruising fish and work your bait slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 14-20 inches with occasional gator trout over 25 inches. They love grass flats, shell bars, and drop-offs where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall provide the hottest action, though we catch them year-round. These spotted beauties are scrappy fighters with delicate mouths, so they require finesse. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild-flavored, though it cooks quickly. Guests appreciate how willing they are to bite artificial lures, especially soft plastics and topwater plugs early morning or late evening. My local tip: work your lure slowly near the bottom in 3-6 feet of water over grass. When you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - those soft mouths tear easily.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on muddy or sandy bottoms where they ambush prey like shrimp, crabs, and small fish. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some pushing 25+ inches in our waters. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change color to match the bottom perfectly. You'll find them in shallow bays, around oyster reefs, and near structure from spring through fall. They're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. What makes guests love targeting them is that explosive strike when they hammer your bait - plus they fight harder than you'd expect. My go-to trick: when drift fishing, let your jig hit bottom, then barely lift it an inch. That subtle movement triggers strikes.
South Louisiana