Get ready to wet a line in some of South Louisiana's most productive inshore waters. This full-day charter takes you from Golden Meadow to Grand Isle, hitting all the sweet spots where the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our expert captains will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. We're talking eight solid hours of casting, jigging, and hopefully a whole lot of catching.
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to share their local knowledge with you. We'll cruise through a mix of marsh, bayous, and coastal waters, always on the hunt for the next hot spot. You'll be using top-notch Daiwa gear, perfect for the light tackle action we'll be getting into. And if you're into fly fishing, bring your gear along – we're happy to accommodate.
We provide professionally rigged live bait, but don't be surprised if the captain pulls out a few secret weapons from his tackle box. These local guides have tricks up their sleeves that even the fish haven't seen coming. Throughout the day, you'll get hands-on instruction on everything from reading the water to perfecting your hook set. By the time we head back to the dock, you'll have picked up skills that'll serve you well on any future fishing trips.
In these inshore waters, we primarily use light tackle techniques that are both effective and a ton of fun. Jigging is a go-to method – you'll learn how to work soft plastics along the bottom, mimicking the movement of baitfish to entice those big predators. We also do a fair bit of popping, using topwater lures to create commotion on the surface. There's nothing quite like seeing a redfish explode on your lure!
For those new to fishing, don't worry – our guides are patient teachers. They'll show you how to cast accurately, work your lure effectively, and most importantly, how to set the hook when you feel that telltale tug. And for the more experienced anglers, our captains are always up for trying out new techniques or targeting specific species. It's all about tailoring the experience to what you want to get out of the day.
Black Drum: These bruisers are a favorite among local anglers. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive "croaking" sound, black drum can grow to impressive sizes. They're often found near structures and oyster beds, and they put up a fight that'll test your tackle and your stamina. The best part? They're delicious on the grill.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the crown jewel of inshore fishing in Louisiana. They're known for their hard-pulling fights and their tendency to "tail" in shallow water, giving sight-fishing enthusiasts a real thrill. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round in various sizes.
Sea Trout: These speckled speedsters are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Sea trout tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Early mornings and late evenings are typically the best times to target these tasty fish.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bottom for unsuspecting prey. While they might not put up the strongest fight, the challenge is in finding them and enticing a bite. They're most active during their fall migration, but we can target them year-round with the right techniques. And let's not forget – they're some of the best-eating fish in the Gulf.
There's something special about fishing these Louisiana waters that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of never knowing what you might catch next – one cast could bring in a scrappy redfish, the next a monster black drum. Or perhaps it's the breathtaking scenery, with pelicans diving for bait and dolphins playing in the distance.
But if you ask our regular clients, they'll tell you it's the whole package. It's the way our captains treat you like an old fishing buddy from the moment you step on the boat. It's the wealth of knowledge they share, not just about fishing, but about the local ecosystem and culture. And of course, it's about the fish – the heart-pounding moment when your rod doubles over and you know you're in for a fight.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Louisiana has to offer, don't wait. Our full-day charters book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends or family, we've got you covered.
Remember, all skill levels are welcome. Our patient guides will ensure everyone in your group has a great time, regardless of experience. We provide all the gear you need, top-quality bait, and a wealth of local knowledge. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture those "big fish" moments.
So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Book your full-day inshore fishing charter with Fishtales Guide Service today, and get ready for a day of Louisiana fishing you won't soon forget. Trust us, once you've fished these waters, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock!
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of our inshore waters, often tipping the scales at 30-40 pounds. These bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats, using their strong jaws to crush shellfish. You'll find them in brackish areas, from shallow bays to deeper channels. Spring's the hot time to target them, when they school up for spawning. Anglers get a kick out of their powerful fights and the drumming sounds they make. For eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds – they're much tastier. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Here's a local tip: on a falling tide, fish the deeper holes near oyster reefs. The drum will stack up there, waiting to ambush prey getting swept off the flats. Just be ready for a tug-of-war when you hook into a big one!
Redfish are the rockstars of our Louisiana marshes. These copper-colored beauties, with their distinctive black tail spot, typically run 20-30 inches inshore, but can grow much bigger offshore. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in water so skinny their backs break the surface. They love hanging around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and grass beds. Fall's a prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for their powerful runs and their delicious, firm white meat. To hook one, try sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics. Here's a local trick: on windy days, fish the lee shores where baitfish get pushed up against the bank. Redfish will be there to capitalize on the easy meal. Just be ready for an arm-wrenching fight when you hook into a big bull red!
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em around here, are a favorite target for light tackle anglers. These silvery beauties usually run 14-24 inches, with a 5-pounder considered a nice catch. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near channel edges. They're most active at dawn and dusk, often feeding in water as shallow as 1-4 feet deep. Fall and spring are prime seasons when the water temps are just right. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. To catch sea trout, try working a soft plastic jig or topwater plug around structure. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances – that's often trout smashing bait. Cast beyond the ripples and work your lure through the zone for some exciting action.
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow coastal waters. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to a hefty 33 inches. You'll find them in bays, estuaries, and even up into rivers. These ambush predators lie in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans to swim by. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, sweet meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To land one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. My local trick? Use a slow retrieve with a bucktail jig, dragging it along the bottom to mimic an injured baitfish. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook – flounder like to grab their prey sideways before swallowing.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 400