Offshore Snapper Trip (Seasonal)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Red, Lane, and Mangrove Snapper plus Cobia offshoreEarly morning departure aboard fullyequipped 26' Sea Hunt Bay BoatSeasonal availability from early June through early September
Louisiana's offshore waters come alive during snapper season, and there's no better way to experience it than with The Cajun Angler's early morning runs. From June through early September, we'll get you out to the prime spots where Red, Lane, and Mangrove Snapper are feeding heavy. This isn't your typical inshore grind—we're talking about heading out to structure that holds quality fish, with the added bonus of running into some serious Cobia along the way. Our 26' Sea Hunt Bay Boat handles the Gulf waters like a dream, and we've got everything covered from tackle to fuel. You just bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the ride.
We're talking about a pre-dawn departure here, so expect to meet us while most folks are still hitting the snooze button. That early start isn't just for show—it gets us to the productive water before the heat kicks in and while the fish are still actively feeding. The ride out gives you time to wake up with some coffee and watch the sun come up over the Gulf. Once we hit our spots, you'll be fishing structure that holds good numbers of snapper year after year. These aren't shallow water fish, so we're working depths where you can feel the difference in your fishing. The boat's equipped with everything you need—quality rods and reels that can handle these fish, fresh bait that snapper can't resist, and tackle boxes full of the right stuff. We keep it simple but effective, focusing on techniques that put fish in the box rather than just burning through bait.
Offshore snapper fishing is all about reading the bottom and understanding structure. We're not just throwing lines over the side and hoping—we're targeting specific areas where these fish set up shop. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse. We use circle hooks to keep everything legal and safe for the fish, paired with enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. Fresh cut bait works best, and we'll have plenty on board. The key is feeling the bite through the rod tip and knowing when to set the hook versus when to let the circle hook do its job. Lane snapper tend to be more aggressive and will often hit first, while the bigger red snapper might take their time sizing up the bait. Mangrove snapper can be finicky, so sometimes we'll switch up bait presentations to get them interested. When Cobia show up, that's when things get really interesting—these fish require a different approach entirely, often hitting live bait or jigs worked near the surface.
Red Snapper are the stars of this show and for good reason. These fish are built like bulldogs and fight twice as hard as you'd expect for their size. Louisiana's red snapper season is carefully managed, which means the fish you're targeting are healthy and abundant. They typically run anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds out here, with some real giants mixed in. Red snapper are structure-oriented fish, so they'll be holding tight to the bottom around rocks, wrecks, or artificial reefs. What makes them so sought-after isn't just the fight—the meat is absolutely top-tier. Clean white fillets that taste as good as anything swimming in the Gulf.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for it with attitude. These fish are aggressive feeders and often the first to hit your bait when it reaches the bottom. They're perfect for anglers who want steady action, typically running 12 to 16 inches with some reaching keeper size. Lane snapper have this beautiful pink and yellow coloration with distinct blue lines, making them one of the prettiest catches in the Gulf. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry. During peak season, it's not unusual to boat a dozen or more of these scrappy fighters.
Mangrove Snapper are the smart guys of the bunch, and that's what makes them so satisfying to catch. Also called gray snapper, these fish are notorious for being finicky about bait presentation and quick to spit a hook if something doesn't feel right. They're typically found in the same areas as red and lane snapper but might suspend higher in the water column. Mangrove snapper have excellent eyesight and can be leader-shy, so sometimes we'll drop down to lighter tackle to fool them. When you do connect, they're strong fighters that will test your drag. Size-wise, they run similar to lane snapper but with a different body shape—more streamlined and built for speed.
Cobia are the wild card that can make any snapper trip memorable. These fish are curious by nature and will often cruise up to check out the boat, giving you a shot at sight-fishing. Cobia are powerful swimmers that can reach 40 pounds or more, and when one hits, you'll know it immediately. They're not technically snapper, but they hang around the same structure and are always a welcome surprise. The fight is completely different—long, sustained runs rather than the head-shaking bulldogging of snapper. Cobia are also fantastic on the table, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Louisiana's offshore snapper season is short but sweet, running from early June through early September. This timing coincides with the best weather and most active feeding periods, but it also means availability fills up fast. At $1250 for two anglers, with room for up to three additional guests at $300 each, this trip delivers serious value for world-class fishing. Everything's included except your fishing license and whatever snacks you want for the ride. The 26' Sea Hunt handles the offshore conditions comfortably, and our local knowledge puts you on fish that many visiting anglers never find. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with quality eating fish or just want to experience Louisiana's offshore fishing at its finest, this seasonal trip hits
Step aboard our 2023 26' Sea Hunt Bay Boat and get ready to chase some serious snapper in Louisiana's offshore waters. This beauty packs a 300HP Yamaha that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 34 knots, cutting through the Gulf swells with ease. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to work the lines when the Red, Lane, and Mangrove Snapper start biting. Built for stability and comfort, this bay boat handles both the shallow coastal runs and deeper offshore waters where the big snapper hang out. We've got all your gear covered - rods, reels, fresh bait, tackle, and fuel are included, so just bring yourself and get ready for some of Louisiana's best snapper action from June through September.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown torpedoes of Louisiana waters - typically running 30-50 pounds and built like tanks. These solitary fish cruise alone around oil rigs, buoys, and structure in 30-100 feet of water during our summer season. What makes them special is they're often spotted cruising just under the surface, giving you that heart-pounding sight-fishing opportunity. When hooked, they'll peel line and fight dirty, diving for cover. The meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. Here's the trick: when you see one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slow. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow your boat. Keep a rod ready with live bait - they can't resist a good shrimp or crab.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snapper are the scrappy little fighters that'll keep your rod bent all day. Usually running 1-3 pounds with those distinctive pink and yellow racing stripes, they're aggressive biters that love the same spots as their bigger red cousins. We find them schooled up around structure in 40-80 feet during summer months. What makes them fun is their attitude - they hit hard and fight like fish twice their size. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, delicate meat. They're not picky eaters either, readily taking squid, shrimp, or cut bait. The trick with Lane Snapper is using smaller hooks - they've got smaller mouths than reds. A #2 or #4 circle hook will get you more hookups. They feed best at dawn and dusk, so our early morning trips are perfect timing for these colorful little bulldogs.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our offshore trips - thick, red fish that average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds on a good day. We target them around structure in 60-120 feet, where they stack up on rocky bottom and artificial reefs. June through early September is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. These fish fight hard for their size, making strong runs toward the bottom when hooked. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and when you feel that thump, don't jerk. Let the circle hook do its work as you reel steady. They're smart fish, so sharp hooks and fresh bait make all the difference.
Southeast Louisiana