Lafitte Night Fishing: Gar & Redfish After Dark
Private Trip
Fishing
Night fishing charter targets alligator gar and redfish in Louisiana marshesPrivate 45 hour trips accommodate groups of five to six peopleFamilyfriendly experience suitable for all skill levels, ages five and up
When the sun drops behind the Louisiana cypress trees and the Barataria Basin settles into darkness, that's when Captain Brandon Phillips fires up his 2025 Gator Tail boat for some of the best night fishing you'll find in these marshes. This isn't your typical fishing trip – we're talking about a dedicated 4-5 hour hunt for trophy alligator gar and bull redfish that cruise these backwaters after nightfall. Your private group of up to five anglers will have exclusive access to shallow water haunts where these monsters feed, and trust me, the action can get wild once those lights hit the water.
We launch right at 6:30 PM from Lafitte, giving us perfect timing to reach prime fishing spots just as the feeding windows open up. The Gator Tail boat is purpose-built for these shallow Louisiana marshes – we're talking about getting into water so skinny that most boats would be stuck on bottom. Captain Brandon knows every cut, bayou, and grass flat in the Barataria system, and he's not afraid to pole into spots where the big fish feel safe to roam. The whole setup is family-friendly too, welcoming kids five and up who want to experience what Louisiana night fishing is really about. Don't worry about skill level – whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, we'll get you dialed in on the techniques that work out here. Just make sure you've got your Louisiana fishing license squared away before we shove off.
Night fishing in the Louisiana marsh is a completely different game than daytime angling. We use specialized lighting systems to attract baitfish, which in turn draws in the predators we're after. For alligator gar, we're talking heavy tackle with steel leaders – these prehistoric fish have mouths full of razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through regular mono in a heartbeat. The approach is often sight fishing with lights, waiting for that telltale wake or those ancient eyes reflecting back at us before making our move. Redfish tactics switch up after dark too – we focus on shallow flats where they push water while chasing shrimp and crabs. The Gator Tail's shallow draft lets us access oyster bars and grass beds that hold feeding fish, and the quiet operation keeps us from spooking wary redfish in skinny water. All the specialized gear comes included, from the heavy gar rods to the circle hooks that help ensure clean releases.
Alligator gar are the crown jewel of Louisiana fishing – these living dinosaurs can stretch over six feet and weigh upwards of 200 pounds. They're most active during warm months from late spring through early fall, and night fishing gives you the best shot at hooking into a true monster. What makes gar fishing so addictive is the prehistoric nature of these fish combined with their incredible fighting ability. When a big gar takes your bait, you're in for a battle that can last 30 minutes or more, complete with spectacular jumps and powerful runs that'll test your tackle and your patience.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and the night bite can be absolutely phenomenal. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized fish around 20 inches up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. Peak season runs from late summer through fall when they school up in big numbers. Night fishing for reds is special because they become much more aggressive feeders in shallow water, often creating explosive topwater strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The sound of a bull red crashing bait in two feet of water under the lights is something you won't forget.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the marsh, but they're absolute bulldogs on the line. These bottom huggers can grow massive – we're talking fish that can exceed 50 pounds and provide arm-burning fights in shallow water. They're most active during cooler months and feed heavily at night on crabs and shrimp around oyster reefs. What drum lack in looks they make up for in pure pulling power, often mistaken for redfish until you see those distinctive barbels around their mouth.
Blue catfish and common carp round out our target species list, both offering consistent action when the premium gamefish are being finicky. Blue cats are native to Louisiana waters and can grow to impressive sizes, particularly in the deeper channels of the Barataria system. They're most active during cooler months and provide excellent table fare for those looking to take some fish home. Carp might be overlooked by some anglers, but they're incredibly strong fighters that can surprise you with their speed and endurance, especially the big grass carp that inhabit these waters.
This top-rated night fishing charter fills up quick, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hottest. Captain Brandon's local knowledge of the Barataria Basin combined with his specialized boat and gear makes this one of the most sought-after fishing experiences in the Lafitte area. Whether you're planning a family fishing adventure or looking to cross alligator gar off your bucket list, this private charter delivers the kind of authentic Louisiana fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The memories you'll make battling trophy fish under the stars in these legendary Louisiana marshes are worth every penny – don't let your spot slip away to another group.
Our custom 22ft Gator Tail is built specifically for Louisiana's shallow marshes where standard boats simply can't go. This reinforced aluminum rig gets you into just inches of water where the big alligator gar and redfish hang out in the Barataria Basin. The open floor plan gives everyone room to move and cast, while the stable platform keeps you steady when that trophy fish hits your line. We've equipped her with GPS navigation, radar for those low-visibility nights, VHF radio, and fish finder to locate your targets in the dark marsh waters. Captain Brandon knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and this shallow-water machine lets him take your group of up to 5 anglers into spots other boats can only dream about reaching.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds. These prehistoric fish cruise shallow backwaters and bayous where they can surface breathe - you'll actually see them rolling at the top. Late summer's your best bet when water's warm and they're actively feeding. What draws folks to gar fishing is the pure uniqueness - it's like hooking into a piece of ancient history that fights with surprising power. They're catch-and-release only in Louisiana, but the experience is worth it. Use big live bait like carp or mullet on heavy tackle. Here's the key: when a gar takes your bait, let it run and really swallow it before setting the hook - their bony mouths are tough to penetrate.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ in our brackish waters. You'll find them around oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring's the hot season when they school up for spawning - that's when the action really heats up. Drummers are popular because they pull hard and steady, plus the smaller ones make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. They're bottom feeders that love fresh crab, cut bait, and slow-worked jigs. The trick with drums is using enough weight to keep your bait pinned to the bottom - they won't come up to eat, so you've got to get down where they're working the mud for crabs and mollusks.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the bruisers of the catfish family, averaging 25-45 inches and often hitting 80+ pounds in our Louisiana waters. These slate-blue fighters hang in deep holes near tidal creeks where fresh and brackish water mix. Night fishing is prime time since they're more active feeders after sunset. Guests love targeting blues because they fight like freight trains - once hooked, they'll test your drag and your patience. The meat's excellent eating too, especially the smaller ones. They'll take cut bait, chicken liver, and fresh shad. Local trick: find a deep muddy hole near moving water and let your bait sit right on the bottom - blues are opportunistic and won't chase a moving meal.
Cyprinus CarpioCarp are golden-brown bulldozers that average 15-30 inches but can push 40+ pounds in our waters. They love shallow, muddy areas with slow current where they root around the bottom for crawfish, plants, and insects. Fall and spring are peak times when they move shallow to feed aggressively before and after winter. Anglers target carp because they're scrappy fighters that don't give up easy - they'll test your gear and your skills. While not everyone's first choice for dinner, they're great sport fish. Corn, bread, and boilies work well on bottom rigs. My advice: stay quiet and still once you bait up - carp spook easily from noise and movement, so patience pays off when you're waiting for that steady pull.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish run from 20-35 inches on average, with that classic copper-colored back and distinctive black spots near their tail. These fish love hanging in 1-4 feet of water around oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy bottoms throughout the Barataria marshes. Night fishing puts them in feeding mode - they get aggressive after dark when the water cools down. What makes redfish special is they fight hard for their size and taste great on the table with that mild, sweet flavor. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. Pro tip: when you're working shallow flats at night, listen for their tails slapping the surface - that's your cue to make a quiet cast just ahead of the disturbance.
Lafitte, LA