Extended Redfish and Black Drum Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day combo targets redfish and black drum inshoreMorning catch cleaned and stored between fishing sessionsTwo-person capacity with species switching options available
Looking to make the most of your fishing time in Lafitte? This extended combo trip gives you the best of both worlds - a productive morning session followed by an afternoon adventure targeting Louisiana's top inshore species. You'll start early when the fish are actively feeding, take a break to get your catch cleaned and iced, then head back out for round two. It's the kind of day that separates the casual anglers from the serious ones, and Captain Guilbeau knows exactly how to make both sessions count.
This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking about maximizing your time on some of Louisiana's most productive inshore waters. The morning session kicks off when the marsh is coming alive, targeting redfish cruising the grass flats and black drum working the deeper holes. After we get your first batch of fish cleaned and packed on ice, you've got time to grab lunch or a cold drink while planning the afternoon strategy. The second trip lets you switch things up completely - maybe target some speckled trout if you've already limited out on reds, or focus on catch and release if you're more about the sport than the cooler. With a maximum of two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your favorite techniques.
We fish these Lafitte waters using a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what the fish are telling us. Mornings typically start with live shrimp under popping corks in the shallows, perfect for picking off cruising redfish and trout. As the day heats up, we might switch to soft plastics worked along drop-offs and shell beds where black drum and sheepshead hang out. The afternoon session often calls for different tactics - maybe throwing topwater plugs at tailing reds or bouncing jigs near structure for flounder. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, but feel free to bring your lucky lure if you've got one. The boat's rigged with a shallow-water setup perfect for navigating the marsh while still having the range to hit deeper channels when needed.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and Lafitte's marsh system holds some beauties. These copper-colored fighters range from schooling rats in the 16-20 inch range to bull reds pushing 30+ inches. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish feeding aggressively in the shallows during morning and evening periods. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their habit of making long, blistering runs when hooked. You'll find them tailing in skinny water one minute and ambushing bait near oyster bars the next.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs when it comes to fighting power. These bottom-dwellers can range from keeper-sized 16-inchers to massive 40+ pound fish that'll test your drag system. They love structure - think oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer, though you can find them year-round in deeper holes. When a big drum decides to head for the bottom, you'll swear you're hooked to a truck bumper.
Summer flounder add a different element to the mix, using ambush tactics rather than the aggressive feeding of reds and drum. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms near drop-offs and channel edges, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim overhead. The larger "doormat" flounder are especially active during summer months, and they're some of the best eating fish in the marsh. Working a slow retrieve with soft plastics or live bait near the bottom is key to connecting with these sideways-swimming fighters.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" with distinctive black stripes, but they're known among anglers as notorious bait stealers. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around pilings and reefs. They're most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets when other species slow down. The trick is using small hooks and fresh bait, then setting the hook at the slightest tick. When you finally connect, sheepshead put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size.
Sea trout, or "speckled trout" as locals call them, are the most cooperative species in the marsh when conditions are right. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during spring and fall when they school up in impressive numbers. They'll hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers who like to see consistent action. Trophy trout over 25 inches are the ultimate prize, requiring finesse tactics and perfect timing, but the reward is worth every careful cast.
This extended fishing combo gives you something most trips can't - a full day of variety without the fatigue. You'll cover different water, target multiple species, and have time to process your success between sessions. Captain Guilbeau's knowledge of these Lafitte waters combined with the flexibility to adapt tactics throughout the day makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy some world-class inshore action, this double-header approach maximizes your chances of success. Don't let this customer favorite slip away - book your extended redfish and black drum adventure today.
Your fishing platform for this extended Lafitte adventure is a 2020 22' Blazer Bay center console that knows these Louisiana waters inside and out. Powered by a reliable 175HP Suzuki, she'll get you to the redfish and black drum hotspots quickly, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when you need to cover ground between productive areas. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow flats where these fish love to hang out, while the fish finder helps you locate structure and baitfish that attract your targets. With GPS navigation keeping you on track through the marshes and an icebox to keep your catch fresh during this morning and afternoon combo trip, you'll have everything needed for a successful day targeting different species or working your limits throughout the extended session.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds around Lafitte, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters that'll test your gear, and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom - they rarely chase anything more than a foot off the mud. The bigger fish make great photos but release them for the next angler.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They run anywhere from schooling 20-inchers to bruiser 40+ pound bulls in deeper water. These fish love super shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges around Lafitte, often feeding in water so thin their backs stick out. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. They're powerful fighters with that classic bulldogging run, plus smaller ones make excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. The sight-fishing opportunities are what really get people hooked - watching them cruise the shallows never gets old. Key tip: approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait back into their path. They spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are beautiful spotted fish that cruise our grass flats and shallow bays, typically running 14-24 inches. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods, feeding on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish in 2-6 feet of water. These fish are excellent table fare with delicate, white meat that's softer than most inshore species - just don't overcook it. They hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with enthusiasm, making for exciting action. During winter, they school up in deeper channels which can make for hot fishing. Here's what works: fish the grass edges at dawn and dusk with a popping cork and live shrimp. Keep your presentation subtle - they can be finicky and spook easily in shallow water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and oil rigs where they feast on barnacles and crabs. Early spring is prime time when they gather in huge schools to spawn around structures. They're notorious bait thieves - those strong jaws can steal your crab without you feeling a thing. The meat is sweet and white, making them top table fare despite being tricky to clean. My advice: get your bait tight against the pilings where they live, use a sharp hook, and when you feel them nibbling, set that hook hard and fast. They'll test your drag once hooked, but the reward is worth the challenge.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but don't let their size fool you - they're aggressive predators that'll chase down baitfish when they need to. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. They hang out in estuaries and nearshore waters, often in 10-30 feet of water around structure. Anglers love them for their sneaky strikes and excellent table fare - the white, flaky meat is hard to beat. Here's the trick: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit - they bite sideways and need time to get it positioned right.
Lafitte