The Kraken Hunt - Southern Louisiana
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Bull Reds, Alligator Gar, and Bull Sharks for the "Wicked Slam"Fish Southern Louisiana's marshes and Lake Pontchartrain depthsSmall group inshore fishing adventure for up to 2 guests
Welcome to something special, folks. The Kraken Hunt isn't your typical day on the water - it's a top-rated quest through Southern Louisiana's legendary marshes and the mysterious depths of Lake Pontchartrain. We're talking about pursuing the "Wicked Slam" - that coveted trio of Bull Red, Alligator Gar, and Bull Shark that separates weekend warriors from serious anglers. This intimate 2-person charter gives you the best shot at these monsters while exploring some of the most productive waters in Louisiana. No meals, no crowds, just you, your fishing partner, and the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Picture this: you're gliding through skinny water where cypress trees cast long shadows, then suddenly we're out in the open expanse of Lake Pontchartrain where anything can happen. That's the beauty of this charter - we cover diverse terrain that holds completely different species. The marshes give us those tailing redfish and cruising drum, while the lake's structure and deeper water attract the big predators. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading tides, wind, and seasonal patterns to put you on fish. Some days we'll start shallow and work deep, other times we might chase birds or bait schools. The variety keeps things interesting, and honestly, you never know when that alligator gar is going to absolutely destroy your line or when a bull shark decides your bait looks tasty.
We fish smart out here, adapting our approach to whatever Mother Nature throws at us. In the marshes, we're sight fishing shallow flats, working cut bait around structure, and targeting those grass lines where redfish love to cruise. The boat stays quiet in skinny water - we're talking about spotting fish before they spot us. When we hit Lake Pontchartrain, it's a different game entirely. We're dropping heavier tackle, working deeper structure, and sometimes setting up with fresh cut bait for those monster gars and sharks. Circle hooks, heavy leaders, and quality reels are non-negotiable when you're targeting fish that can easily top 100 pounds. Your guide provides all the gear, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along. We'll adjust techniques throughout the day based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, and these marshes hold some absolute tanks. We're talking about fish that'll peel drag like you wouldn't believe. Peak season runs spring through fall, with summer offering the best shot at those 30-plus pound bulls that earn their nickname. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water, often tailing in less than two feet. When a bull red decides to run, you better hang on - they'll take you into the backing without breaking a sweat.
Spotted Gar might not be the prettiest fish in the water, but they're scrappy and fun to catch. These prehistoric-looking predators cruise the shallows looking for easy meals, and they'll absolutely hammer a well-presented bait. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer see them most active. Don't let their size fool you - a good spotted gar will give you a solid fight and some great photos.
Alligator Gar are the stuff of legends, and Lake Pontchartrain holds some true monsters. These ancient fish can live over 50 years and reach massive proportions - we're talking about fish that can easily hit 6 feet and 200 pounds. Summer is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. Landing an alligator gar is a bucket-list achievement for any serious angler. Their bony mouths make hooksets tricky, but when you connect, you're in for the fight of your life. These fish are pure power and endurance.
Bull Shark encounters are what separate this charter from anything else you'll find. Lake Pontchartrain connects to the Gulf, and these apex predators follow that brackish highway inland. Summer brings the best opportunities when they're most active in the lake's deeper areas. A bull shark hookup is unlike anything else - imagine hooking into a runaway train that can also jump. These fish average 6-8 feet but can push much larger. It's world-class fishing right in Louisiana's backyard.
Black Drum round out our target list, and the big ones are absolute bruisers. These bottom-dwellers can exceed 50 pounds and provide incredible fights in shallow water. They're most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets when other species slow down. A big black drum will test your tackle and your patience - they're known for long, powerful runs and stubborn fights near structure.
The Kraken Hunt represents the best of Louisiana inshore fishing rolled into one renowned charter experience. You're getting access to waters that many anglers never see, targeting species that most will never hook, with a guide who lives and breathes these marshes. Whether you complete the Wicked Slam or just boat a few of these incredible fish, you'll walk away with stories and memories that last a lifetime. This customer favorite books up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't wait - Louisiana's monsters are swimming out there right now, and they're not going to catch themselves.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator Gar are the real monsters here - 4-6 feet long and 100+ pounds of pure prehistoric power. These armored giants lurk in deep river bends and backwater sloughs, especially during hot summer months when they're most active. What draws folks is the bucket list factor - catching a living dinosaur that can breathe air and has bone-like scales. They're catch-and-release only, so it's all about the experience and photos. Late summer in dry conditions is prime time when they concentrate in deeper holes. Best approach is big live bait like carp or mullet on heavy tackle with a bright bobber. My secret: rig your bait about 6 inches under a 4-inch float and be patient.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the crushers of our oyster beds - typically 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. These silver-black bruisers use powerful jaws to crack shells, hanging around structure in brackish water. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. Juveniles prefer sandy shallows while adults like deeper, saltier areas near the Gulf connection. They're great table fare under 15 pounds but get tough after that. What's cool is their adaptability - shallow flats to 100 feet deep. Fresh soft crab is the go-to bait since catfish won't steal it. Fish it dead on bottom with enough weight to stay put.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull Sharks in Lake Pontchartrain and connecting waters run 8-12 feet and pack serious muscle at 200-300 pounds. These gray ghosts can handle fresh and salt water, making our marshes perfect habitat. Summer months bring the best shots when they move into warmer shallows to hunt. What gets people fired up is landing an actual shark in what looks like bass fishing water - it's the ultimate bragging rights fish. They're aggressive feeders and put up bulldogging fights that'll test your tackle and nerves. Fresh eel is the magic bait here due to its oil content and tough skin. Set up with heavy gear, use plenty of chum, and once they're up, they'll even hit topwater plugs.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull Reds in these Louisiana marshes average 28-33 inches, but the monsters we're after can push 45+ inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them cruising 1-4 foot flats around oyster beds and grass lines, especially on muddy bottoms. Spring through fall gives the best action when water temps are right. These copper-sided bruisers with their signature black spots put up serious fights in shallow water - watching their backs break the surface as they cruise is pure adrenaline. The meat on smaller ones is fantastic, light and flaky. My tip: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait sit dead still on bottom.
Lepisosteus OculatusSpotted Gar run 20-30 inches in our backwaters, with that prehistoric look and snout full of needle teeth. They hang around fallen timber and brush piles during the day, then hunt at night in muddy shallows. Spring spawning season brings them into 6-15 foot depths around vegetation. What makes them fun is that tenacious fight once hooked - they'll jump and thrash like crazy. Plus they're living fossils, been around since dinosaur times. Don't plan on eating them though, the meat's not great. Here's the trick: use a 6-foot spinning rod with 20-30 pound braid and bring a good landing net. They'll hit most anything but can be tough to boat.
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