Halfday Louisiana Inshore Fishing for 3 Anglers
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing charter targets redfish, trout, and flounderMorning and evening departure times available for flexible schedulingExpert guided trip accommodates exactly three anglers per charter
Looking for a solid fishing trip near New Orleans? This halfday inshore charter with Reel Southern Fishing Charters puts you right where the action is. You and two buddies will have Louisiana's productive coastal waters all to yourselves, targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. Whether you're early risers who want to hit the morning bite or prefer an evening trip when the fish start feeding again, we've got you covered. This isn't just another generic charter – it's your chance to experience what makes Louisiana inshore fishing so special.
Your captain knows these Louisiana marshes like the back of their hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference. We're talking about pristine inshore waters where redfish cruise the shallow flats, speckled trout hang around oyster beds, and flounder lay camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. The beauty of halfday trips is you get quality fishing time without burning your whole day. Morning trips usually start around sunrise when the water's calm and fish are actively feeding. Evening charters take advantage of that magic hour when everything starts biting again as the day cools down. Your captain will adjust the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what's been hitting lately. With only three anglers onboard, you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably and get personalized instruction if you need it.
Louisiana inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your captain will have you rigged up with live bait – usually shrimp, pogies, or mud minnows – along with artificial lures that mimic what these fish are feeding on. We're talking about everything from soft plastics bounced along the bottom for flounder to topwater plugs that drive redfish crazy in shallow water. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels spooled with the right line weight for these species. You'll be fishing structure like oyster reefs, grass beds, and dropoffs where baitfish congregate and predators follow. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce mortality if you're releasing. Your captain will show you how to work different lures and explain why certain spots hold fish better than others. It's hands-on learning that'll make you a better angler even after the trip ends.
Redfish are the stars of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers fight like crazy and can be found year-round in our waters. They love shallow flats, especially around oyster beds and grass lines where they can ambush crabs and shrimp. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but even winter fishing can be fantastic when you find schools in deeper pockets. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater lures, inhale live shrimp, and put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. Most fish run 20-30 inches, though slot-busters over 27 inches aren't uncommon.
Speckled trout are another customer favorite, especially for anglers who appreciate finesse fishing. These beautiful fish have prominent canine teeth and love to suspend around structure in 3-8 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when water temperatures are in their comfort zone, but summer evening trips often produce excellent trout action. They're more temperamental than redfish, requiring lighter tackle and a softer touch, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. A good speckled trout has firm white meat and is considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Southern flounder are masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim overhead. These flatfish are most active during cooler months when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. Finding flounder requires patience and the right technique – usually bouncing live or artificial baits along the bottom near channel edges, boat docks, or anywhere baitfish are likely to travel. When a flounder bites, it feels like you've snagged the bottom until suddenly your "snag" starts swimming away. They're excellent table fare and a real trophy when you boat a doormat over 20 inches.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest species on this list, but landing one is incredibly satisfying. These convict-striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing crabs and barnacles around structure. They're most active in cooler months when they school up around bridges, docks, and reefs. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers – they'll pick your hook clean before you know they were there. Success requires small hooks, fresh bait, and lightning-fast reflexes to set the hook. But master the technique and you'll be rewarded with some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
This halfday Louisiana inshore charter gives you and your crew the perfect taste of what makes our fishery so special. You'll work productive waters with an experienced captain, learn techniques you can use for years to come, and hopefully put some quality fish in the cooler. Whether you're visiting New Orleans and want to add some fishing to your trip or you're locals looking for a convenient halfday option, this charter delivers real value. The flexible scheduling with morning and evening options means you can work it around other plans. Ready to get on the water? Give Reel Southern Fishing Charters a call at 504-250-7296 and secure your spot for three anglers. Louisiana's inshore fish are waiting – don't keep them waiting too long.
Hit the Louisiana waters in style aboard our 26-foot Blue Wave center console! This 2022 beauty packs a powerful 350HP Suzuki engine that'll get your crew to the hottest fishing spots fast, cruising up to 40 knots. Perfect for chasing redfish and speckled trout in the marshes around New Orleans. The spacious center console design gives all three anglers plenty of room to work, while our fish finder helps locate schools hiding in the grass. Stay comfortable all day with an onboard toilet, icebox for cold drinks, and a whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor that won't spook the fish when we're sneaking up on those shallow water reds. GPS keeps us on track to the most productive spots where Captain Ryan knows the fish are biting.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow Louisiana waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches, but we regularly see slot fish and bigger bulls that'll test your tackle. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges in water so shallow their backs sometimes stick out. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps are steady and bait is moving. What guests love most is watching them cruise the shallows and that distinctive black spot near their tail - plus they fight like freight trains and never give up easy. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for blackening. Here's what works: look for nervous water or tailing fish, keep your approach quiet, and cast past them - let your lure work back into their path rather than dropping it right on their head.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-20 inches but can push 24+ inches when conditions are right. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in deeper channels - they're constantly moving based on tides, temperature, and bait. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. What makes specks special is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their excellent fight for their size. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with tender, flaky white meat. The tricky part is they have soft mouths, so don't horse them. My go-to tip: work your lure slow and steady over grass beds, and when they hit, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of our waters with those distinctive black stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish around here. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we see plenty of bigger ones near good structure. They love hanging around docks, bridges, and anything covered in barnacles where they use those human-like teeth to scrape off their favorite meals. Spring spawn brings the best action from February through April when they school up heavy. What guests love most is the challenge - these fish are notorious bait thieves with light bites that'll test your skills. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the key: get your bait tight to structure with a firm hookset, and when you feel that first nibble, don't wait - set the hook hard.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms where they blend in perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, but you'll occasionally find ones pushing 25+ inches in our Louisiana waters. What makes them special is watching both eyes on the left side of their head scan for prey while they stay perfectly camouflaged. They love shallow bays, marshes, and around structure during warmer months, then head to deeper water when it cools off. Fall and spring are prime time when they're moving and feeding actively. The fight isn't flashy, but they're sneaky strong and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or mud minnows right on bottom - they won't chase far from their hiding spot.
Louisiana