Full Day + Night Fishing Combo in South Louisiana
Private Trip
Fishing
Full day rod and reel plus night bowfishing comboTarget redfish and trout during 56 hour daytime charterMaximum 4 guests for personalized South Louisiana experience
You want the whole Louisiana fishing experience? This is it. We're talking about a solid 10-11 hours on the water, starting with a classic 5-6 hour rod and reel charter targeting redfish, speckled trout, and whatever else is biting, then switching gears after sunset for 4 hours of bowfishing under the lights. It's our most complete trip, and honestly, it's become a customer favorite because you get to see how different these marshes fish from dawn to dark. We cap it at 4 people max to keep everyone comfortable and make sure you get plenty of time with both the rod and the bow.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light when the redfish are moving through the shallows and the trout are active. The morning bite in these South Louisiana marshes is something special. You'll be casting into grass beds, working oyster reefs, and hitting structure where fish love to ambush baitfish. Captain will have you rigged up with the right tackle for whatever we're seeing – could be topwater plugs if the reds are aggressive, or soft plastics if we need to work them slow. The beauty of this combo trip is the contrast. Morning fishing is all about reading the water, feeling that subtle bite, and working your technique. Come nightfall, everything changes. We fire up the lights, and suddenly you're seeing fish you never knew were there – gar, drum, sheepshead, flounder – all cruising just below the surface. The bow comes out, and now it's about patience, aim, and that satisfying thunk when your arrow finds its mark.
We've got all the rods and tackle sorted for the day fishing portion – medium to medium-heavy spinning rigs spooled with 15-20lb braid, perfect for these inshore species. You'll be throwing everything from spoons and spinners to soft plastics and topwater baits, depending on conditions and what the fish want. For bowfishing, we provide compound bows set at comfortable draw weights, arrows with barbed tips, and reels with heavy line. The boat gets rigged with high-powered LED lights that penetrate the water and light up the bottom like daylight. It's a whole different skillset – you're looking for shadows, movement, the glint of scales. First-timers pick it up quick, but don't worry if you miss your first few shots. Even experienced bow anglers need time to adjust to judging depth and refraction. The key is staying ready and taking your time when you get a good shot.
Redfish are the bread and butter of these marshes, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster beds we'll be working. They typically run 20-30 inches in these waters, with some real bulls pushing the upper slot. Spring through fall is prime time, but even winter can produce when we get those warm spells. What makes reds so fun is their attitude – they'll absolutely destroy a topwater bait when they're aggressive, or make you work for every bite when they're finicky. The fight is what keeps people coming back – they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to put serious pressure on your drag.
Speckled trout are the other main target, especially in the cooler months when they school up tight. These spotted beauties are more delicate than reds but every bit as fun to catch. They love structure – old oil wells, shell beds, drop-offs where current creates ambush points. A 15-18 inch trout is a solid fish here, with occasional gator trout pushing 20-plus inches. They're notorious for a soft bite, so you'll learn to feel that subtle tick and set the hook quick. Specks are also great eating, which makes them popular with families who want to take dinner home.
When we switch to bowfishing after dark, the target species change completely. Gar become the main attraction – these prehistoric-looking fish cruise just under the surface and make perfect bow targets. Longnose gar are most common, but we occasionally see some monster alligator gar that'll get your heart pumping. Black drum are another favorite bow target – they're bottom feeders during the day, but at night they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and small fish. Flounder are probably the trickiest bow target because they blend in so well with the bottom, but they're also one of the most rewarding to arrow because they're excellent table fare.
This combo trip isn't just about catching fish – it's about experiencing Louisiana's waters the way locals do, from the peaceful morning bite to the exciting night hunt. You'll see these marshes transform as the sun sets, learn two completely different fishing techniques, and walk away with stories that'll last a lifetime. The 4-person limit means you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to get on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for something new or a family wanting the ultimate Louisiana fishing adventure, this is the trip that delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Give Marsh Monster Charters a call and let's get you on the water for the full Louisiana experience.
Lafitte, LA