Slidell Lake Fishing with Captain James Kennedy
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
7hour lake fishing trip departing at 6:15 AM from Slidell marinaTarget Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Bass with Captain James KennedyAccommodates up to 4 guests on Lake Catherine waters
There's something special about getting out on Lake Catherine at sunrise with a captain who knows every honey hole and structure like the back of his hand. Captain James Kennedy has been guiding anglers through these waters for years, and his 7-hour fishing trips are becoming the talk of Slidell's fishing community. Starting at 6:15 a.m. from Lake Catherine Island Marina, you'll have a full day to target some of Louisiana's most prized gamefish. With room for up to 4 guests, this is perfect for families wanting to create some lasting memories or groups of friends looking to settle old fishing bragging rights once and for all.
Captain Kennedy runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting fish in the boat while keeping things relaxed and fun. The early start time isn't just for show – it's when the fish are most active, and you'll beat the heat and afternoon boat traffic. You'll spend the day working different structures around Lake Catherine, from submerged timber to grass lines where bass love to ambush prey. The captain provides all the tackle and knows exactly which baits are producing, whether that's soft plastics for finicky bass or live bait for aggressive redfish. The boat is equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so no time gets wasted searching unproductive water. Expect to move around throughout the day as conditions change and fish patterns shift.
This isn't your typical pond fishing – Captain Kennedy employs proven techniques that match the day's conditions and target species. For bass, you'll likely be flipping jigs into heavy cover, working topwater lures during the morning bite, or dragging Carolina rigs along deeper structure. When targeting redfish, the approach shifts to sight fishing in shallow flats or working cut bait near drop-offs. The captain supplies all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite lures if you've got confidence baits. Most of the fishing happens in 3-12 feet of water, perfect depths for both beginners and experienced anglers to feel connected to the fight. Live bait is often the secret weapon here, especially when the bite gets tough during midday hours.
Smallmouth bass in Lake Catherine are scrappy fighters that'll test your drag system and patience. These bronze-backed beauties typically range from 1-3 pounds, with the occasional 4-pounder that'll have you talking about it for months. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, when water temperatures drop and they feed aggressively before winter. Smallmouth love rocky areas and drop-offs, and they fight pound-for-pound harder than almost any freshwater fish. What makes them special here is their willingness to hit both finesse presentations and reaction baits.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana's inshore fishing scene, and Lake Catherine connects to brackish areas where these copper-colored bulls roam. These fish average 5-15 pounds and are famous for their bulldogging runs that'll make your arms burn. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they move into shallower water to feed. Redfish are opportunistic feeders that'll crush everything from cut bait to artificial lures, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The sight of a red's back breaking the surface as it tails in shallow water is something every angler should experience.
Largemouth bass are the bread and butter species that keep Lake Catherine's reputation strong among serious anglers. These green machines can reach 8+ pounds in these nutrient-rich waters, with the spring spawn producing some true giants. They're catchable year-round but really turn on during pre-spawn from February through April when they move shallow to feed heavily. Largemouth bass here are structure-oriented, relating to everything from standing timber to grass beds. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit a wide variety of baits, making them ideal for families with kids who want steady action and the chance at a wall-hanger.
Captain Kennedy's 7-hour fishing trips offer serious value for anglers wanting a full day on the water without breaking the bank. The early morning departure means you'll experience the best bite times, and the extended trip length lets you adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to boat some quality fish or a family wanting to introduce kids to the sport, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of multiple target species, expert local knowledge, and quality equipment makes this a customer favorite among Slidell's fishing options. Don't wait until peak season to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during spring and fall when the fishing really lights up.
Get ready to hit the waters of Slidell aboard our 2022 Skeeter SX 240 center console! This 24-foot fishing machine packs serious power with its Yamaha 300 engine, cutting through Lake Catherine at speeds up to 50 knots to get you to the hottest fishing spots fast. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Bass. The fish finder will help locate schools while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure. GPS navigation ensures we hit all the prime locations, and the spacious center console layout gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to work their lines. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your drinks cold during those long stretches between bites. This bay boat handles Lake Catherine's waters like a dream, offering the perfect platform for landing trophy fish while enjoying the scenic Louisiana coastline.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth are the kings of our freshwater spots, averaging 12-24 inches with that massive mouth that opens past their eyes. These green-backed fighters love thick cover - fallen trees, weed beds, and muddy shallows where they can ambush prey. They're active all year but really turn on during spring spawning and again in fall when they're feeding heavy before winter. What guests love most is the variety - you never know if you'll get a scrappy 2-pounder or a wall-hanger pushing 8+ pounds. Plus they hit everything from topwater plugs to plastic worms. The fight's explosive with jumps and powerful runs. Late spring through early fall are prime, especially around dawn and dusk. Here's something that works great in our area: throw a red plastic worm around cover during warmer months - largemouth are drawn to that color and it mimics the crawfish they love.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers that love our shallow coastal waters, typically running 20-35 inches with those distinctive black spots near the tail. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bays in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. These fish are year-round targets here, but spring through fall gives you the most consistent action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes redfish special is their power - they'll peel drag and make long runs that test your skills. The meat's sweet and mild, perfect for the dinner table. Topwater lures create explosive strikes, but live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly effective. Pro tip: look for tailing fish in skinny water during low tide - they're so focused on feeding you can get surprisingly close for the perfect cast.
Micropterus DolomieuThese bronze-backed fighters typically run 12-18 inches around our Louisiana waters, though the females can push 3-6 pounds. Smallmouth love rocky bottoms and clear water, usually hanging around structure like fallen trees or boulders. They're notorious for their aggressive strikes and aerial fights - definitely some of the scrappiest fish you'll hook. Spring and fall are prime time when they move into shallower water, but early morning and late evening are your best bets year-round. During summer heat, they'll drop deeper where it's cooler. Light spinning gear with 6-10 lb test works perfect. They'll hit everything from jigs to plastic worms, but here's a local trick: try a weightless spinning bait that hangs just under the surface - smallmouth can't resist that presentation. The meat's firm with a mild flavor that grills up nice.
Slidell