New Orleans Morning Inshore Fishing Charter
Looking for that perfect "New Orleans fishing charter near me" that actually delivers? Captain Clinton's morning inshore trips are where serious anglers and first-timers alike come to tangle with Louisiana's legendary redfish. With over 50 years guiding these marshes, Captain Clinton knows every grass line, oyster bed, and tidal flow that holds fish. You'll be casting into some of the most productive redfish waters in the country, targeting not just reds but also speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – it's a genuine Louisiana fishing experience with a captain who's been putting clients on fish since before most guides were even born.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts early – think 6:30 or 7 AM – when the marsh is still quiet and the fish are hungry. Captain Clinton runs a top-notch center console rigged specifically for inshore work, complete with all the tackle and gear you'll need. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and a cooler for your catch. The boat heads into Louisiana's vast marsh system, where endless grass flats, shell banks, and tidal creeks create the perfect habitat for our target species. You'll be sight fishing in shallow water, watching for tailing reds and working structure that's been holding fish for decades. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – Captain Clinton keeps things fun while making sure you're in the best spots at the right times. Weather can change quick out here, but this captain knows how to find protected water when conditions get rough, and he's got the experience to keep you on fish no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Light Tackle Techniques
This is classic Louisiana inshore fishing at its finest. You'll be working with light spinning tackle – think 15-20 pound test on 7-foot rods that give you the sensitivity to feel every tap and the backbone to handle big reds. Captain Clinton specializes in live bait fishing with shrimp, croakers, and pogies, but he's also dialed in on artificial lures when the fish are aggressive. You'll learn to work soft plastics through grass beds, bounce jigs along oyster shells, and present live bait in the strike zone without spooking fish. The techniques here are all about finesse and reading the water. Captain Clinton will teach you to spot redfish tails in skinny water, recognize productive structure, and understand how tides affect fish movement. Whether you're drifting shell reefs for sheepshead or anchoring up on a good trout bite, every technique has a purpose, and this captain explains the why behind every move so you become a better angler.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Had a great time, the water was choppy with some heavy winds and Captain De Armas had us on the fish as soon as he stopped the boat. First cast we had a Red. Just about hit our limit on Reds, caught a speckled trout, a largemouth and a drum. Had a fantastic time and would recommend him to anyone reading this review. Next time I'm in New Orleans I will hire him as our guide again." - Jesse
"Captain Clinton gave us a great fishing experience! We caught fish immediately. Other Captains were calling him asking where to find fish. We did half day, starting at 7am. Afterward, he cleaned and bagged the fish for us and recommended a local restaurant that would prepare them for a fantastic lunch. Highly recommend this guy." - Herbert
"Captain Clinton is truly the pro of New Orleans! over 30 Redfish in half.a day? Can't beat it. I will always recommend Capt Clint and will book every time I'm in the area with Get'n Hooked." - Tarrin
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The star of the show and the reason most anglers book this trip. Louisiana reds are some of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf, with bulls pushing 30+ pounds and slot fish averaging 20-27 inches. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow marsh flats, especially around oyster beds and grass lines. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they bite year-round. When a big red takes off on its first run, stripping line against a smooth drag, you'll understand why anglers get addicted to this fishery. They're smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful fish that photograph well and eat even better.
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing. Averaging 14-18 inches with occasional 3-4 pounders mixed in, specks are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials. They school up over grass beds and shell bottoms, especially during cooler months. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. A good speck bite can produce 20+ fish in a morning, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and a fish fry at the end of the day.
Southern Flounder: The chameleons of the marsh, these flatfish are masters of disguise but worth the effort. Louisiana flounder run large, with doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds caught regularly. They ambush prey from sandy bottoms near structure, and once hooked, they fight with surprising power for a flatfish. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up for their offshore spawn. Nothing beats the satisfaction of fooling a big flounder with a perfectly presented live shrimp, and they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in these waters.
Black Drum: The heavyweights of the inshore scene. These bruisers can reach 40+ pounds and fight like submarines, making long, powerful runs that test your tackle and technique. They're bottom feeders that love c