Family Lake Fishing in Barataria Waters
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Six-hour family fishing charter in calm Louisiana lake watersAll equipment provided plus expert guidance for beginnersTargets redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead species
Looking for a fishing trip that works for everyone in the family? This 6-hour charter with Ron Ron Fishing Charters hits the sweet spot – calm lake waters around Barataria where kids can actually land fish without getting seasick, and adults can enjoy some serious angling action. We're talking about productive waters that regularly give up redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum. Captain Ron keeps things relaxed but focused, making sure everyone from your 8-year-old to grandpa gets their shots at some quality fish. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers total, with the base price covering 2 guests, so you've got flexibility for couples or small families.
Barataria's back lakes offer some of Louisiana's most consistent inshore fishing, and that's exactly where we'll spend our day. These protected waters stay fishable when the Gulf gets rough, and the grass flats and oyster reefs hold fish year-round. Captain Ron runs a well-maintained boat equipped with all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need – no need to worry about forgetting something important or buying the wrong gear. The pace stays comfortable for families, but don't mistake that for boring. These waters produce, and you'll be actively fishing structure, working grass beds, and targeting specific spots where the captain knows fish congregate. Kids love the action here because bites come regularly, and parents appreciate that the calm water means everyone stays comfortable. Louisiana doesn't require fishing licenses for charter guests, so that's one less thing to handle before your trip.
We fish these Barataria lakes using light to medium tackle that's perfect for the species we're after and manageable for anglers of all experience levels. You'll be working with spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test, paired with rods that have enough backbone for good-sized redfish but won't wear out smaller arms. Live bait produces consistently here – expect to fish with live shrimp, croakers, and cocahoe minnows depending on what's biting best. We'll also throw some artificial lures when conditions are right, especially soft plastics around grass beds and topwater plugs over shallow flats during the right tides. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, so you might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in the morning and bottom-fishing for black drum by afternoon. The boat's equipped with a shallow-water anchor system that lets us position perfectly over structure without spooking fish, and the casting platform gives everyone room to work without tangling lines.
Redfish are the bread and butter of these Louisiana lakes, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-size fish around 20-27 inches up to oversized bulls that'll test your drag system. Reds feed aggressively in the shallows, especially around oyster bars and grass edges where they hunt for crabs and baitfish. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but summer morning trips often produce spectacular sight-fishing opportunities. Kids get a real kick out of watching their rod bend over when a red takes off on that first run. The fight stays strong right to the boat, and these fish photograph beautifully for family memories.
Speckled trout might be the most fun fish to catch in these waters, especially for younger anglers. They hit lures with authority and jump when hooked, putting on a real show. These spotted beauties prefer slightly deeper water near grass beds and drop-offs, typically running 14-20 inches with occasional trophy fish pushing 25 inches. Spring and fall produce the best trout fishing, but summer early-morning trips can be outstanding when water temperatures stay reasonable. Specks have delicate mouths, so there's some skill involved in landing them, which gives everyone a chance to learn proper fish-fighting techniques.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators in these lakes, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim overhead. These flatfish can be tricky to hook since they often grab bait and hold it without immediately swimming off, but once you figure out the timing, they're incredibly satisfying to catch. Flounder fishing peaks in fall when fish move toward deeper water, and the lakes around Barataria hold some quality doormat-sized fish in the 15-20 inch range. They're excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for families planning a fish dinner.
Black drum don't win any beauty contests, but they're powerful fighters that give young anglers a real workout. These bottom-feeders love oyster reefs and bridge pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with their crushing teeth. Drum fishing stays consistent through most of the year, with larger fish showing up in cooler months. They typically run 15-30 inches in these waters, with occasional monsters exceeding 40 inches. The steady, bulldogging fight teaches patience and proper fish-handling skills.
Sheepshead are the finicky biters of the group, requiring some finesse and quick reflexes to hook consistently. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and small crabs around structure. They're notorious bait thieves, often cleaning hooks without getting hooked, but landing one feels like a real accomplishment. Sheepshead fishing stays best around oyster reefs and any hard structure, with winter months typically producing the largest fish. They're fantastic eating, which makes the effort worthwhile.
This family-friendly charter delivers exactly what most groups want from a Louisiana fishing experience – consistent action, comfortable conditions, and the chance to catch multiple species without dealing with rough water or complicated techniques. Captain Ron's approach works well for mixed groups where experience levels vary, and the 6-hour timeframe gives everyone plenty of chances to get into fish without wearing out the younger crew. The lakes around Barataria
Your fishing adventure takes place aboard a reliable 2017 Blazer Bay 2420, perfectly suited for navigating Louisiana's productive lake waters. This 24-foot motorboat runs on a powerful 300HP Yamaha diesel engine, giving you smooth rides to the best fishing spots around Barataria. The boat's wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for redfish and black drum, so you won't spook the fish. Modern GPS navigation gets you to productive areas quickly, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom structure where these species like to hang out. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room for the whole family to spread out and fish comfortably. The stable platform makes it easy for kids to learn proper casting techniques while adults can focus on landing those bigger drum. Captain Ron keeps all the rods, reels, and tackle organized and ready to go.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our Louisiana waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants reaching 90 pounds. These powerful fish love our oyster beds and shallow muddy flats, especially around creek mouths and structure. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear their drumming sounds underwater. Families enjoy them because they fight hard but steady, perfect for teaching kids how to work a big fish. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here in Barataria, I focus on live or fresh dead shrimp and blue crab around oyster bars. My local trick: use just enough weight to stay on bottom but let your bait move naturally with the current. These fish are smart and spook easily from heavy sinkers banging around.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature inshore species, known for their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most range 20-35 inches, with slot-sized fish around 5-15 pounds providing the best action and eating. These shallow-water fighters love our muddy flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings trophy-sized bulls cruising the shallows. Families love redfish because they fight hard but fair, making long runs that get everyone excited. The meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's perfect fried or blackened. They'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, crabs, or artificial lures. My favorite technique is sight-fishing with topwater plugs in skinny water where you can see their backs. Local secret: on calm days, watch for nervous water or "pushes" where reds are feeding just under the surface.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, averaging 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These spotted beauties love our grass flats and shallow bays, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures are comfortable. Trout are perfect for families because they strike artificial lures aggressively and put up a scrappy fight without being overwhelming for smaller anglers. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They school up in winter in deeper channels, making for some great action when you find them. My go-to setup is a 1/4 oz jig head with a soft plastic shrimp or grub worked slowly over the grass beds. Local tip: look for slicks on calm water - that's where feeding trout are busting bait just under the surface.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Louisiana with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders do show up around our oil platforms and bridge pilings. These structure-loving fish feed on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp around any hard cover they can find. Spring months from February through April offer peak action when they're spawning. Guests love targeting them because they're excellent eating - mild, white, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They're also notorious bait thieves, which makes for fun action and teaches patience. The key is getting your bait right against the structure where they live. I use live or fresh dead shrimp on a light jig head, keeping it tight to the pilings. My tip: when you feel those light pecks, set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait every time if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are fascinating flatfish that camouflage perfectly on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our Louisiana waters. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we occasionally see doormat-sized fish pushing 20+ pounds. These ambush predators bury themselves in the bottom and strike fast at passing bait. You'll find them year-round in our shallow bays and estuaries, but fall and winter months produce the best action when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. Kids love catching flounder because they're easier to hook than most species - they really grab onto the bait. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious. My tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or bull minnows near the bottom. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap-pause, wait a beat before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around in their mouth.
Louisiana