Full Day Fishing Trip in Chandeleur Islands
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing adventure in pristine Chandeleur Islands watersTarget redfish, sea trout, black drum, and pompano speciesPrivate charter accommodates four guests with all gear included
Captain Elijah Troutman knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish in the Chandeleur Islands. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking a full 8 hours of prime inshore fishing time aboard his 23' Lightning Marine. Departing from Pass Christian Harbor, you and up to three buddies will have the boat all to yourselves while targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. The captain handles everything from your fishing license to live bait, so all you need to bring is your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks for the ride.
The Chandeleur Islands sit about 50 miles southeast of New Orleans, and they're absolutely loaded with fish. These barrier islands create the perfect mix of shallow flats, deeper channels, and structure that inshore species love. Captain Troutman runs a tight ship – literally – and his 23-footer is perfectly suited for navigating these waters safely while giving you plenty of room to fight fish. You'll be fishing with quality rods and reels, and the captain keeps a good supply of live bait on board because that's often what separates a good day from a great day out here. The trip runs rain or shine, though safety always comes first, so if Mother Nature gets nasty, the captain will make the call to reschedule.
Captain Troutman mixes up his approach depending on what the fish are doing and where they're hanging out. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water one minute, then dropping baits near structure for black drum the next. Live shrimp and croakers are the go-to baits, but don't be surprised if the captain breaks out some artificials when the fish are aggressive. The beauty of the Chandeleurs is the variety – you've got grass flats for trout and reds, deeper holes where the drum like to cruise, and plenty of current breaks that hold pompano and jacks. The captain reads the water and adjusts throughout the day, which is exactly what you want from a top-rated guide who's been working these waters for years.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Chandeleur Islands fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size fish around 20 inches up to bull reds that'll test your drag and your patience. Spring through fall offers the best action, with summer being prime time for sight-fishing the flats. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to pull drag like you wouldn't believe.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are another customer favorite around the islands. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and drop-offs, especially during the cooler months. A good trout will run anywhere from 15 to 25 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 30 inches or better. They're notorious for their soft mouths, so playing them requires a gentle touch, but that's part of what makes landing a big speck so rewarding.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the Gulf, but they're absolute tanks when it comes to pulling power. These bottom-dwellers can range from puppy drum around 15 inches to massive bulls that top 40 pounds. They love structure and deeper holes, and once you hook one, you'll know it immediately. The bigger fish are catch-and-release, but the smaller ones make for excellent table fare.
Great pompano are like finding gold in these waters – they don't show up every day, but when they do, it's game on. These silver bullets rarely exceed 20 inches, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll encounter. They love sandy bottom areas and current, making the passes around the islands perfect pompano territory. Plus, they're considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Crevalle jack round out the target species list, and while they might not win any beauty contests, they'll absolutely wear you out on light tackle. These aggressive predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon. Jack fishing is often fast and furious – when you find them, you better be ready because they don't stick around long. They're pure muscle and attitude, making them a blast for anglers who just want to feel their rod bend.
An 8-hour trip with Captain Troutman gives you the kind of fishing experience that you'll be talking about for years. The Chandeleur Islands offer some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast, and having a knowledgeable captain who provides everything you need makes this a world-class fishing adventure. Whether you're bringing the family, planning a guys' trip, or just want to experience what Louisiana's coastal waters have to offer, this is the kind of trip that delivers. The captain's got the experience, the boat's dialed in for these waters, and the fish are waiting. All that's left is picking your date and getting out there.
The Lightning is your ticket to serious inshore fishing around the Chandeleur Islands. This 23-footer cuts through Gulf waters with confidence, thanks to its 250 HP Yamaha that gets you to the fish fast and keeps you comfortable all day. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want to target redfish, sea trout, and black drum in these legendary fishing grounds. Captain Elijah knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this boat gives him all the tools to put you on fish. The fish finder picks up structure and schools, while GPS keeps you on productive spots. When you need to sneak up on spooky reds in shallow water, the wireless trolling motor lets you move without spooking anything. Between fishing spots, kick back and enjoy the multimedia system, and when you hook into something good, the livewell keeps your catch fresh. The icebox handles your drinks and lunch for the full 8-hour trip. VHF radio and radar mean you're covered for safety and communication, so you can focus on what matters most – bending rods and filling the cooler with Gulf Coast favorites.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 90 pounds. These fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to locate. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. They're incredible fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait and keep it right on the bottom. Catfish won't steal crab like they will shrimp, so you'll actually get shots at the drum you're after.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bruisers of the inshore world, averaging 12-24 inches but capable of reaching 4 feet and 60 pounds. These golden-sided fighters travel in schools and are absolute bulldogs on the line - they'll test every bit of your tackle. Look for diving birds working baitfish, as jacks push prey to the surface from below. They inhabit everything from shallow flats to deeper structures and aren't picky about water quality. What guests love is the raw power and aggressive strikes on topwater lures. They're not great table fare, but the fight more than makes up for it. Watch for birds and listen for that distinct watermelon smell when schools are feeding actively - that's your cue to start casting.
Trachinotus GoodeiGreat Pompano are some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf, though they're trickier to target than most inshore species. These silver beauties typically run around a pound and prefer sandy bottoms near structure where they hunt for mole crabs and small crustaceans. They're part of the jack family, so expect a solid fight when you hook one. Winter months around oil rigs are prime time, but they also work shallow sandy areas year-round. What makes them special is that delicate, almost buttery meat that's prized by chefs. They're smart feeders with small mouths, so downsize your bait. The secret is using sand fleas or tiny pieces of shrimp - anything bigger than your fingernail and they'll ignore it completely.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of shallow water fishing, cruising flats in just 1-4 feet looking for crabs and shrimp. Most run 20-35 inches and put up one heck of a fight with powerful runs and head shakes. You can spot them by their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. They're year-round targets but really shine in fall when they school up. What guests love most is sight fishing - watching their backs break the surface as they feed in skinny water gets your heart pumping every time. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's my go-to trick: when you see a red, cast well ahead of where it's heading and work your bait slowly along the bottom.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most reliable targets, typically running 14-24 inches and putting up a great scrap on light tackle. They love grass flats and shallow structure, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. The spotted beauties are most active during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also willing biters that'll hit both live bait and artificial lures. My favorite trick is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. The noise draws them in and that subtle action seals the deal.
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