Halfday Private Louisiana Fishing Charter for 5
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private charter targets redfish, trout, and flounder inshore.Accommodates five guests aboard spacious 26foot Blue Wave vessel.Expert Captain Ryan guides groups through Hopedale and Delacroix waters.
Looking for the perfect fishing trip that fits your whole crew? Captain Ryan's got you covered with this top-rated 4-hour private charter that's designed specifically for groups of five who want to experience Louisiana's legendary inshore fishing. You'll be fishing the protected waters around Hopedale and Delacroix – two of the most productive fishing areas in the entire Gulf Coast region. This isn't just another fishing trip; it's your chance to target some of Louisiana's most prized gamefish while enjoying the camaraderie that only comes from a day on the water with your favorite people.
Your group will spend four solid hours fishing aboard Captain Ryan's spacious 26' Blue Wave, a boat that's perfectly suited for Louisiana's inshore waters. The shallow bays and marshes near Hopedale and Delacroix offer some of the most consistent fishing you'll find anywhere, and Captain Ryan knows exactly where to put you on the fish. These calm waters are ideal for anglers of all skill levels – whether you've got seasoned pros in your group or first-timers who've never held a rod. The protected nature of these inshore spots means you won't be dealing with rough seas, so everyone can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. Captain Ryan provides all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need, plus he's the kind of guide who genuinely enjoys watching his clients succeed.
In these Louisiana inshore waters, you'll be using a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are doing that day. Live bait fishing with shrimp and croaker is incredibly effective for redfish and black drum, especially when you're working the oyster reefs and grass flats. Captain Ryan also sets up his clients with artificial lures – soft plastics rigged on jigheads are absolute money for speckled trout, while topwater plugs can produce explosive strikes during the right conditions. The boat comes equipped with quality spinning reels and medium-action rods that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to 30-pound redfish. You'll be fishing in water depths ranging from just a few feet over grass beds to eight or ten feet along channel edges and structure. The key to success in these waters is reading the tides and understanding how baitfish move through the system – something Captain Ryan has mastered over years of fishing these same spots.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and these waters consistently produce some beautiful bulls. These copper-colored fighters typically run anywhere from 20 to 35 pounds in this area, with some real monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. Redfish are most active during moving tides, and they love to cruise the shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes them so exciting to catch is their incredible stamina – they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and your arms. Fall and spring are prime time for big reds, but you can catch quality fish year-round in these protected waters.
Speckled trout are another customer favorite that call these marshes home. Louisiana specks typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with occasional trophies stretching past the 24-inch mark. These beautiful fish are incredibly aggressive when feeding and will absolutely hammer artificial lures worked over grass beds and along drop-offs. Speckled trout fishing peaks in the cooler months from October through March, when the fish are feeding heavily and putting on weight. They're also fantastic table fare, making them perfect for groups planning a fish fry.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the marsh, and the specimens around Hopedale and Delacroix can reach impressive sizes. These fish commonly weigh 15 to 25 pounds, with some real giants tipping the scales at 40 pounds or more. Black drum are bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, so you'll typically target them around oyster reefs and structure. What makes them special is their fighting style – they don't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll put a serious bend in your rod and test your patience with their stubborn, head-shaking battle.
Summer flounder round out your target species list and provide some of the most rewarding fishing you'll experience. Louisiana flounder typically run 16 to 22 inches, with doormat-sized fish occasionally showing up to make your day. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you need to work your bait slowly along the bottom and pay attention to subtle strikes. When you hook one, you'll quickly discover why flounder are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
This halfday private charter offers everything your group needs for a world-class Louisiana fishing experience. You're getting four hours with an experienced captain who knows these waters inside and out, plus you'll be fishing some of the most productive inshore grounds on the Gulf Coast. The 26' Blue Wave provides plenty of room for your entire group to fish comfortably, and the calm inshore waters mean everyone from kids to grandparents can enjoy the action. With redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and flounder all calling these waters home, you're virtually guaranteed to put some quality fish in the cooler. Captain Ryan is standing by to answer your questions and get your group on the water – give him a call at 504-250-7296 to secure your dates and start planning your Louisiana fishing adventure.
Captain Ryan's 26' Blue Wave center console is built for serious Louisiana inshore fishing. This 2022 boat handles the marshes around Hopedale and Delacroix like a dream, powered by a 350HP Suzuki that gets you to the fish fast and comfortable. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight redfish, speckled trout, and black drum without getting tangled up. You'll stay cool with the icebox for drinks, while the fish finder and GPS help locate the best spots. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on shallow water targets without spooking them. With space for up to 6 anglers and a smooth ride even in choppy conditions, this boat is perfect for groups who want to fish hard and have fun doing it.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. What makes them special is that bone-jarring fight - they're bulldogs that'll test your drag and your patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the trick: use fresh cut crab on a circle hook and fish it right on the bottom. They're bottom feeders, so if your bait isn't kissing mud, you're not in the zone.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, easily identified by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most of our inshore reds run 20-28 inches and put up a serious fight with long, powerful runs. They love cruising super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs showing above water, feeding around oyster reefs and grass beds. Year-round fishing is good here, but fall and spring are peak times when they school up. What makes them so popular is that bulldogging fight and their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats watching a red blow up on a spook or popper in 2 feet of water. They're also great table fare when kept within slot limits. My tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats, and make long casts ahead of cruising fish. Redfish spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, typically running 14-18 inches with plenty of two-pounders mixed in. These silvery beauties with black spots love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around structure like old pilings or oyster shells. They're most active during cooler months and bite best in low-light conditions - early morning and evening are prime time. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their decent fight for their size. They're also excellent eating with delicate, white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. Here in Louisiana waters, focus on areas where fresh water meets salt - trout love that transition zone. Try a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below, and work it slow over the grass beds.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. Most run 15-20 inches, but we've seen some doormat-sized ones push 4-5 pounds. They're found in our estuaries year-round, but fall months from September through November give you the best shot when they're actively feeding before winter. What guests love is how they fight sideways, making wild runs that'll surprise you. Plus, flounder are hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of cut bait and bounce it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they bite sideways and need time to turn the bait.
Louisiana