Half Day Inshore Redfish Charter in Lafitte
Private Trip
Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targeting redfish and speckled troutPrivate boat accommodates up to four guests with premium tackleDeparts 6 AM from nutrientrich Barataria Basin marshes
If you're looking for world-class inshore fishing without burning your whole day, this half-day charter with Captain Austin is exactly what you need. We'll launch at first light from Lafitte and head straight into the legendary Barataria Basin marshes, where the fishing is consistently hot and the scenery never gets old. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip - it's a focused, productive morning on the water targeting Louisiana's premier inshore species. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, you'll walk away with fish stories worth telling.
Your morning kicks off at 6:00 AM sharp from Lafitte, and trust me, those early hours are pure gold for inshore fishing. Captain Austin runs a pristine 24-foot Blazer Bay that cuts through these marshes like butter, getting you to the fish fast and comfortable. The Barataria Basin is a maze of nutrient-rich channels, grass flats, and oyster beds that hold incredible numbers of redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead year-round. This is Louisiana fishing at its finest - endless water, minimal crowds, and fish that are genuinely hungry. The boat maxes out at four anglers, but this trip is priced for two, making it perfect for couples or fishing buddies who want quality time on the water without breaking the bank.
Captain Austin brings decades of local knowledge and all the premium tackle you'll need to put fish in the boat. We're talking live bait when the conditions call for it, plus an arsenal of soft plastics, spoons, and topwater lures that drive these inshore species crazy. The marsh fishing here is all about reading the water - working shell beds for sheepshead, drifting grass flats for trout, and sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. You'll learn to fish structure like pros, whether that's submerged oyster reefs or the edges of deep channels where black drum patrol. The captain provides everything except your Louisiana fishing license, which you'll need to have before we launch. Don't sweat the technique side - Austin will have you fishing like a local within the first thirty minutes.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and the Barataria Basin produces some absolute bulls. These copper-colored fighters range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to slot-busting bruisers that'll test your drag system. Peak redfish action runs from March through November, with fall being particularly hot when they school up in massive numbers. What makes reds so special is their attitude - they eat aggressively, fight dirty, and show up in water so shallow you can see their backs. Watching a big red crash a topwater plug in two feet of water will ruin you for other types of fishing.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana marshes, and these beautiful fish provide non-stop action when you find them. Specks average 14-18 inches but the Barataria Basin produces plenty of 20+ inch gator trout that'll make your day. They're most active during cooler months from October through April, though you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Trout are ambush predators that relate to structure, grass lines, and current breaks. When they're feeding, you can literally catch one on every cast using soft plastics or live shrimp.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in these marshes, laying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing baitfish. These flatfish can grow impressive - with keepers running 15+ inches and trophy fish pushing 5+ pounds. Fall months from September through November are prime time when flounder stage near passes and channels before heading offshore to spawn. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the surprise factor - you never know when that subtle tap on your line is going to turn into a doormat-sized fish.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the marsh, with big fish commonly exceeding 20 pounds and pushing your tackle to its limits. These bruisers love oyster reefs and shell beds where they root around for crabs and mollusks with their powerful pharyngeal teeth. Spring months from March through May offer the best shot at trophy-class black drum, though smaller fish provide action throughout the year. When you hook a big drum, get ready for a bulldogging fight that's all about power and endurance.
Sheepshead are the most finicky biters you'll encounter, but they're also some of the best eating fish in Louisiana waters. These convict-striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish off structure. The key to sheepshead success is using small hooks, light line, and having the patience to feel their subtle bites. Winter months from December through March offer the most consistent sheepshead action when they gather around warm-water discharges and deeper structure.
This half-day Lafitte charter delivers everything serious anglers want - proven fishing grounds, expert guidance, quality equipment, and enough flexibility to work with any skill level. Captain Austin has built his reputation on putting clients on fish while sharing the techniques and local knowledge that separate good trips from great ones. The Barataria Basin remains one of Louisiana's most productive inshore fisheries, and this charter gives you access to water that many anglers never see. Whether you're looking to check Louisiana inshore fishing off your bucket list or you're a local angler wanting to step up your marsh game, this trip delivers the goods. Don't sleep on booking - top-rated charters in prime locations like this fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These grey-black fish with powerful crushing jaws love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow marshes where they feed on crabs, mollusks, and shellfish. Spring around spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. Guests enjoy the strong, steady fight these fish provide - smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm white meat. Here in the Barataria Basin, I always use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom near shell beds. Pro tip: when you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let that drag work and they'll tire out.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Louisiana marshes, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. These fish typically run 20-35 inches and can push 50+ pounds, living in water so shallow their backs show above the surface. They cruise grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges feeding on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. Guests love their powerful runs and bulldogging fights, plus they make excellent table fare. Here in Barataria Basin, I work topwater plugs and soft plastics over shallow flats. Pro tip: look for nervous water and "wakes" moving through the shallows - that's usually redfish pushing bait up.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Louisiana inshore fishing, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats, shallow bays, and soft bottoms where they feed on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Early morning and late evening are prime time, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Guests appreciate their willingness to bite and their light, flaky meat that's perfect on the table. In winter, they move to deeper holes and form big schools. Around here, I like working soft plastics or live shrimp over grass beds at first light. Local tip: when the water temps drop, focus on deeper channel edges and work your baits slower - they get sluggish but will still bite.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our marshes with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders are possible around our local structures. These fish live around any hard structure - docks, pilings, oil platforms, and oyster reefs where they crush barnacles and crabs with those powerful jaws. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. Guests love the challenge since sheepshead are notorious bait thieves and excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to technique: get tight to structure with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait pinned on solid, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your bait otherwise.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of camouflage are some of the most unique fish you'll encounter in our Louisiana marshes. Southern flounder typically run 15-18 inches and can hit 5+ pounds, with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match the bottom. They ambush prey from sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow waters, feeding on shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. Guests love the challenge of targeting these "flatfish" - they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My local tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or mud minnows near structure drop-offs, and watch for that subtle tap-tap before they run with it.
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