Port Sulphur Nearshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Private 7hour nearshore fishing adventure for up to 4 guestsTarget Cobia, Red Snapper, and Tripletail in Louisiana watersExpert local guide provides insights and prime fishing locations
When you're looking for world-class nearshore fishing in Louisiana, Port Sulphur delivers the goods. This 7-hour private charter puts you right in the thick of some of the Gulf's most productive waters, where cobia cruise the rigs, tripletail hang around floating debris, and red snapper stack up on structure. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while keeping the trip relaxed and fun. With space for up to four anglers, this is perfect for families, buddy trips, or anyone wanting to escape the crowds and get serious about catching fish.
Your day starts early at the Port Sulphur marina, where you'll meet your guide and get the rundown on the day's game plan. We're talking about a full seven hours of fishing time, which gives us plenty of opportunity to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are doing. The boat is rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle - no need to bring your own gear unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. We'll be running anywhere from 5 to 20 miles offshore, depending on where the bite is hottest. The guide monitors weather, water conditions, and recent reports to put together a strategy that maximizes your chances. Don't forget to bring your cooler, snacks, and plenty of water - Louisiana sun can be intense, and staying hydrated keeps you sharp when that big cobia shows up.
This trip covers a variety of fishing styles to keep things interesting and productive. We'll be sight-fishing for cobia and tripletail when conditions allow - there's nothing quite like watching a 40-pound cobia swim up to your bait. Bottom fishing around oil rigs and natural structure produces red snapper and other reef species. The guide carries everything from live bait to artificials, and he'll switch up techniques based on what's working. Expect to fish around offshore rigs, floating debris, weed lines, and structure marks that hold fish consistently. The captain uses quality fish finders and GPS to locate productive bottom, but his local knowledge is what really makes the difference. He knows which rigs have been producing, where the bait has been showing up, and how to read the water conditions to put you in the right spot at the right time.
Cobia are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Port Sulphur's nearshore waters are renowned for producing these bronze bullets. These fish can push 50+ pounds and are absolute bulldogs on the line. They're curious by nature and will often cruise right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting with live bait or jigs. Spring through early summer is prime time, but we see them consistently through the warmer months. What makes cobia so special is their intelligence - they'll inspect your bait, test your drag, and give you a fight you won't forget.
Tripletail are another customer favorite and for good reason. These oddball fish hang around floating debris, channel markers, and anything that provides shade. They're ambush predators with a unique look - almost like they're floating sideways in the water. Don't let their lazy appearance fool you though. When hooked, tripletail make blistering runs and have a habit of jumping that keeps you on your toes. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red snapper fishing in Louisiana waters is world-class when the season is open. These bottom dwellers stack up around the countless oil rigs and natural structure, and a good day can produce limits of quality fish. Snapper are aggressive feeders but can be finicky about bait presentation. Our guides know how to rig baits properly and get them down to the strike zone quickly. The fight might not be as flashy as cobia, but there's something satisfying about the steady pull of a good red snapper.
Crevalle jack round out the target species list and provide non-stop action when the other fish are being picky. These silver speedsters travel in schools and will absolutely hammer bait when they're feeding. They're not the prettiest fish in the Gulf, but pound-for-pound, few fish fight harder. Jacks are perfect for getting kids or new anglers hooked on fishing - they bite aggressively and don't give up easy.
Port Sulphur's nearshore fishing scene delivers consistent action for anglers who want to experience Louisiana's best without the long run to deep water. This 7-hour trip gives you plenty of time to work different spots, try various techniques, and put together a mixed bag of quality fish. The private charter format means no crowded boats or rushed fishing - just you, your group, and a captain dedicated to putting you on fish. Weather can change plans quickly out here, but that's part of what makes each trip unique. Book early to secure your preferred dates, especially during peak season when the cobia and tripletail fishing is at its best. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. This is the kind of fishing trip that creates stories you'll be telling for years - don't miss your chance to get out there and experience it firsthand.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - solitary fish averaging 30-50 pounds with some bruisers pushing 100+. They cruise shallow reefs, wrecks, and around our oil platforms, usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're spawning and moving through. These fish are pure muscle and will make long, powerful runs. Plus, they're some of the best eating in the Gulf - firm white meat that rivals grouper. The key is sight fishing. When you spot one cruising near the surface, cast a bucktail jig well ahead and work it slowly past them. Don't get excited and cast right on top - they spook easy but come back curious.
Caranx HipposThese brassy-green bruisers average 3-5 pounds but can hit 60+ in our waters. Jacks are aggressive schooling fish that hunt in shallow bays, around oil rigs, and over grass flats. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. Look for diving birds - that's your jackpot. These fish fight like bulldogs and will test your drag system hard. They're not great table fare, but the battle makes up for it. Here's the trick: cast your spoon or jig past the school and burn it back fast. Jacks love the chase, and that rapid retrieve triggers their predator instincts. Don't cast directly into the school or you'll spook them. Silver spoons and white jigs work best down here.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize fish of our deep water trips, averaging 5-15 pounds with trophy fish over 30. These crimson beauties live around hard bottom, oil rigs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer season from June through August is when they're most active and feeding heavy. They fight smart, diving straight for structure to cut your line, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - sweet, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Live bait like cigar minnows or fresh squid work best on heavy tackle. My tip: when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and start reeling immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of steel.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our coolest targets - they look like floating debris until you get close. These olive-colored fish average 2-5 pounds and love hanging around weed lines, channel markers, and floating logs. Summer months are best when they're active near the surface in 20-50 feet of water. They're surprisingly acrobatic fighters for such chunky fish, and the meat tastes like a cross between snapper and grouper. What makes them special is the sight fishing - you'll literally see them floating on their sides mimicking weeds. Cast your shrimp or crab pattern well past them and work it slowly back. They're easily spooked, so stealth is key. Once hooked, watch those razor-sharp gill plates when landing them.
South Louisiana