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Caught a Redfish Inshore in New Orleans
Redfish Inshore in New Orleans
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Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) belong to the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, commonly known as the drum family due to the drumming sound males make during spawning season. These popular gamefish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds when fully grown. - Redfish are easily identified by their coppery-red coloration and one or more distinctive black spots near the tail. - They thrive in shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry marshes, and nearshore environments. - Louisiana's marsh ecosystem provides ideal habitat for redfish, making New Orleans a premier destination for targeting these prized inshore gamefish.
Fishing Charter by Captain Brad D’Alfonso in August
Meet your Captain Brad D’Alfonso
- Experience Louisiana's Finest Inshore Fishing
Summary
Join Captain Brad D'Alfonso of Speck Dat Charters for a memorable Wednesday July inshore fishing charter in the Louisiana Marsh near New Orleans. This half-day morning trip focuses on targeting redfish in the productive waters of the Rigolets. We launch from Island Marina & Bait at 6 AM, giving anglers the perfect opportunity to catch fish during peak morning activity. Using live bait fishing techniques with popping corks and sight fishing methods, this charter is ideal for anglers of all skill levels looking to experience the legendary Louisiana inshore fishing scene. With all gear provided and fish cleaned after the trip, you can focus on what matters most—reeling in those prized redfish.
Fishing Charter with Brad D'Alfonso – Rates & Booking
Captain Brad D'Alfonso of Speck Dat Charters offers half-day morning guided trips on Wednesday July that depart at 6 AM. This 4-hour Louisiana Marsh Inshore Fishing Charter gives you the perfect opportunity to target redfish and speckled trout in the productive waters around New Orleans. The charter includes all necessary fishing gear—rods, reels, bait, and tackle—plus fish cleaning services at the end of your trip. With a focus on both live bait fishing and sight fishing techniques, Captain Brad accommodates all skill levels from beginners to experienced anglers.
The charter accommodates up to 2 guests, making it ideal for a personalized fishing experience. Guests should bring their valid Louisiana fishing license, along with any preferred snacks and drinks for the morning. Launching from Island Marina & Bait, you'll head out to the Rigolets and surrounding marsh areas known for productive inshore fishing. With early morning departures, you'll be on the water during prime fishing hours when the fish are most active.
Highlights of Louisiana Marsh Inshore Fishing Charter for Redfish and Speckled Trout
Tommy recently experienced a successful morning on the water with Captain Brad, landing a nice 15-inch redfish using live bait under a popping cork. The Louisiana Marsh is renowned for its incredible inshore fishing opportunities, particularly for anglers targeting redfish. Captain Brad's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots as conditions change throughout the morning.
The half-day format provides enough time to explore different fishing techniques while keeping the trip accessible for all experience levels. Whether you're new to fishing or an accomplished angler, Captain Brad's patient and professional approach ensures you'll have an enjoyable and productive time on the water. His ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and fish movement patterns maximizes your chances of success, even when strong storms threaten later in the day.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are the prized inshore species of the Louisiana Marsh. These copper-colored predators are easily identified by their characteristic black spot near the tail and can be found in shallow waters ranging from 1-4 feet deep. In the summer months around New Orleans, redfish are particularly active in the early morning hours, which is why Captain Brad's 6 AM departure time is ideal for targeting them.
The Louisiana Marsh provides perfect habitat for redfish with its extensive network of shallow flats, oyster beds, and marsh edges. Captain Brad employs proven techniques like live bait fishing with popping corks to entice these fish to strike. For a more exciting visual experience, sight fishing for redfish in clear shallow water offers an unforgettable angling adventure. The typical summer pattern finds these fish feeding actively along grass lines and structure during the cooler morning hours before retreating to deeper water as the day heats up.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your half-day fishing charter with Captain Brad D'Alfonso, plan to arrive at Island Marina & Bait shortly before your 6 AM departure time. The charter vessel comfortably accommodates up to 2 guests with all necessary fishing equipment provided. Dress in layers for the early morning temperatures, bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and don't forget your Louisiana fishing license.
