5.0(7 Reviews)Louisiana Marsh Fishing with Captain Brad D'Alfonso
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Fullday private charter targeting five inshore speciesCaptain Brad provides all equipment and cleans catchEighthour Louisiana marsh fishing experience for four guests
If you're looking for a solid day of inshore fishing in some of Louisiana's most productive waters, Captain Brad D'Alfonso and Speck Dat Charters have got you covered. This 8-hour private charter takes you deep into the Louisiana marsh system where redfish, speckled trout, and other inshore favorites are waiting. Brad's been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to find the fish when they're biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this trip is designed to put fish in the boat while showing you what makes Louisiana's marsh fishing so special.
You'll spend a full day exploring the maze of bayous, cuts, and flats that make up Louisiana's incredible marsh ecosystem. Captain Brad runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting his guests on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. The boat is equipped with everything you need - quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait. Brad handles all the technical stuff like reading the water, adjusting to changing conditions, and finding where the fish are holding. Your job is simple: cast where he tells you and get ready to fight some fish. At the end of the day, he'll clean and bag your catch so you can take home a cooler full of fresh Louisiana seafood. Just remember to bring your valid Louisiana fishing license, plus any snacks, drinks, or lunch you want for the day.
Louisiana marsh fishing is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Brad uses a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in shallow water, drifting live bait along channel edges for speckled trout, or working structure for black drum and sheepshead. The beauty of marsh fishing is the diversity - you're never doing the same thing for eight hours straight. Brad provides all the gear, from light spinning tackle for trout to heavier setups when the redfish are running big. He's always got live bait, but don't be surprised if he breaks out the artificials when the fish are aggressive. The marsh has everything from grass flats barely deep enough to float the boat to deeper channels and structure, so you'll experience the full range of what Louisiana inshore fishing offers.
"Great guide. Professional and personable. Great communication ahead of the trip." - Bryan Cobb. "Me, my dad and sons had a great time with Capt Brad. Would highly recommend him for a great fishing experience." - dusty smith. "Outstanding fishing trip! Took three of my grandsons and caught lots of nice fish!! Capt. Brad was patient and very helpful with them. Everyone had a great time!" - Hugh Till. "Fantastic trip with Capt. Brad! Forecast was horrible but he managed to keep us dry most of the day and put us right on the fish. Very personable and friendly, top notch equipment, and nobody works harder than him on the water when the fish turn on and the action gets chaotic. From trying to bait every hook, to unhooking every fish, to making sure everyone is having a great time, Capt. Brad absolutely exceeded all of our expectations for our trip. Will definitely be at the top of our list for future bookings!" - Troy Thibodeaux
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana marsh fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can be found year-round in the marsh, though they're most active during the cooler months from fall through spring. Reds range from slot-sized fish around 16-27 inches up to bull reds that can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. What makes them so popular is their aggressive nature and the variety of ways you can catch them. One minute you're sight-casting to a school of tailing reds in two feet of water, the next you're fighting a bull red that grabbed your bait near a deep channel. They're not picky eaters either - live shrimp, cut bait, and a wide range of artificials will all get bit.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are another customer favorite that provides consistent action throughout much of the year. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and channel edges of the marsh, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. Specks typically run 12-20 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" stretching over 25 inches and providing a real trophy. They're known for their soft mouths and acrobatic fights, often jumping and shaking their heads to throw the hook. The best part about trout fishing is they usually travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute powerhouses that will give you a workout. These bottom-dwellers love structure like oyster reefs, pilings, and rock piles where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Drum fishing is often about patience - they're not as aggressive as redfish, but when a big drum takes your bait, you'll know it. They make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. Louisiana's marsh system is perfect drum habitat, and fish ranging from 5-pound "puppy drum" to 30+ pound bulls are common.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators of the marsh. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms and strike lightning-fast when prey swims by. Flounder fishing requires a different approach - you're usually bouncing bait along the bottom or working soft plastics through likely spots. They're most active during their fall migration when they move from the marsh to deeper Gulf waters to spawn. A good flounder bite is something special, and these fish make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat.
