Family Lake Fishing in Barataria Waters
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour family fishing charter in calm Louisiana lake watersTarget redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead with provided equipmentAccommodates up to four guests with expert guidance included
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your fishing adventure takes place aboard a reliable 2017 Blazer Bay 2420, perfectly suited for Louisiana's calm lake waters. This sturdy motorboat runs on a powerful 300HP Yamaha diesel engine that can cruise up to 42 knots when needed, but you'll likely be moving at a more relaxed pace while hunting for redfish and black drum. The boat's wireless trolling motor lets your captain position you quietly over prime fishing spots without spooking the fish below. Modern GPS navigation keeps you on track, while the onboard fish finder helps locate where the redfish and black drum are hiding. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out your gear and give everyone space to cast their lines. The stable platform makes it easy for kids and adults alike to reel in their catch, whether you're targeting the shallow grass beds where redfish love to feed or the deeper structures where black drum hang out.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our waters, typically ranging 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love shallow, muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring spawning season brings the best fishing when they school up in large numbers. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - a unique sound they make during mating season. Younger fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating with flaky white meat, while the big ones are better released. They're perfect for families since they fight hard but steady, giving everyone a chance to feel the power. Fresh crab is your best bet - it stays on the hook better than shrimp and the drum can't resist it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature fish - bronze-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails that provide explosive shallow water action. These fish typically run 20-35 inches in our area, preferring water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface. They cruise marsh edges, oyster reefs, and grass flats year-round, with fall offering peak fishing as they school up. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that get everyone's adrenaline pumping. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Look for them tailing in shallow water or following bait schools. Live shrimp under a popping cork is foolproof, but topwater plugs at sunrise create heart-stopping strikes that'll have the whole family talking for years.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are a staple in Louisiana waters, typically running 14-24 inches with beautiful spotted sides that shimmer in the sunlight. These fish love grass flats and shallow areas, especially around dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall provides consistent action, with winter concentrating them in deeper channels. They're perfect for families - great fighters that jump and make strong runs, plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters with tender, flaky white meat. The key is not to overcook them since the meat is delicate. Work live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds, or try soft plastics on jig heads. When you find one trout, there's usually a school nearby, so keep working the same area.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth that make them a favorite with kids and adults alike. These 1-8 pound fish hang around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings - feeding on barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves who nibble delicately before committing, so you need to stay alert and set the hook hard when you feel weight. Spring months offer consistent action as they spawn around structures. The white, flaky meat rivals snapper for table quality, though their tough scales make cleaning a chore. Families love their quirky appearance and challenging fight. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and be ready - they'll test your patience but reward persistence.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that hide on muddy and sandy bottoms throughout our Louisiana waters. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds. What makes them special is watching both eyes on the left side of their head scan for prey while they blend perfectly into the bottom. They're active year-round but fall and winter offer the best action as they move toward deeper channels. Kids love the surprise of feeling that distinct flounder bite - more like dead weight than a strike. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. My tip: use live bull minnows on a Carolina rig and work it slow along structure edges where they ambush shrimp and small fish.
Louisiana