Louisiana Fishing Charters | 8 Hour Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targets redfish, trout, cobia, tripletailEighthour charter accommodates up to three guests maximumLive bait available separately at marina for ten dollars
There's nothing quite like spending a full day on Louisiana's inshore waters, rod in hand, waiting for that next bite. Our 8-hour charter with High Tide Charters puts you right in the middle of some of the best fishing Louisiana has to offer. We're talking about waters loaded with redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and tripletail – all species that know how to put up a fight and make your day memorable. This isn't just another fishing trip; it's your chance to experience what local anglers have been raving about for years. We keep our groups small at just 3 guests, so you get plenty of personal attention and room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light – because that's when these fish are most active. Louisiana's inshore waters are a maze of marshes, bayous, and shallow flats that hold fish year-round, and we know exactly where to find them. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety; one cast might bring in a bull redfish, while the next could hook you into a nice speckled trout. Our experienced captains have been working these waters for years and know how to read the tides, weather, and seasonal patterns that make the difference between a good day and a great day. You'll be fishing in water that ranges from knee-deep flats to deeper channels, always staying protected from the open Gulf while targeting the species that call these marshes home. Don't forget your fishing license – it's required – and plan on picking up live bait at the marina for about $10 per person. Trust me, the live stuff makes all the difference when these fish are being picky.
Inshore fishing in Louisiana is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. We'll be using a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures, depending on conditions and what's working best. For redfish, we might be throwing spoons and soft plastics around oyster beds and grass lines, or using live shrimp under popping corks in deeper water. Trout fishing often means working the edges of channels with live croakers or dead shrimp, especially during moving tides. When we're targeting flounder, we'll be bouncing jigs along sandy bottoms and drop-offs where these flatfish like to ambush prey. The tackle we use is perfectly matched to these waters – medium-action rods that can handle the fight these fish put up without being overkill. Circle hooks are our go-to for live bait fishing since they hook fish cleanly and make for easy releases. The key to success in these waters is staying mobile and reading the signs – bird activity, bait movement, and water color all tell us where to focus our efforts.
Southern flounder are the chameleons of Louisiana's inshore waters, and catching one never gets old. These flatfish can grow up to 5 pounds in our waters, with fall being prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes flounder so exciting to catch is their ambush style – they'll bury themselves in sand or mud and explode on your bait when you least expect it. The fight might not be the longest, but that initial strike will get your heart pumping every time. Black drum are the bulldogs of the marsh, especially the bigger ones that can push 40+ pounds. Spring and fall are when we see the most consistent action, and these fish will test your drag system. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're tough fighters that use their broad sides to give you a real workout. What I love about drum fishing is that you never know if the next bite will be a 5-pounder or a monster that makes you question your knot-tying skills.
Sea trout, or specks as we call them locally, are probably the most popular target for good reason. These fish are beautiful, fight well, and taste even better. Louisiana's waters produce some of the best speckled trout fishing in the Gulf, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to 5+ pound gator trout that are absolute trophies. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but we catch them year-round. What makes speckled trout special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Redfish are Louisiana legends, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters are available year-round and provide some of the most consistent action in our waters. Bull reds over 27 inches are catch-and-release only, but don't worry – those big fish will give you a battle you won't forget. Slot-size reds between 16-27 inches are perfect for the table and still put up a great fight. What makes redfish so special is their predictability; they follow seasonal patterns that experienced guides know like the back of their hand.
Tripletail are the wild cards of Louisiana inshore fishing. These oddly-shaped fish are ambush predators that like to hang around floating debris, crab traps, and channel markers. They're not always easy to find, but when we do locate them, they provide some of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities in our waters. Tripletail can reach 20+ pounds and are incredible table fare. Summer months are prime time for tripletail, and part of the fun is spotting them floating on their sides near the surface, perfectly camouflaged until you get close. The fight they put up is impressive – strong runs and head shakes that keep you on your toes from hookup to boat.
Louisiana's inshore fishing is world-class, and our 8-hour charters give you the time needed to really experience what these waters have to offer. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or someone new to saltwater fishing who wants to
Get ready to chase redfish and trout aboard our 2017 25' Haynie Custom bay boat, built tough for Louisiana's inshore waters. This sweet ride packs a serious 350HP Mercury Verado that'll get you to the honey holes fast, cruising at speeds up to 70 knots when conditions call for it. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats where the big reds like to cruise, while our GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. This boat handles Louisiana's marsh channels and open bays like a dream, getting you into those back-country spots where the fish haven't seen many lures. Whether we're drifting oyster reefs for trout or poling grass beds for tailing reds, this Haynie cuts through whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of Louisiana's inshore waters. These thick-bodied fighters typically run 10-20 pounds around here, though we've boated some real monsters pushing 40+. They cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths using those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater, making those deep croaking sounds. They put up a serious fight, using that broad body to pull hard and steady. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones get tough and stringy. Best technique is bottom fishing with fresh blue crab or cut mullet. My secret: when targeting drum around oyster reefs, use heavier tackle than you think - they'll wrap you up in those shells if you don't turn them quick.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature inshore species - bronze-backed bruisers with that distinctive black spot near the tail. These fish are built for Louisiana's shallow marshes, cruising flats in just inches of water where you can see their backs breaking the surface. They average 20-28 inches but we regularly catch slot fish up to 27 inches that fight like freight trains. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything - live shrimp, crabs, topwater plugs, spoons, you name it. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. They're sight-fishing legends - nothing beats watching a big red inhale your lure in skinny water. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, cast well past them and work your bait back slowly - spook them and the whole school disappears.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are Louisiana's bread and butter fish - beautiful spotted fighters that love our grass flats and shallow bays. Most run 14-18 inches, perfect for the dinner table with that mild, flaky white meat. They're structure-oriented, hanging around shell beds, drop-offs, and grass lines in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall are best, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What guests love is their willingness to hit artificial lures - they'll hammer everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Night fishing under lights can be absolutely spectacular when they school up. These fish have soft mouths, so don't horse them or you'll pull the hook. My go-to setup is a 1/4 oz jighead with a shrimp-colored soft plastic, worked slowly along the bottom near grass beds.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped fish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms to ambush prey like shrimp, crabs, and small fish. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and coastal waters throughout Louisiana's marshes. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some nice ones pushing 25+ inches that really bend the rod. They're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. What makes them unique is having both eyes on the left side of their head - pretty wild looking! My tip: fish slow with live shrimp or mullet on the bottom using a slip sinker rig. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of Louisiana's most unique catches - weird-looking fish that float on their sides near the surface, mimicking drifting debris. They've got this bulky, round body with three fins that look like tails, giving them their name. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we catch some nice ones pushing 10+ that are surprisingly acrobatic fighters. You'll find them around weed lines, floating logs, and structure near passes in summer and early fall. They're sight-fishing targets - once you spot one, it's all about stealth. The meat rivals red snapper with firm, white fillets that taste amazing. What's cool is they can change color from mottled brown to nearly black. My approach: cast your shrimp or soft plastic well away from them and work it back slowly. Get too close and they'll spook. When they take the bait, they often jump, so keep that rod tip up!
Lake Charles, LA