Cocodrie Inshore Fishing Charter for Beginners
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing trip for up to 4 guestsCaptain Kade provides patient instruction and all necessary gear includedTarget Redfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Sea Trout in calm waters
Looking to dip your toes into Louisiana's legendary inshore fishing scene? This beginner-friendly charter out of Cocodrie is your perfect entry point into the marshlands that make this area a top-rated fishing destination. Captain Kade specializes in working with first-timers, families, and anyone who wants to learn the ropes without the pressure. You'll spend a full 8 hours on calm waters where the fish are plentiful and the learning curve is gentle. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to brush up on your technique, this trip sets you up for success while targeting some of Louisiana's most popular inshore species.
This isn't your typical "figure it out as you go" fishing trip. Captain Kade takes the time to walk you through everything from proper casting techniques to reading the water for signs of fish. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests, keeping groups small so everyone gets plenty of one-on-one attention. You'll start the day learning basic knots and bait presentation, then gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques as you get comfortable. The pace stays relaxed throughout the 8-hour trip, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practice your skills. All fishing gear, bait, and licenses are included, so you can focus entirely on learning and having a good time. The waters around Cocodrie offer protection from rough seas, making this an ideal spot for beginners to build confidence without dealing with choppy conditions.
Captain Kade focuses on teaching fundamental inshore techniques that work consistently in Louisiana waters. You'll learn how to present live bait naturally, work soft plastics around structure, and read water conditions to locate fish. The captain uses light to medium tackle that's forgiving for beginners but still gives you a real fight when you hook up. Depending on what's biting, you might practice bottom fishing for Black Drum, sight fishing for cruising Redfish, or working oyster bars for Sheepshead. Each technique gets broken down step by step, from the initial cast to landing your fish. The captain also covers important basics like setting the hook properly, maintaining tension during the fight, and safely handling your catch. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid foundation in multiple fishing methods that you can use on future trips anywhere along the Gulf Coast.
The waters around Cocodrie hold an impressive variety of inshore species, each offering its own unique challenge for beginning anglers. Redfish are the area's signature catch, known for their copper-colored sides and aggressive strikes. These fish typically run 16 to 27 inches in Louisiana waters and provide an exciting but manageable fight for newcomers. Spring through fall offers the most consistent Redfish action, with fish feeding aggressively in the shallows during cooler parts of the day. What makes Redfish special for beginners is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their habit of cruising in shallow water where you can actually see them before you cast.
Black Drum represent another customer favorite, especially for families with kids. These bottom dwellers can range from smaller "puppy drum" perfect for beginners up to massive fish that will test your patience and technique. They're most active during cooler months and respond well to simple bottom rigs with cut bait. The steady, powerful pull of a Black Drum teaches new anglers proper rod handling and fish fighting techniques without the erratic runs that can overwhelm beginners.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as the "convict fish" thanks to their distinctive black stripes, but they're also known for being sneaky bait thieves. These fish hang around oyster bars and pilings, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. Landing Sheepshead requires developing a sensitive touch and quick hook-setting skills, making them an excellent species for building finesse fishing techniques. They're most active during winter months when many other species move to deeper water.
Sea Trout round out the slam of popular inshore species, offering fast action and beautiful coloration. These fish respond well to both live bait and artificial lures, giving beginners multiple ways to target them successfully. Speckled Trout are most active during spring and fall transitions, often feeding in large schools that can provide non-stop action once you locate them. Their relatively soft mouths teach new anglers the importance of steady pressure rather than heavy-handed fish fighting.
This beginner-focused charter fills up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons when families are looking for their next great adventure. Captain Kade's patient teaching style and the protected waters around Cocodrie create the perfect environment for building lifelong fishing skills and memories. You'll leave this trip with practical knowledge, increased confidence, and probably a few fish stories to share. The 8-hour format gives you plenty of time to practice different techniques and target multiple species without feeling rushed. Whether you're planning a family outing, want to try something new, or hope to develop a passion for fishing, this world-class charter experience delivers real results in one of Louisiana's most productive fishing areas. Book now to secure your spot and get ready to discover why Cocodrie has become a renowned destination for anglers of every skill level.
Hit the Louisiana waters aboard this sleek 24' Blue Wave center console, perfect for learning the ropes in Cocodrie's rich fishing grounds. With a powerful Yamaha 300hp engine that cruises at 40 knots, you'll reach the best fishing spots quickly and comfortably. The boat's fishfinder helps locate those hiding redfish and speckled trout, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats. GPS navigation ensures you never lose your way, and the VHF radio keeps you connected. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those relaxed 8-hour trips targeting redfish, sheepshead, black drum, and sea trout in Louisiana's calm inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavy hitters of Louisiana's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These dark, powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and keep your bait right on the bottom - these guys won't chase anything more than a foot off the mud.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature game fish, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They hang around grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges where they hunt crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active in the shallows. What guests love most is watching them "tail" in skinny water and the hard fights they put up. They're also great eating with mild, sweet meat. The key to success: look for nervous water and moving grass - that's usually a red pushing through the shallows looking for an easy meal.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for beginners - they're aggressive biters that typically run 14-24 inches and love grass flats and shallow bays around Cocodrie. These spotted beauties are most active during cooler months and early morning or evening hours when they move into the shallows to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. They're great fighters for their size and put on acrobatic shows when hooked. The tender, white meat is delicious but delicate, so don't overcook it. Best part about trout fishing is they'll hit both live shrimp and artificials like soft plastics. My local trick: work your lure slow and steady just above the grass - quick jerky movements usually spook them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their black and gray stripes, running 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. What makes them special are those human-like teeth they use to scrape barnacles and crabs off pilings. They're notorious bait thieves with light nibbles, so you need to stay alert and set the hook hard when you feel them. Spring is peak season when they gather around structures to spawn. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: get your bait tight against the structure - they rarely venture far from cover, and a small piece of fiddler crab on a light jig works magic.
Cocodrie, LA, United States