Extended Redfish and Black Drum Lafitte Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday combo targets redfish and black drum inshoreMorning catch gets cleaned and stored between tripsSwitch species or fishing styles for afternoon session
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hit the waters around Lafitte aboard this sleek 2020 Blazer Bay center console that's built for serious redfish and black drum action. The 22-footer cuts through Louisiana's inshore waters with ease thanks to its reliable 175HP Suzuki engine, getting you to the hot spots quickly while burning less fuel than bigger rigs. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish in the shallows without spooking them, while the fish finder helps locate structure where these bruisers like to hang out. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox and navigate the maze of marshes and channels with confidence using the GPS system. Perfect for those extended combo trips where you can target different species morning and afternoon.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and structure in our brackish waters, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - you'll hear them drumming underwater before you see them. They're notorious for their bulldogging fight once hooked. Keep fish under 15 pounds for the table; bigger ones get tough and lose their flavor. My local trick: use fresh peeler crab on a Carolina rig and fish it tight to the bottom near oyster reefs. The crabs stay on the hook better than shrimp and won't get picked off by bait stealers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature fish - bronze-backed beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails that cruise our shallow marshes and oyster reefs. Most fish run 20-30 inches, but bull reds over 27 inches put up legendary fights in shallow water. They're year-round targets, with fall bringing some of the best action as they school up. What makes them special is watching their copper backs push wakes in knee-deep water - pure sight fishing at its finest. The smaller ones are excellent eating with mild, firm meat. They'll eat almost anything: live shrimp, crabs, topwater plugs, or soft plastics. These fish aren't spooky but they're smart. My go-to method: cast a gold spoon past them and work it back slowly - the flash drives them crazy in our muddy water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 14-24 inches with beautiful spotted sides and a soft mouth that requires gentle handling. These grass flat dwellers love shallow waters around oyster reefs and marsh edges, especially during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Spring and fall provide consistent action, while summer nights can be outstanding when they move into the shallows to feed. They're fun on light tackle with their quick runs and head-shaking jumps. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. Local tip: work your lures slowly over grass beds in 2-4 feet of water, and use a popping cork with live shrimp when the bite gets tough.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Louisiana waters, sporting black stripes on a grey body and human-like teeth that'll give you a double-take. These 1-8 pound structure huggers live around docks, bridges, and oyster bars where they pick barnacles and crabs off pilings. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they school up around jetties and oil rigs. They're notorious bait thieves - nibbling and testing before committing - but once hooked, they put up a solid scrap. The white meat is sweet and flaky, making them prime table fare despite being tricky to clean. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks, and fish as close to structure as possible. My secret: set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the chameleons of the Gulf, lying flat on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, perfectly camouflaged until they ambush passing baitfish. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes over 20 pounds. Fall fishing from September through November gives you the best shot at them when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. They're fun to catch because you never know when that "bottom snag" suddenly comes alive and starts pulling drag. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. Fish them with live minnows or strip baits on circle hooks, keeping your bait moving slowly along the bottom. Pro tip: hook smaller baits through the eyes and larger ones through the lips for better presentation.
Lafitte