Chandeleur Islands Family Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Threeday luxury fishing charter targeting Speckled Trout and Redfish63foot mothership features private bedrooms, gourmet meals, and amenitiesFamilyfriendly guided trip includes fishing licenses and catch cleaning
Picture this: you and your crew heading out to one of the Gulf Coast's most legendary fishing spots aboard a luxurious 63-foot mothership. The Chandeleur Islands sit about 50 miles southeast of Biloxi, and they're absolutely loaded with speckled trout and redfish year-round. This isn't your typical day trip – we're talking three days and two nights of top-rated fishing action with all the comforts of home. From Thursday evening when you step aboard until Sunday morning, you'll have access to some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf has to offer, plus gourmet meals and luxury accommodations that'll make this trip one for the books.
The Chandeleur Islands chain creates a natural paradise for inshore species, and that's exactly why this charter has become such a customer favorite. You'll have a full 24 hours of prime fishing time from Friday morning through Saturday morning, giving everyone plenty of chances to hook into quality fish. The beauty of this setup is that families can fish together regardless of skill level – the first mate knows these waters like the back of his hand and can put beginners on fish just as easily as seasoned anglers. The mothership anchors in protected waters, so you're fishing the flats and grass beds where trout and reds love to hang out. Kids especially love this trip because the action stays consistent, and there's always something biting. Between fishing sessions, you can relax in the air-conditioned cabin, catch up on your favorite shows, or just enjoy the scenery. The yacht sleeps six comfortably in two private bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, so everyone has space to spread out and recharge between fishing sessions.
You'll need to bring your own rods and tackle for this one, but that's actually perfect because you can fish with gear you're already comfortable using. The Chandeleurs are famous for their shallow grass flats and oyster reefs, so lighter tackle works best here. Medium-light spinning rods with 10-15 pound test line will handle everything you'll encounter. Live shrimp and finger mullet are absolute killers for both trout and reds, but don't overlook soft plastics – chartreuse and pink paddle tails work magic in these waters. The first mate will help you dial in the right presentations based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are doing that particular day. Popping corks are another local favorite, especially when working the grass lines where speckled trout like to ambush bait. The great thing about fishing the Chandeleurs is the variety – you can wade the shallow flats, work the deeper channels, or fish around structure depending on what's producing. The first mate handles all the navigation and puts you on the best spots, so you can focus on fishing rather than reading charts or watching the depth finder.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Chandeleur Islands fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches in these waters, with plenty of bigger fish mixed in to keep things interesting. Specks are most active during dawn and dusk, but the Chandeleurs hold so many fish that you can catch them throughout the day. They love the grass flats where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish, and they're absolute suckers for a well-placed popping cork rig. What makes speckled trout so fun to catch is their aggressive strike – they'll slam a lure hard enough to nearly pull the rod out of your hands. Kids love them because they fight hard for their size and they're excellent eating. The best months are typically spring and fall when water temperatures are optimal, but the Chandeleurs produce year-round action.
Redfish are the other crown jewel of this charter, and they're what really get anglers' hearts pumping. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches around the Chandeleurs, with some real bulls pushing 30-plus inches. Reds are incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system and your arms – they make long, powerful runs and have this habit of heading straight for the nearest oyster reef or grass bed. What's really cool about redfish is how they feed – you'll often see them tailing in shallow water with their backs out, rooting around for crabs and shrimp. It's sight fishing at its finest, and there's nothing quite like watching a big red inhale your bait in crystal clear water. They're also extremely tolerant of different weather conditions, so even if the trout bite slows down, you can usually count on the reds to keep the action going. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when prepared right.
This world-class fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is absolutely on fire. The combination of luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and access to some of the Gulf's best fishing grounds makes this trip a no-brainer for families looking to create lasting memories on the water. With only six guests per trip, you get personalized attention from the crew and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The Southeastern Sportfishing Company has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while providing top-notch service, and this Chandeleur Islands package represents the best of both worlds. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing or looking for a unique family getaway that combines adventure with luxury, this charter delivers on all fronts. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the Chandeleurs have been producing phenomenal fishing lately, and word is getting out fast among serious anglers.
Your floating basecamp for chasing Speckled Trout and Redfish around the Chandeleur Islands! This 63' Ocean Yachts mothership was just restored in 2024 and runs like a dream with twin 1050HP MANN engines cruising at 25 knots. She sleeps 6 in two private bedrooms with full bathrooms, perfect for families wanting to fish the flats without roughing it. The galley serves up serious meals - we're talking prime rib and pork loin, not gas station sandwiches. AC keeps everyone cool between fishing sessions, and there's WiFi and Smart TV for downtime. All the fishing essentials are covered: GPS, radar, fish finder, plus wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on those shallow water reds. Your first mate handles the grunt work while you focus on putting fish in the box. Catch cleaning included, but bring your own tackle. Three days, two nights of fishing luxury departing Biloxi.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Chandeleur trips - copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. They average 28-33 inches but can push 45+ inches and 50 pounds. These fish love super shallow water, often so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mud bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. They bite year-round but spring and fall are prime time when they're most active. What guests love is their bulldogging fight - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Plus they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. They'll eat almost anything but live shrimp and gold spoons are money. My tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then make long, quiet casts ahead of their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are what we're really after here at the Chandeleurs - they're not true trout but drum family fish that love our grass flats. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we see some bigger ones. They cruise shallow waters around 1-4 feet, especially over grass beds and sandy bottoms. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they school up in deeper water during winter months. What makes them special is their gentle fight and excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: work the grass edges at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Listen for the telltale popping sounds they make when chasing bait.
Chandeleur Island