Half Day Family-Friendly Fishing in Louisiana
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and snapperCaptain Chris provides all gear and beginnerfriendly instructionAccommodates up to four guests departing 6:30 AM from Port Sulphur
Nothing beats watching your kids' faces light up when they hook their first redfish in Louisiana's legendary inshore waters. Captain Chris from Hook'Em South Charters knows these Port Sulphur marshes like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting families on fish while keeping everyone comfortable and engaged. This 6-hour private charter is designed specifically for families who want to experience world-class Louisiana fishing without the intensity of a hardcore tournament-style trip. You'll launch at 6:30 AM from 161 Marina Rd, giving you prime fishing time before the afternoon heat kicks in.
Captain Chris runs a clean, well-maintained boat that comfortably handles up to 4 guests, making it perfect for small families or close friends. The morning departure gets you out during the most productive fishing hours when redfish are actively feeding in the shallows and speckled trout are chasing bait along the grass lines. This isn't a cattle boat situation – you're getting personalized attention and instruction tailored to your family's skill level. Whether you've got seasoned anglers or complete beginners in your group, Chris adjusts his approach to make sure everyone stays engaged and catches fish. The Port Sulphur area offers incredible diversity with its mix of shallow flats, deeper channels, and structure-rich areas where different species hang out. You'll spend your time moving between productive spots, learning to read the water and understand why fish position themselves in certain areas.
All your fishing tackle comes included, which means you don't need to worry about buying licenses for rods or figuring out what lures work best in Louisiana waters. Captain Chris stocks his boat with quality spinning gear that's easy for kids and beginners to handle, plus he's got the heavier stuff if you hook into something bigger. The techniques you'll use are straightforward but effective – live bait fishing under popping corks, casting soft plastics to visible fish, and bottom fishing around structure. These methods are perfect for families because they don't require years of experience to master, but they're still exciting enough to keep experienced anglers interested. You'll learn how to work a soft plastic shrimp imitation through the grass, how to spot redfish tailing in shallow water, and how to feel the difference between a bite and getting hung up on oyster shells. The captain provides all bait and tackle, but he'll also teach you about lure selection and why certain colors and presentations work better in different conditions.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and Port Sulphur consistently produces some of the state's best red drum action. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish that make excellent table fare. Redfish are aggressive feeders that hit live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics with authority. What makes them special for family trips is their willingness to bite throughout the day and their tendency to school up, meaning when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but summer mornings can be phenomenal when you get on the water early.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your drag system and arm strength. These bottom-dwellers love oyster reefs and structure, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They typically range from 15 to 30 pounds in these waters, though smaller "puppy drum" provide great action for younger anglers. Black drum are perfect for teaching patience and proper bottom fishing techniques – they're not always the most aggressive biters, but when they commit, you'll know it.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are probably the most popular inshore species in Louisiana. These spotted beauties are incredibly fun on light tackle, with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They school up along grass lines and drop-offs, making them relatively predictable to target. Specks in the 14 to 20-inch range are common, with the occasional "gator trout" over 25 inches showing up to make your day. They're excellent eating and respond well to both live bait and artificial lures, giving you multiple ways to target them.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge for young anglers learning to detect subtle bites. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and an incredible ability to steal bait without getting hooked. They hang around structure like pilings, reefs, and bridges, where they feed on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp. Landing a nice sheepshead requires skill and patience, but they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Kids love their unique appearance, and experienced anglers appreciate the technical challenge they present.
Red snapper rounds out your target species list, though they're typically found in slightly deeper water around structure and reefs. These prized game fish are known for their bright red coloration and excellent table quality. Snapper fishing often involves bottom fishing with cut bait or live bait around hard structure where they ambush smaller fish. They're strong fighters that make powerful runs toward the bottom, testing your ability to keep them away from structure where they can break you off.
This trip represents everything that's great about Louisiana inshore fishing – variety, action, and the chance to create lasting memories with your family. The base price covers one angler, with additional guests at $50 per person, making it an affordable way to experience top-rated charter fishing. Remember to bring your valid Louisiana fishing licenses, plus drinks and snacks for the group. Captain Chris handles everything else, from quality tackle to local knowledge that puts you on fish. The early morning departure gives you the best fishing conditions and gets you back to shore before the afternoon heat becomes uncomfortable. With deposits being non-refundable, you'll want to check weather forecasts and plan accordingly
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a 2021 Blazer Bay 22-foot bay boat, perfectly designed for Louisiana's inshore waters. This modern vessel packs serious power with its 200HP Suzuki engine, cruising smoothly at up to 50 knots to get you to the best fishing spots quickly. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Chris position you silently over redfish and speckled trout without spooking the fish. GPS navigation keeps you on course through the marshes and channels around Port Sulphur, while the fish finder helps locate schools of black drum and sheepshead hiding in the structure below. Built for comfort and performance, this boat handles Louisiana's shallow bays with ease, giving your family plenty of room to cast lines and land fish. Whether you're targeting reds in the grass or working deeper water for snapper, this reliable bay boat puts you right where the action is.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the tanks of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure in brackish water from super shallow to 100 feet deep. They're built for crushing shellfish with powerful jaws, which is why they love crab and mussel baits. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you get the best action. Folks love targeting drum because they're strong fighters and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Here's the trick: use fresh crab bait and fish right on the bottom. Drum are picky eaters, so patience pays off when you're waiting for that steady pull.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are true bottom dwellers that live around structure in deeper Gulf waters, usually 30-100+ feet down. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet long and 5-8 pounds, though they can grow much larger. They're pink when young, turning that classic red color as adults. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when water temps hit that 50-70 degree sweet spot. What makes snapper special is their fight - they're tough fighters that'll try to cut your line on structure, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with that mild, nutty flavor. My tip: when you feel that first nibble, set the hook hard and fast. They've got strong jaws and will steal your bait if you hesitate.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature species, easily spotted by their copper-red color and black eyespot near the tail. Most inshore fish run 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds, living in shallow flats, marshes, and around oyster reefs in 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but fall and spring give you the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their powerful fights and that distinctive "thump" when they hit topwater lures. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. These fish aren't picky - they'll eat shrimp, crab, and just about any lure you throw. My go-to trick: look for "tailing" reds in skinny water where you can see their tails sticking up while they feed. Approach quietly and cast ahead of them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our most popular inshore fish, averaging 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around structure and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time, but they bite year-round - just move to deeper water in winter when they school up. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're great for families since they're aggressive feeders and fight well on light tackle. Pro tip: fish the grass edges early morning or late evening with live shrimp under a popping cork. Keep the bait moving slightly - trout are attracted to movement and sound.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with those distinctive black stripes on a silver-gray body. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders. They live around any structure - docks, pilings, reefs - feeding on barnacles with those famous human-like teeth. Early spring through fall is your best bet when they're most active. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves and put up a solid fight once hooked. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's top-shelf eating. My advice: get your bait tight to structure and use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab. When you feel them nibbling, set the hook aggressively - they'll pick your bait clean otherwise.
Port Sulphur