Chandeleur Islands Fishing Charter for Beginners
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Two-day guided charter targeting speckled trout and redfishAll-inclusive luxury yacht accommodations with gourmet meals includedBeginner-friendly flats fishing using 17-foot skiffs
Picture this: you're standing on pristine grass flats watching the sun rise over some of the Gulf Coast's most productive waters, rod in hand, ready to tangle with speckled trout and redfish that call these remote islands home. This two-day, two-night charter from Biloxi takes you 40 miles offshore to the legendary Chandeleur Islands – a barrier island chain that's been putting smiles on anglers' faces for generations. You'll sleep aboard a luxury 63-foot mothership and fish from nimble 17-foot skiffs that can sneak into skinny water where the big fish hunt. Even if you've never held a fishing rod before, this top-rated adventure gives you everything needed to land your first keeper.
Your fishing adventure kicks off Thursday evening when you board the mothership in Biloxi. After settling into one of two comfortable bedrooms with private bathrooms, you'll cruise overnight to the Chandeleurs while enjoying gourmet meals that beat any restaurant back on shore – we're talking prime rib and pork loin, not gas station sandwiches. Come Friday morning at 1 AM, the real action begins. You'll hop aboard those smaller skiffs with your captain and head out to work the grass flats where speckled trout and redfish patrol the shallows. These boats draw just inches of water, letting you reach spots that bigger vessels can't touch. The fishing continues until 1 AM Saturday, giving you nearly 24 hours to perfect your technique and fill the cooler. Between fishing sessions, you'll return to the mothership for hot meals, cold drinks, and maybe catch a game on Direct TV while your legs get a break from standing on deck.
Flats fishing is all about reading the water and presenting your bait where hungry fish are cruising. Your experienced captain will position the skiff over grass beds in two to four feet of crystal-clear water, teaching you to spot the telltale signs of feeding fish – nervous water, baitfish jumping, or the classic redfish tail breaking the surface. You'll learn to cast live shrimp, croakers, or artificial lures toward these productive zones without spooking your target. The key is staying quiet and making accurate presentations since these fish can see you just as well as you can see them. Don't worry about bringing tackle – while you need to pack your own rods and reels, your captain will have plenty of local knowledge about what's working each day. Popular setups include medium-action spinning rods with 15-20 pound test line, perfect for handling feisty redfish without being too heavy for speckled trout. Circle hooks and popping corks are standard gear, along with a selection of soft plastics that mimic the shrimp and small fish these species hammer.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Chandeleur Islands fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted sides typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with trophy specimens pushing 25 inches or more during peak season from April through October. What makes specks so special is their willingness to bite and their fantastic table fare – many consider them the best-eating fish in the Gulf. They're ambush predators that hang around grass beds waiting for shrimp and small fish to swim by, making them perfect targets for beginners who are still learning to read water. When you hook one, expect a solid fight with multiple runs before they come to the boat. The cooler months from November through March can still produce excellent speck fishing, though you might need to work a bit harder to find them in deeper pockets.
Redfish bring the muscle to this fishery, averaging 20-30 inches with some bruisers exceeding 40 inches and 30 pounds. These copper-colored bulldogs are famous for their never-quit attitude – once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and leave your arms burning. What really gets anglers fired up is sight-fishing for reds in shallow water, watching their tails break the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp in the grass. The Chandeleurs offer some of the Gulf Coast's most consistent redfish action year-round, though spring and fall typically produce the largest numbers. Unlike speckled trout, redfish don't have a traditional closed season, so you can target them any time of year. Just remember that fish over 27 inches must be released immediately – but don't worry, a 20-inch red provides plenty of excitement and excellent eating.
This world-class fishing charter combines luxury accommodations with access to some of Louisiana's most productive waters, all while providing the guidance beginners need to succeed. With only six spots available per trip, these adventures fill up fast – especially during prime fishing months when the bite is hot. Your investment includes everything except your personal fishing gear: luxury lodging, gourmet meals that rival high-end restaurants, professional fish cleaning service, and a fishing license that keeps you legal. The experienced crew knows these waters like their backyard and takes pride in putting first-time anglers on fish while sharing decades of local knowledge. Whether you're looking to start a lifelong fishing addiction or finally experience the legendary Chandeleur Islands, this customer favorite delivers memories that last long after the last fish hits the cooler. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what serious Gulf Coast anglers have known for years – book your spot today and get ready to understand why people drive hundreds of miles just to wet a line in these waters.
Get ready to fish the legendary Chandeleur Islands aboard our fully restored 63' Ocean Yacht mothership! This floating basecamp sleeps 6 in two comfortable bedrooms with private baths, powered by twin 1050HP engines that cruise at 25 knots to get you to prime fishing grounds fast. Once anchored, you'll fish the grass flats from nimble 17' skiffs targeting Speckled Trout and Redfish in shallow water paradise. The yacht keeps you comfortable between fishing sessions with AC, WiFi, and entertainment, while our kitchen serves up gourmet meals including prime rib and pork loin. Modern fish finders and GPS help locate the best bite, while the flybridge offers perfect spotting views. Everything's included - meals, drinks, catch cleaning, even your fishing license. Just bring your gear and appetite for some of the Gulf's best fishing action!
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish in these waters typically range from 20-35 inches, with those signature black spots near their copper-colored tails. They cruise our shallow grass flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing above the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially on warmer days when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and make powerful runs that test your gear. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The key trick out here is to watch for nervous water and "wakes" - when you spot a red tailing or pushing water, cast well ahead of where they're heading and let your bait settle before they arrive.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout around the Chandeleurs typically run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, with their silver bodies covered in distinct black spots. They love our grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. Early morning and late evening produce the best action, though night fishing can be hot when conditions are right. These fish are scrappy fighters that'll make multiple runs, and they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. My go-to tip: work your lure slower than you think - specks often follow before they strike, and a subtle twitch right when you feel them behind the bait usually seals the deal.
Chandeleur Island