Family Lake Fishing in Barataria Waters
Looking for a fishing trip that works for everyone in the family? This 6-hour charter with Ron Ron Fishing Charters gets you out on the calm lake waters around Barataria, Louisiana, where kids and adults can have equal success hooking into some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. Captain Ron knows these waters like the back of his hand and specializes in creating a relaxed atmosphere where first-time anglers feel comfortable and seasoned fishermen can still get their fix. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in protected waters that stay fishable even when the Gulf gets choppy.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Ron at the launch in Barataria. The boat is equipped with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and most importantly, safety gear sized for both kids and adults. These lake waters are perfect for families because they're sheltered from wind and waves, so even if someone gets a little seasick on boats, they usually do fine out here. The captain provides all fishing licenses, so you just need to show up with snacks, drinks, and maybe some sunscreen. Ron's been running these waters for years and has a sixth sense for where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. He'll put you on productive water and coach everyone through the techniques that work best for each species you're after.
Gear Setup and Techniques
Captain Ron runs a well-maintained boat with quality spinning gear that's easy for kids to handle but still capable of fighting bigger fish. Most of the fishing happens with medium-action rods spooled with 15-20 pound test, which gives you enough backbone for drum and redfish without being too heavy for trout and flounder. Depending on what's biting, you'll be using everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastic jigs bounced along the bottom. The beauty of fishing these Barataria lakes is the variety - you might start the morning sight-fishing for reds in shallow water, then move to deeper holes for trout when the sun gets high. Ron keeps multiple rods rigged with different setups so you can switch techniques quickly when the bite changes. He's patient with beginners and knows how to keep everyone engaged, whether that means putting someone on the trolling motor to help position the boat or teaching proper hook-setting technique.
Target Species
Redfish are the stars of these Louisiana lakes, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-25 inches in Barataria waters and put up a fight that gets everyone excited. Reds feed aggressively in the shallows during spring and fall, often creating wakes as they cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes them perfect for family trips is their willingness to eat - they're not as finicky as some species, so kids have a real shot at hooking up. The sound they make when they take drag is something you'll remember long after the trip ends.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are another customer favorite that shows up consistently in these waters. They typically run 14-18 inches and have beautiful spotted patterns that make for great photos. Trout are most active during cooler parts of the day and respond well to live shrimp presentations. They're scrappy fighters for their size and excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner. Spring and early summer offer the most consistent trout action, though Captain Ron knows productive winter spots when cold fronts push fish into deeper water.
Southern flounder provide a completely different fishing experience since you're targeting bottom-dwelling ambush predators. These flatfish can be surprisingly large - doormat flounder over 20 inches aren't uncommon in Barataria's deeper channels and cuts. What's fun about flounder fishing is the detective work involved in reading bottom structure and current flow to predict where they'll be lying in wait. Kids love the surprise factor since flounder bites often feel like you're just snagged on the bottom until the fish suddenly comes to life.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, with larger specimens capable of testing your tackle and your patience. They're bottom feeders that respond well to cut bait and live crabs, and their powerful runs can surprise anglers who underestimate them based on their appearance. Drum are most active during warmer months and tend to school up in deeper water adjacent to oyster reefs and structure. Landing a big drum is a team effort that gets everyone on the boat involved.
Sheepshead round out the target species list with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. They're notorious bait thieves that require sharp reflexes and quality hooks, but once you figure out their feeding pattern, they can provide steady action. These fish are structure-oriented and typically found around pilings, rocks, and oyster beds where they feed on barnacles and small crustaceans. Their unique appearance and challenging nature make them a memorable catch for kids who've never seen anything quite like them.
Time to Book Your Spot
This family-friendly charter fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons when weather conditions are most favorable. Captain Ron's reputation for putting families on fish while maintaining a safe, educational environment has made this trip a top-rated choice among locals and visitors alike. The 6-hour format gives you enough time to try different techniques and locations without wearing out younger anglers. With all gear provided and no fishing license requirements for guests, it's an easy decision that creates lasting memories. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so pick your dates carefully and come prepared for a day of fishing that showcases why Louisiana's coastal waters are considered world-class.