Extended Redfish and Black Drum Lafitte Trip
Looking to make the most of your fishing day? This extended combo trip with Guilbeau Charters gives you the best of both worlds – morning and afternoon sessions targeting Louisiana's prized inshore species. You'll start early when the fish are active, take a break to clean and ice your catch, then head back out for round two. It's like getting two separate trips rolled into one action-packed day on Lafitte's productive waters.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about maximizing your time on some of Louisiana's best inshore fishing grounds. You'll launch from Lafitte, which puts you right in the heart of prime redfish and black drum territory. The morning session gets you on the water when fish are most aggressive, usually targeting structure and grass beds where these species love to feed. After bringing your catch back to clean and ice properly, you've got time to grab lunch or a cold drink before the afternoon adventure begins. The beauty of this setup is flexibility – if you've already limited out on reds in the morning, the afternoon becomes perfect for exploring different spots or trying catch-and-release techniques on other species. With a maximum of just two anglers, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Captain Guilbeau knows these Lafitte marshes like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust techniques based on conditions and what's biting. Morning trips often start with live bait presentations – fresh shrimp or finger mullet worked around oyster reefs and grass lines where redfish cruise for breakfast. Black drum love structure, so expect to fish around pilings, rock piles, and deeper holes with heavier tackle. As the day progresses, artificial lures become more effective – gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs can produce explosive strikes. The afternoon session might shift to different water depending on tides and fish movement. You'll be using medium to medium-heavy spinning gear most of the day, though the captain will match rod selection to target species. When black drum are the focus, expect stouter tackle since these bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and know how to use their weight against you.
Top Catches This Season
Redfish are the bread and butter of Lafitte fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in these waters, with plenty hitting that sweet spot for table fare. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials, and when you hook one in shallow water, get ready for a drag-screaming run. Redfish are year-round residents here, but fall months bring some of the best action as they school up for their spawning runs. What makes them special is their fight – they use their broad sides to pull hard and don't give up easy.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, and Lafitte's structure-rich environment is perfect for them. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon. They're methodical feeders that prefer crabs, shrimp, and oysters, so live bait presentations near structure are key. Spring and fall see the best black drum action, particularly around new and full moons when tides are strongest. Landing a big black drum is like arm-wrestling with a submarine – they use every ounce of their weight and the current to test your tackle and technique.
Summer flounder add a different dimension to the day, especially during warmer months when they move into the marshes to feed. These flatfish are ambush predators that lay in sandy areas or grass edges, waiting to nail passing baitfish. They're excellent table fare and provide a nice change of pace from the hard-pulling drum and reds. Sheepshead round out the mix as the "convict fish" of the marsh – their black stripes make them easy to identify, but their light bites and structure-hugging habits make them a challenge to hook consistently. Sea trout, or speckled trout, are another mainstay that love grass beds and can provide fast action on light tackle when conditions are right.
Time to Book Your Spot
This extended combo trip offers serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water without the hassle of booking separate charters. You're getting expert local knowledge, prime fishing locations, and the flexibility to adapt your day based on what's biting. With Lafitte's year-round fishing opportunities and Guilbeau Charters' reputation for putting clients on fish, this trip delivers both quantity and quality. The small group size means personalized instruction and plenty of fishing time for everyone. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy some of Louisiana's best inshore action, this extended day on the water checks all the boxes. Don't wait – prime dates book up fast, especially during peak redfish and black drum seasons.