Louisiana Inshore Fishing with Captain Brad
When you're looking for a serious Louisiana inshore fishing experience, Captain Brad D'Alfonso and Speck Dat Charters deliver exactly what you're after. This 8-hour private charter takes up to 2 anglers deep into Louisiana's productive marsh waters, where redfish patrol the shallows and speckled trout stack up in deeper pockets. Brad's been working these waters for years, and his repeat customers tell the whole story – they keep coming back because he consistently puts fish in the boat. You'll get all the gear, bait, and tackle provided, plus he'll clean and bag your catch at the end of the day. Just bring your Louisiana fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and get ready for a full day of bend-the-rod action.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical crowded party boat trip – you're getting Captain Brad's full attention for the entire day. He runs a well-equipped inshore boat that can handle Louisiana's marsh waters and coastal flats with ease. The 8-hour charter gives you plenty of time to work different spots and target multiple species without feeling rushed. Brad knows where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns, so you'll be fishing productive water from the first cast. The beauty of Louisiana inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be working a grass flat for redfish, the next you're drifting a deeper cut for speckled trout. Brad provides quality rods and reels matched to the species you're targeting, along with fresh bait and a full tackle selection. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll adjust his approach to match your skill level and make sure you're having success.
Techniques & Tactics
Louisiana inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Brad uses a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. You might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds, working soft plastics along drop-offs, or pitching bait to structure where black drum and sheepshead hang out. The marsh environment offers incredible diversity – shallow flats, deeper bayous, oyster reefs, and grass lines all hold different species. Brad's boat is set up to fish it all effectively, with a shallow draft for getting into the back country and enough range to hit multiple spots throughout the day. He'll teach you how to read the signs – bird activity, bait movement, water color changes – that help locate fish. The tackle is matched to Louisiana conditions, from lighter gear for trout and flounder to stouter rods when big redfish are on the menu. Live bait is king down here, and Brad keeps a well-stocked bait well with fresh shrimp, but he's also skilled with artificials when the bite calls for it.
Customer Stories
"I've used Capt Brad multiple times, and he never disappoints. White trout, specks, reds, and a flounder - enough to feed a small army. Highly recommend him and will continue to come back." - MICHAEL
"First time fishing in Louisiana. Was a great experience with captain Brad. Very knowledgeable an felt like I was fishing with a friend an not just a paid guide. Good guy. Thanks Captain Brad look forward to the next go around." - David
"Captain Brad and Speck Dat Charters was top notch! I booked a trip for myself, my wife, and three kids ( ages 13, 9, 5) and was hoping the family could have a fun time on the water and maybe catch a few fish. Captain Brad was super! He went above and beyond to make sure all of us were enjoying the trip. As for the fishing…..well I think the team boated 9 or 10 different species, went through about 300 shrimp, had a cooler full of fillets, and memories that will last a lifetime!" - Jason
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from schooling rats in the 16-20 inch range up to bull reds that can push 40+ inches and really test your drag system. They're year-round residents that love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. Reds are aggressive feeders that hit live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. When you hook into a good red, especially in shallow water, get ready for some serious runs and head-shaking fights that'll have your arms burning.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are Louisiana's most popular inshore species. These beautiful silver and black spotted fish typically run 12-18 inches, with occasional trophy fish pushing 4-5 pounds. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Specks love deeper grass beds, channel edges, and areas with current flow. They're particular about bait presentation, which makes them fun to target with both live shrimp under corks and soft plastic lures. A good speck bite can result in fast action with multiple fish at each stop.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the Louisiana marsh, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds. They're bottom feeders that love oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and areas with structure. Drum have incredible pulling power and will test both your tackle and your back muscles. They're most active during spring spawning runs but can be caught throughout the year. These fish are excellent table fare when filleted properly, and the fight they provide makes every hookup memorable.
Southern flounder are the chameleons of Louisiana waters, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 12-18 inches and are prized for their excellent