Expert Night Charter Targeting Gar and Redfish in Lafitte
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Private 45 hour night fishing charter targeting redfish and alligator garSpecialized bowfishing techniques in shallow Barataria Basin marsh watersFamilyfriendly experience accommodating all skill levels, minimum age 5
When the sun drops behind the Louisiana cypress trees and the marsh comes alive, that's when Captain Brandon Phillips fires up his 22-foot Gator Tail and heads into the Barataria Basin for some serious night fishing action. This isn't your typical sunset cruise – we're talking about a legitimate 4-5 hour hunt through shallow backwater where redfish prowl the flats and prehistoric alligator gar cruise like underwater dinosaurs. The 6:30 PM departure gives you just enough daylight to get positioned before the real show begins.
The Barataria Basin transforms after dark, and Captain Brandon knows every bayou, cut, and grass bed where fish stack up once the lights come on. You'll be fishing aboard a purpose-built shallow water rig designed to slip through water so thin other boats would be high and centered on the bottom. The evening starts with traditional tackle setups, but don't be surprised when Brandon breaks out the bowfishing gear – that's where things get really interesting. This trip accommodates everyone from 5-year-olds getting their first taste of Louisiana fishing to seasoned anglers looking for something different. Groups of 2-4 people get the full private charter treatment, meaning no strangers sharing your spots or Captain Brandon's attention.
All the tackle comes with the trip, so you're covered whether we're sight-fishing with conventional gear or switching to bows for those heart-stopping shots at cruising gar. The Gator Tail's shallow draft lets us work skinny water where bigger boats can't go – we're talking about fishing in 12-18 inches of water where redfish tip their tails and black drum root around oyster beds. Bowfishing adds a whole different element to the night; when those spotlights hit the water and you see a 6-foot alligator gar gliding just under the surface, your adrenaline spikes like nothing else. Traditional methods work great for catfish and carp, especially around structure and drop-offs where these fish feed heavily after sunset.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana marsh fishing, and these copper-colored fighters put up scraps that'll test your drag system. Most of our reds run 18-27 inches, perfect slot fish that hit hard and make multiple runs before coming to the net. They love shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially when the tide is moving bait around. Alligator gar represent the ultimate trophy – these living fossils can stretch over 6 feet and weigh 100+ pounds. They're prehistoric predators with rows of needle-sharp teeth, and landing one is a genuine accomplishment. Black drum are the bulldogs of the marsh, using their bulk to try bulldozing back to deep water. Blue catfish provide consistent action, especially for kids who want steady bites, while common carp offer surprising fights once hooked. Each species brings something different to the table, keeping the action varied throughout the evening.
Redfish patrol these marshes year-round, but fall and winter nights offer some of the best action when they school up in preparation for their offshore spawning runs. Look for fish in the 20-30 inch range that'll make your reel sing. They're aggressive feeders after dark, especially around oyster beds and grass lines where shrimp and small crabs hide. What makes catching Louisiana redfish special is their attitude – they hit like freight trains and fight dirty, using every oyster shell and piece of structure to try breaking you off.
Alligator gar are the dinosaurs of freshwater, unchanged for millions of years and built like armored torpedoes. These apex predators can live over 50 years and grow massive in Louisiana's nutrient-rich waters. Night fishing gives you the best shot at seeing them cruise near the surface, especially during warmer months when they're most active. Bowfishing for gar tests every skill you have – reading the water, judging distance and refraction, then making the shot count. A big gar on the end of your line is an experience you'll never forget.
Black drum are the workhorses of the marsh, with fish ranging from 15-40 pounds common in these waters. They're bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth for crushing shells, making them perfect targets around oyster reefs and shell beds. Night fishing for drum can be fast and furious when you locate a feeding school. Blue catfish provide consistent action for anglers of all ages, with fish running 2-15 pounds and always willing to bite after dark. Common carp might surprise you with their fighting ability – these golden-bronze fish use their deep bodies to leverage impressive runs, especially in shallow water where they can't dive deep.
