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Top-Rated Beginner Inshore Fishing in Louisiana

  • Published Date: September 14, 2025
  • Fishing
  • South Louisiana
  • $1,100 price range

Summary

Ready for a day of fishing in South Louisiana? This beginner-friendly charter takes you from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle, targeting black drum, redfish, and other inshore species. Your captain's got you covered with top-notch Daiwa gear and live bait, plus expert tips to help you land more fish. Fly fishing enthusiasts are welcome to bring their own setup. Over 8 hours, you'll explore productive waters and learn the ropes of inshore angling. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, this trip offers a safe, guided experience for up to 4 guests. It's a great way to get a feel for Louisiana's rich fishing grounds and maybe catch your personal best. The Fishtales crew aims to make your day on the water both fun and productive, no matter your skill level.
Top-Rated Beginner Inshore Fishing in Louisiana

Inshore Catches & Views

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Caught a spotted weakfish measuring 18 inches in LA.

Inshore fishing in golden louisiana waters

Anglers fishing in Golden Meadow

Catch of the day in South Louisiana

7 fish caught in LA

Louisiana's finest fishing charters

3 redfish caught in LA

Hooking trophy fish in south louisiana

Four people enjoying a fishing trip in Golden Meadow

Reel in South Louisiana's best catches

Three anglers fishing in LA with their catch

Trophy fish in Louisiana waters

7 spotted weakfish caught while fishing in LA

Louisiana fishing adventures await

3 people fishing in LA

South Louisiana fishing charters

One fisherman catching a big fish in Golden Meadow

Guided fishing trips south Louisiana

Lone angler fishing in LA

Louisiana inshore fishing guides

Caught a spotted weakfish measuring 18 inches in LA.

Inshore fishing in golden louisiana waters

Anglers fishing in Golden Meadow

Catch of the day in South Louisiana

7 fish caught in LA

Louisiana's finest fishing charters

3 redfish caught in LA

Hooking trophy fish in south louisiana

Four people enjoying a fishing trip in Golden Meadow

Reel in South Louisiana's best catches

Three anglers fishing in LA with their catch

Trophy fish in Louisiana waters

7 spotted weakfish caught while fishing in LA

Louisiana fishing adventures await

3 people fishing in LA

South Louisiana fishing charters

One fisherman catching a big fish in Golden Meadow

Guided fishing trips south Louisiana

Lone angler fishing in LA

Louisiana inshore fishing guides

Caught a spotted weakfish measuring 18 inches in LA.

Inshore fishing in golden louisiana waters

Anglers fishing in Golden Meadow

Catch of the day in South Louisiana

7 fish caught in LA

Louisiana's finest fishing charters

3 redfish caught in LA

Hooking trophy fish in south louisiana

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Beginner's Guide to Inshore Fishing in South Louisiana

Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Louisiana has to offer? Fishtales Guide Service has you covered with this full-day adventure from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, our experienced captains will show you the ropes and put you on the fish. We're talking redfish, black drum, and whatever else is biting in these rich coastal waters. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to experience the thrill of Louisiana inshore fishing!

What to Expect on the Water

Our 8-hour trips are perfect for anglers of all skill levels, especially beginners looking to learn the ins and outs of inshore fishing. We'll cruise the productive waters between Golden Meadow and Grand Isle, hitting prime spots where the fish are biting. Your captain will be right there with you, offering expert tips on everything from casting techniques to reading the water. We provide top-notch Daiwa tackle and live bait to maximize your chances of landing a monster. And if you're into fly fishing, feel free to bring your own gear – we're happy to accommodate! This trip is all about having fun, staying safe, and hopefully putting some fish in the boat.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

Inshore fishing in South Louisiana is a blast, and we'll show you all the local tricks. We typically use light to medium tackle, perfect for battling redfish and drum in the shallows. You might find yourself tossing soft plastics near oyster beds, working a popping cork over grass flats, or slow-rolling a spinnerbait along a marsh edge. Live bait is often the ticket, and we always have a fresh supply of shrimp or mullet ready to go. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – your guide will walk you through each step, from rigging your line to setting the hook when a big one strikes. And remember, patience is key in inshore fishing. Sometimes it's about waiting for that perfect moment when a redfish tail pops up in skinny water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bruisers are a favorite target in our waters. They love hanging around structure and can grow to impressive sizes. Drum are known for their strong, dogged fights and distinctive "croaking" sound. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Anglers love targeting black drum because they're not only fun to catch but also excellent table fare.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing. They're famous for their bulldog-like fights and their tendency to "tail" in shallow water, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Redfish are around all year, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers. Landing a big "bull red" is a bucket-list item for many anglers, and our waters are full of them.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse, as they have a unique way of striking bait. The fall "flounder run" is a big deal around here, when these tasty fish move towards the Gulf to spawn. It's a great chance to fill the cooler with some of the best-eating fish in the sea.

Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these fish are a light-tackle angler's dream. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Sea trout love to hang around oyster reefs and grass beds, often feeding in schools. The bigger ones, which we call "gator trout," are prized catches. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for trout, but you can catch them year-round in our waters.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with us tend to get hooked themselves – on the experience, that is. There's something special about gliding through the marshes at dawn, watching the sun paint the sky as you cast your first line of the day. Maybe it's the thrill of feeling that first tug, or the satisfaction of learning a new technique and seeing it pay off. Our guests often tell us how much they appreciate the hands-on instruction, especially if they're new to fishing or to the area. And let's be honest – nothing beats the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner after a day on the water. Whether you're looking to learn, to relax, or to create lasting memories with friends and family, our inshore trips deliver time and time again.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Louisiana has to offer? Our Beginner Angler Inshore Fishing Charter is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking, of course) in the world of Gulf Coast angling. With expert guides, top-notch gear, and some of the most productive waters around, you're in for a treat. Whether you're dreaming of battling a bull red, outsmarting a crafty flounder, or just soaking up the beauty of our coastal waters, we've got you covered. Don't let another season slip by – give Fishtales Guide Service a call and let's get you out on the water. Trust us, once you experience Louisiana inshore fishing, you'll be planning your next trip before the boat even hits the dock!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the big cousins of redfish, growing up to 90 pounds in our waters. You'll usually find 'em in the 5-30 pound range though. Look for these bottom-feeders around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in brackish water. Spring's the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Black Drum make a distinctive croaking sound underwater, which is pretty cool to hear. They're not the prettiest fish, but they put up a great fight and the smaller ones make good eating. For bait, you can't beat fresh crab or shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a moment before setting the hook. Black Drum have tough mouths, so make sure you've got a sharp, sturdy hook.

Black Drum

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the crown jewels of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties, with their trademark black spot near the tail, typically range from 20-30 inches in the shallows. You'll find them tailing in water as shallow as 1-4 feet, often around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love redfishing for the sight-fishing opportunities and the hard-pulling fights they put up. Plus, they're excellent table fare. To hook one, try gold spoons or soft plastics in shallow water. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp in the mud. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight!

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in our waters. These silver-sided fish with distinctive spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs. Fall and spring are prime seasons when the water temps are just right. Trout are known for their light, flaky meat and the exciting topwater action they provide. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite. For the best luck, try using soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Remember to work your bait with subtle twitches – trout are suckers for an easy meal.

Sea Trout

Southern Flounder

These flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in our coastal waters. You'll find 'em in depths from 1 to 100 feet, often near structure like oyster reefs or pier pilings. Most Southern Flounder we catch run 15-18 inches, but they can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. Fall is prime time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They put up a good fight too, especially the bigger ones. To land a flounder, fish slow and stay in contact with the bottom. I like using live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. When you feel that distinctive "thump," give 'em a second before setting the hook. It's all about patience with these guys.

Southern Flounder

About the Fishtales Guide Service

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 55

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 400

Our comfortable and well-equipped fishing boat is perfect for exploring the diverse inshore waters of South Louisiana. With ample space for up to 4 guests, you'll have plenty of room to cast your line and reel in the catch of the day. The vessel is outfitted with top-notch Daiwa tackle and all the necessary safety gear to ensure a smooth and enjoyable outing. Whether you're targeting black drum, redfish, or other seasonal fish, our boat provides a stable platform for both novice and experienced anglers. The open deck layout allows for easy movement and multiple fishing spots, while the shaded area offers a respite from the sun during your 8-hour adventure. Designed for inshore fishing, our boat can navigate the shallow waters and hidden spots where the big catches lurk, giving you the best chance at a successful day on the water.
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Best South Louisiana Fishing!

Don't let that trophy-sized catch slip through your fingers – seize the moment and reserve your Fishtales Guide Service experience today! With our seasoned captain and cutting-edge gear, relish the excitement of landing magnificent fish in South Louisiana. Book now for an unforgettable memories that you will make!

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