Lake Fishing in Barataria for Redfish & Drum
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Six-hour scenic fishing charter targeting redfish and black drumWildlife watching combined with casual angling in Barataria bayouIncludes fishing gear for up to four guests maximum
Looking for a fishing trip that gives you the best of both worlds? This 6-hour charter with Ron Ron Fishing Charters takes you deep into Louisiana's Barataria basin, where world-class fishing meets some of the most beautiful scenery you'll find anywhere along the Gulf Coast. We're talking about waters that hold serious fish – redfish, black drum, speckled trout, sheepshead, and southern flounder – all while you're surrounded by pristine marshland that feels like stepping back in time. This isn't your typical high-speed, fish-till-you-drop kind of day. Instead, you'll get to slow down, breathe in that salty air, and really connect with what makes Louisiana fishing so special.
Your day starts in the heart of Barataria, where the brackish waters create the perfect storm for holding fish year-round. Captain Ron knows these lakes like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for finding those sweet spots where the redfish like to cruise and the black drum stack up. The boat we'll be using is perfectly sized for up to 4 anglers, though the trip books for 2, so you'll have plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows. All your gear is included – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. The pace here is relaxed but productive. We'll move between spots based on what the fish are doing, but there's no rush. You'll have time to take in the wildlife, snap some photos, and really soak up the Louisiana marsh experience. Bring your camera because the sunrises and sunsets out here are something else, and you never know when a pod of dolphins might cruise by or a great blue heron might pose for the perfect shot.
Fishing these Louisiana lakes is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what the fish are telling us. For redfish, we'll often start with live shrimp under a popping cork or free-lined near the grass lines where they love to hunt. When the black drum are cooperative, fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom is hard to beat – these fish have incredible noses and they'll find your bait even in murky water. The speckled trout can be finicky, so we might switch to soft plastics or topwater plugs, especially during the early morning or late afternoon bite. Captain Ron keeps his tackle boxes stocked with everything from quarter-ounce jig heads to circle hooks in multiple sizes. The rods are medium-action spinning setups that can handle everything from a 12-inch trout to a bull redfish pushing 30 inches. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – the captain will get you dialed in quickly, and these fish aren't shy about letting you know when they're on the line. The beauty of lake fishing in Barataria is the variety. One cast might bring in a hefty sheepshead, the next could be a nice flounder, and if you're lucky, you might tie into one of those shoulder-burning black drum that make your drag sing.
The redfish have been the stars of the show lately, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties are Louisiana's signature species, and Barataria's lakes hold some of the healthiest populations you'll find anywhere. Redfish here typically run between 20 and 28 inches – that sweet spot where they're legal to keep but still have plenty of fight left in them. They're aggressive feeders, especially around the oyster reefs and grass beds that dot these waters. What makes redfish so exciting is their attitude – they'll crush a bait and then take off on blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arm strength. Black drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can push 15 to 20 pounds in these waters, and they fight like freight trains. They're bottom feeders with incredible suction power, so when they decide they want your bait, there's no mistaking it. The best part about black drum is how they school up – find one, and there are usually more in the area.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call them, are the technical fighters of the bunch. They're not as big as the redfish or as strong as the drum, but they make up for it with pure athleticism. A good speck will jump, dive, and shake its head like crazy trying to throw your hook. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a customer favorite for folks planning a fish fry. Sheepshead are the oddball of the group – they've got human-looking teeth and a knack for stealing bait that'll drive you crazy until you figure out their game. But when you do connect with a good sheepshead, they're surprisingly strong fighters that'll test your knot-tying skills. Southern flounder round out the cast of characters, and they're masters of disguise. These flatfish bury themselves in the sandy bottom and ambush prey, but when they grab your bait, they hit like a freight train. A good flounder will go 16 to 20 inches and makes for some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
This scenic Louisiana lake fishing charter offers something you won't find on every trip – a chance to really connect with the water and the fish without feeling rushed. Six hours gives you enough time to explore different areas, try various techniques, and hopefully put together a mixed bag that shows off what Barataria's lakes are all about. The fact that all gear is included means you can focus on the experience instead of worrying about tackle, and Captain Ron's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive water
Your fishing adventure takes you aboard a 2017 Blazer Bay 2420, a solid 24-foot boat that's built for Louisiana's shallow waters and bayou fishing. The 300HP Yamaha diesel gets you to the fishing spots quickly, but once you're there, the wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through the water without spooking the redfish and black drum. The GPS keeps you on track while the fish finder shows you exactly what's swimming below. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast your lines and fight those hard-pulling Louisiana reds. This boat handles the lake's changing conditions well, whether you're drifting over grass beds or working the deeper channels where the big drum like to hang out.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweight champions of our lakes, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some giants pushing 50-plus. You'll hear them before you see them - they make that distinctive drumming sound that carries through the water. These dark, powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and anywhere they can crush shellfish with those crushing jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. Guests love the strong, steady pull these fish give - it's more of a bulldogging fight than flashy jumps. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough and stringy. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom, and don't be afraid to use heavy tackle. When they pick up your bait, give them a second to turn before setting the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, with their copper backs and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most of ours run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, perfect eating size. They cruise the shallow flats, marshes, and oyster beds in water so shallow you can see their backs. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love most is watching them cruise the shallows and that powerful run when hooked - they'll peel drag and never give up easy. They're also some of the best eating fish around with firm, sweet meat. The secret is staying quiet and making long casts with spoons, soft plastics, or topwater plugs. When you see one tailing or cruising, lead them by a few feet and work your lure slowly past their nose.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are some of the most consistent fish we target, running 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds on average. They've got those beautiful spots along their silver sides and a mouth full of sharp teeth. These fish love grass flats, drop-offs, and areas with moving water, especially during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Spring through fall gives us the best action, with cooler months bringing bigger fish into deeper holes. Guests appreciate their aggressive strikes and the way they pull drag on light tackle. They're also prime table fare with tender, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe. The trick is using artificials like soft plastics or topwater plugs early and late in the day. Work your lures with a steady retrieve, and when they hit, keep steady pressure - those soft mouths tear easily if you horse them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese striped convicts are some of the craftiest fish in our waters, and those human-like teeth are something else to see. They typically run 1-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we occasionally see 8-10 pounders around the bigger structures. Sheepshead live around any hard structure - docks, pilings, rock piles - where they can pick barnacles and crabs. Spring brings the best action when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with light, finicky bites, so it becomes a game of skill. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and keep your bait moving slightly. The moment you feel weight, set the hook immediately - they'll steal your bait in a heartbeat.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push over 20 pounds. You'll spot their eyes on the left side of their head - pretty wild looking when you first see one. They love shallow bay bottoms and grass flats, especially during cooler months when they move inshore to feed. Fall and winter are prime time here in Barataria's lakes. What makes them special is that fight - they pull hard and steady once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. My tip: use live shrimp or small mullet on a light jig head, and fish it slow right on the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Louisiana