Captain Brad's 24' Blazer Bay is built for serious Louisiana marsh fishing. This 2008 workhorse packs a 300Hp Yamaha that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 38 knots when you need to beat the weather or chase the bite. The spacious layout comfortably handles your group of 4 while you work the flats for reds and specks. What makes this boat perfect for inshore work is the wireless trolling motor – you can sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise. The GPS keeps you on productive spots, while the fish finder shows you what's swimming below. The VHF radio keeps you connected for weather updates and safety. Whether you're sight-fishing the shallows or working deeper structure for black drum and flounder, this Blazer Bay has the range and features to put you on fish all day long in Louisiana's prime marsh waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our marsh, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These powerful fish love muddy flats, oyster beds, and shallow water around structure. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're built like tanks with crushing jaws perfect for eating crabs and oysters. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll use every ounce of strength to pull toward structure. Smaller fish under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones get tough and stringy. Here's the key: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that steady weight and headshaking, set the hook hard because their mouths are like leather.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature fish, known for that copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They typically run 20-35 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges throughout our area. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding, but they bite year-round here. What guests love is their powerful fight and willingness to eat almost anything - from topwater plugs to live shrimp. The smaller "rat reds" are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The magic happens in 1-4 feet of water where you can sight-fish to tailing fish. Watch for nervous water and muddy spots where they're rooting around. Gold spoons and soft plastics are hard to beat in these skinny waters.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana fishing, averaging 14-24 inches with that classic spotted pattern. These fish love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are right, but summer nights can be magic over shallow grass beds. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're plentiful and cooperative. The key is not overcooking them since the meat is tender. My go-to technique is working soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork over grass in 2-4 feet of water. Listen for that distinctive pop when they strike - it's one of the best sounds in fishing.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Louisiana waters, sporting black and white stripes and human-like teeth that'll surprise you. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders show up around deep structure. These guys live around anything with barnacles - docks, bridges, oil rigs, and pilings. Spring months from February through April are best when they're spawning and grouped up. What makes them fun to target is their finicky nature and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're notorious bait thieves though, nibbling to test your offering before committing. The trick is getting your bait tight to structure and setting the hook aggressively at the first sign of weight. Fresh shrimp or small crabs work best, and don't be surprised when they strip your hook clean.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in our Louisiana marsh. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and love to bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Both eyes sit on their left side, which always surprises first-timers. They're scattered throughout our shallow bays and estuaries year-round, but fall and winter bring the best action when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is their incredible camouflage ability - they change color to match the bottom perfectly. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. My tip: when drift fishing, keep your bait right on the bottom and watch for that subtle tap - they're notorious for stealing bait without you feeling it.
5.0 out of 5.0Great guide. Professional and personable. Great communication ahead of the trip.
Me, my dad and sons had a great time with Capt Brad. Would highly recommend him for a great fishing experience.
Dusty, Thank you for the awesome review!! You guys were a pleasure to have aboard and put a mess of ...
Me, my dad and sons had a great time with Capt Brad. Would highly recommend him for a great fishing experience
Dusty, Thank you for the awesome review!! You guys were a pleasure to have aboard and put a mess of ...
Me, my dad and sons had a great time with Capt Brad. Would highly recommend him for a great fishing experience
dusty, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Outstanding fishing trip! Took three of my grandsons and caught lots of nice fish!! Capt. Brad was patient and very helpful with ...
Me, my dad and sons had a great time with Capt Brad. Would highly recommend him for a great fishing experience.
Dusty, Thank you for the awesome review!! You guys were a pleasure to have aboard and put a mess of ...
Fantastic trip with Capt. Brad! Forecast was horrible but he managed to keep us dry most of the day and put us right on the fish. ...
Louisiana