Afternoon Fishing Trip - Slidell, LA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon trip targeting Speckled Trout and RedfishLake Pontchartrain inshore waters with expert guidance providedLight tackle fishing accommodates up to two guests maximum
There's something special about hitting the water when the afternoon light starts to get that golden glow. This 4-hour fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Lake Pontchartrain's best inshore action, where the fish are biting and the scenery never gets old. You'll be targeting some of Louisiana's most sought-after species - Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Flounder, and Sheepshead - all while soaking up those perfect evening hours on the water. Whether you're bringing the family, meeting up with friends, or just need some solo time with your rod, this trip delivers the goods without the pressure. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll spend more time fighting fish and less time wondering where they're hiding.
This afternoon charter kicks off when the day starts cooling down and the fish start getting active again. You'll be fishing the productive inshore waters around Slidell, where Lake Pontchartrain meets a network of marshes, channels, and grass flats that hold serious populations of gamefish. The boat rides smooth, the crew keeps things relaxed, and you'll be set up with quality light tackle that makes every hookup feel like a real fight. These aren't the kind of guides who rush you through spots - they'll work an area until you've had your shots, then move to the next honey hole. The afternoon timing means you'll dodge the morning crowds and often find fish that haven't been pressured all day. Plus, there's nothing quite like being on the water when that Louisiana sun starts painting everything in warm colors.
The fishing here is all about finesse and knowing where to look. You'll be working with spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the species you're after - nothing too heavy that takes the fight out of a good trout, but sturdy enough to handle a bull redfish when one decides to make a run. The crew sets you up with live bait, soft plastics, and whatever's working best that day. Most of the action happens in water ranging from 2 to 8 feet deep, around grass beds, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. You'll learn to read the water, spot nervous bait, and feel the difference between a tap and a real bite. The guides share techniques that work specifically in these Louisiana waters - like how to work a paddle tail through submerged grass without getting hung up, or the right retrieve speed when trout are being finicky.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and grass beds around Slidell. They typically run anywhere from 16 to 30 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized bull that'll test your drag and your patience. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but even winter days can produce when you find them in deeper pockets. What makes reds so special is how they fight - they'll make that first screaming run, then turn into a bulldogging match that keeps your rod bent and your arms working. Plus, they're excellent table fare when they're in the slot.
Speckled Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the technical side of this fishery. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots are usually found around structure - submerged grass, shell beds, and channel edges where they can ambush baitfish. They range from schoolie-sized 12-inchers up to legitimate 4-pound gator trout that make your day. Summer and early fall are prime time, especially during moving water around dawn and dusk. Trout have soft mouths, so they require a gentle touch, but when you hook into a good one, they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute powerhouses that will humble any angler. These bottom-dwellers can range from 2-pound puppies up to 20-pound slabs that feel like you've hooked a truck tire. They hang around oyster reefs and shell pads, using their crushing jaws to work over crabs and shellfish. The fight is all about endurance - they don't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll pull steady and hard until your arms are screaming. Fall and winter are when the bigger fish move shallow, making them a perfect target for this afternoon timing.
Summer Flounder add a different element to the mix - these flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be tricky to locate, but once you dial in their pattern, you can have some seriously good action. They typically hold near channel edges, shell bars, and anywhere current brings baitfish within striking distance. Louisiana flounder run bigger than most people expect, with 2 to 5-pound fish being common and the occasional doormat pushing well beyond that. They hit hard and fight surprisingly well for a flatfish, plus they're absolutely excellent on the dinner table.
Sheepshead round out the slam with their distinctive black stripes and notorious bait-stealing reputation. These fish have human-like teeth and incredible precision when it comes to picking baits clean, earning them the nickname "convict fish" for their stripes and thieving ways. They love structure - piers, pilings, reefs, anywhere barnacles and small crabs congregate. The trick is using the right bait and keeping a tight line, because they'll steal your offering and be gone before you know what happened. When you do hook up, they pull surprisingly hard and make excellent eating despite their somewhat odd appearance.
This afternoon fishing trip hits all the right notes - quality fish, beautiful scenery, expert guidance, and that perfect timing when the water comes alive. You're getting 4 solid hours on some of
Hit the waters of Lake Pontchartrain aboard this sharp 22-foot Sea Fox bay boat, rigged and ready for your afternoon redfish and trout hunt. The 200HP Yamaha gets you to the honey holes fast, running smooth at 40 knots when you need to cover water quickly. This center console setup gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow spots where the big reds like to hang out, while the fish finder helps you locate structure and baitfish. GPS keeps you on the productive spots you'll want to hit again. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh for the ride back to the dock. Built for Louisiana's inshore waters, this boat handles everything from open lake runs to sneaking through marsh channels where the speckled trout are stacked up.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90+. These gray-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and structure in Lake Pontchartrain's brackish waters. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. They're absolute bulldogs on light tackle, using that powerful body to make long, grinding runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait and keep it right on the bottom - they're notorious for stealing bait, so set the hook hard when you feel that telltale tap-tap.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, averaging 28-33 inches with that distinctive copper-red color and black spot near the tail. These fish love super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges where their backs sometimes show above water. They bite year-round but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their power - they'll peel drag and make bulldog runs that'll test your tackle and skills. Plus, they're excellent on the table with firm, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters either, hitting everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Here's a local secret: look for nervous water or "pushing" wakes in shallow areas - that's usually a red cruising the flats looking for an easy meal.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds with beautiful spotted silver sides. These guys cruise grass flats and shallow waters, especially active during low light conditions at dawn and dusk. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are perfect for light tackle action - they jump, make good runs, and provide consistent action for the whole family. The meat is tender and flaky, though you've got to be careful not to overcook it. They respond great to both live shrimp and artificial lures. Local tip: work the grass edges during moving water, and if you're using plastics, slow your retrieve way down - trout prefer a subtle presentation over aggressive action.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black and white stripes, averaging 1-8 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds. These guys live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings - where they munch on barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they school up in large numbers. Guests love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with light, finicky bites that test your skills. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crab, keep your bait tight to the structure, and set the hook aggressively at the first sign of weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, typically running 15-20 inches with some reaching impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. These flatfish lie camouflaged on the bottom with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot at them. What makes flounder fishing special is watching them change colors to match the bottom - they're like underwater chameleons. They put up a surprising fight for a flatfish, making strong runs when hooked. The meat is absolutely primo - white, mild, and perfect for the dinner table. My go-to technique is hooking live minnows through the eye and using just enough weight to keep your bait near the bottom where they're waiting.
Slidell, LA