This top-rated night fishing charter fills up fast, especially during prime fall and winter months when the fishing peaks. Captain Brandon's local knowledge of the Barataria Basin combined with his bowfishing expertise creates a world-class fishing experience you won't find with other guides. The 4-5 hour trip gives you plenty of time to target multiple species and techniques, while the 6:30 PM start puts you back at the dock at a reasonable hour. Just remember to grab your Louisiana fishing license before the trip – everything else is provided. Whether you're introducing kids to Louisiana fishing culture or looking for your next personal best, this Lafitte night fishing adventure delivers the authentic marsh experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Our custom 22ft Gator Tail cuts through Louisiana's shallow marshes like it was born there. This reinforced aluminum beast gets you into redfish honey holes and gar haunts that bigger boats can only dream about, running steady in just inches of water. The open deck design gives you plenty of room to work your gear while staying balanced when that monster alligator gar decides to put up a fight. Captain Brandon has this shallow-water machine rigged with GPS to find the hotspots, radar for those foggy nights, marine radio for safety, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly where the big ones are lurking. The stable platform makes bowfishing a breeze, even for first-timers, while the quiet operation won't spook fish in skinny water. Perfect for stalking redfish tailing in the shallows or spotting gar cruising near the surface after dark.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs - these prehistoric giants can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds. They cruise our shallow bayous and backwaters, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. Summer nights are when they're most active, especially in hot, dry weather. What makes them special is that armor-plated look and those razor-sharp teeth. We mainly target them with bowfishing since they're catch-and-release only in Louisiana. Guests get a thrill from the sight fishing aspect - watching these monsters cruise just under the surface. They're surprisingly gentle but look fierce as anything. Best spots are quiet backwaters with soft bottoms where they can ambush prey. The key is being patient and watching for those telltale surface rolls that give away their location.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our marshes - thick, powerful fish that can weigh anywhere from 10 pounds up to 40+ in our waters. They're bottom feeders with strong jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. What guests enjoy is the steady, powerful fight - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. They're often mixed in with redfish on the same flats. Best tip: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom and be patient. They're deliberate feeders that mouth bait before committing, so don't rush the hookset.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the heavy hitters of the catfish world, and our Louisiana waters hold some monsters. These slate-blue bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 50+ pounds out here. Look for them in deeper holes and channels, especially where fresh water meets brackish around creek mouths and tidal areas. They're most active during warmer months and feed heavily at night, which works perfect for our evening trips. What guests love is the solid fight - they're strong and stubborn once hooked. The meat is excellent too, firm and mild. They'll eat just about anything, but fresh cut bait works best. Here's the trick: let your bait sit right on the bottom in muddy areas. Don't set the hook on the first tap - wait for them to really take it and start moving.
Cyprinus CarpioCarp might not be glamorous, but they're tough fighters that'll test your skills. These golden-bronze fish typically run 10-20 pounds in our waters and love muddy, slow-moving areas with soft bottoms. Spring and fall are best when they move shallow to feed aggressively. What surprises guests is how hard they fight - they're bulldogs that don't quit easy. Perfect for bowfishing since they're often visible near the surface, especially in warmer water. They're bottom feeders that stir up mud looking for crawfish and plant matter. While not great eating, they make excellent gar bait. The trick with carp is staying quiet - they're easily spooked by noise and movement. When bowfishing, aim low since the water refracts your target. They look slow but can bolt fast when they sense danger.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what make these Louisiana marshes special. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches in our waters, though we see plenty of slot fish around 27 inches. They love cruising the shallow flats and oyster beds in 1-4 feet of water, especially around grass lines and structure. Night fishing is prime time - they get aggressive in low light and aren't as spooky. What makes them fun is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures, plus they're great eating with that mild, sweet flavor. The fight is solid too - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easy if you drop it right on their head.
Lafitte, LA