The charter returns to the marina around 10 AM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your catch and the rest of your day in New Orleans. Captain Brad will clean and bag your fish after the trip, making it convenient to take home your fresh catch. With a perfect blend of professional guidance, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds, this charter offers everything needed for a successful day targeting redfish in the famous Louisiana Marsh.
Fishing in Louisiana: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a popular gamefish belonging to the Sciaenidae family within the Perciformes order. These distinctive fish are immediately recognizable by their copper-bronze coloration and one or more black spots at the base of their tail. In New Orleans waters this July, redfish provide exciting opportunities for anglers exploring the Louisiana Marsh with local guides.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore species along the Gulf Coast, prized for both their fighting ability and table qualities. They're known for their powerful runs when hooked and their willingness to take a variety of baits, making them accessible to anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in a variety of coastal environments including marshes, oyster reefs, grass flats, and beach fronts. They can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from nearly fresh water to full ocean salinity. Around New Orleans, redfish are particularly abundant in the Louisiana Marsh, The Rigolets, and surrounding bayous where they feed on crustaceans and small fish.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. In the Louisiana Marsh, anglers commonly catch redfish in the 15-30 inch range, with larger specimens referred to as "bull reds" found in deeper channels and nearshore waters, especially during spawning season.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and small baitfish. They often feed by tilting their bodies downward, tails sometimes breaking the surface (known as "tailing") while they root through bottom sediment for prey. Redfish are most active during dawn and dusk, which is why early morning charters like Captain Brad's 6 AM departure are particularly effective.
Redfish Spawning Season
In Louisiana waters, redfish typically spawn from August through October when water temperatures range from 70-75°F. During this period, mature redfish form large schools and move to nearshore waters with good salinity and tidal movement. After spawning, many return to inshore waters while juveniles often remain in protective marsh environments until maturity.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several techniques prove effective for targeting redfish in Louisiana's marsh environment. Live bait under popping corks is a local favorite, with live shrimp or finger mullet suspended at the right depth. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic jigs in natural colors, and topwater plugs during low light conditions can also be productive. In July, anglers around New Orleans find redfish concentrated along marsh edges and points with moving water, especially during falling tides when they ambush prey being pulled from the shallows.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that holds up well to various cooking methods. It's particularly delicious when prepared blackened, grilled, or baked. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to many other fish species. For the best eating quality, most chefs and anglers prefer redfish in the "slot" size range (typically 16-27 inches in Louisiana), as larger specimens can sometimes have coarser flesh.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Louisiana?
A: Live shrimp under a popping cork is the gold standard for Louisiana redfish, though live mullet, crabs, and cut bait also work exceptionally well. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics in shrimp patterns, and weedless spoons for fishing in grass are top producers.
Q: Where can I find redfish near New Orleans?
A: The Louisiana Marsh, The Rigolets, Lake Borgne, and Breton Sound are all productive areas for redfish near New Orleans. Look for them around oyster reefs, marsh edges, points with moving water, and submerged grass beds.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor that works well with many cooking styles. It's particularly popular in Cajun and Creole cuisine, often featured in classics like blackened redfish or redfish courtbouillon.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in New Orleans?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in the New Orleans area, many locals consider fall (September-November) prime time as redfish feed heavily before winter. Summer months like July offer excellent early morning action before the heat sets in, making dawn departures ideal.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a redfish and a black drum?
A: Redfish have a more copper-bronze coloration with one or more black spots near their tail, while black drum are silver-gray with multiple chin barbels (whiskers) and vertical dark stripes when young that fade with age.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish in the Louisiana Marsh?
A: Medium-action spinning gear with 15-20 pound test line works well for most redfish situations. A 7-foot rod paired with a 3000-4000 size reel offers the perfect balance of casting distance and fighting power for Louisiana marsh redfish.
