Get ready to hit the Louisiana marshes for a full day of inshore fishing action! This 8-hour private charter with Speck Dat Charters is your ticket to some of the best fishing the Bayou State has to offer. We're talking about targeting the "Louisiana Grand Slam" - speckled trout, redfish, and flounder - plus sheepshead and black drum to round out your catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish. So grab your favorite snacks, your lucky hat, and let's get after it!
Your day starts bright and early as we load up the boat and head out into the maze of marshes. These protected waters are a fish factory, teeming with baitfish and the predators that chase them. We'll weave through the grass-lined channels, hitting productive spots where the fish are likely to be holding. Expect to do a mix of sight-fishing in the shallows and working deeper holes where the big ones like to hide. The beauty of these marshes is that you never know what you might hook into next - one cast could bring in a hefty redfish, the next a trophy speckled trout. And don't forget your camera - the scenery out here is something else, with birds, alligators, and other wildlife all around.
We'll be using a variety of techniques to target our inshore species. For speckled trout, we might start off throwing soft plastics under a popping cork, mimicking the sound of feeding fish to draw strikes. When we're after redfish, we'll switch to sight-fishing with gold spoons or topwater lures in the shallow flats. For sheepshead and black drum, we'll drop down some live shrimp or fiddler crabs around structure. Captain Brad will have all the gear you need - quality rods, reels, and tackle - but feel free to bring your own if you've got a favorite setup. Just remember to pack your Louisiana fishing license, some sunscreen, and plenty of water. Oh, and don't forget to bring a cooler for your catch - nothing beats fresh fish for dinner!
"Highly recommend Captain Brad! We had an amazing experience and will be back!!" - Michelin
"Captain Brad was awesome. He found the best spots and knew the answer to every single fishing question we had. We had never done a charter fishing trip before. I think we're hooked!" - Rebecca
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are a Louisiana staple. Known for their aggressive strikes and delicious meat, specks can be found year-round but really turn on in the spring and fall. They love to hang around oyster reefs and points where bait gets flushed through. When a school is feeding, the action can be non-stop. Nothing beats the thrill of a big gator trout crushing a topwater lure at first light!
Redfish: The bulldogs of the marsh, redfish will test your drag and your patience. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in inches of water or prowling the deeper channels. They're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. The fall "flood tide" is prime time for sight-fishing reds in the grass, but they're catchable year-round. There's something magical about watching a big red track down your lure in gin-clear water.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are ambush predators, lying in wait to pounce on unsuspecting bait. While they can be tricky to target, the reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea. We typically catch them as a bonus while fishing for other species, but in the fall, we can specifically target them as they migrate to deeper water. A flounder doormat is a prized catch for any angler!
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can provide some serious pull on light tackle. These cousins of the redfish grow to enormous sizes and love to hang around structure. While the bigger ones can be tough eating, a "puppy drum" in the 5-10 pound range is excellent on the plate. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, making them a great target when other species are being finicky.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy looks fool you - sheepshead are crafty opponents. With their sheep-like teeth, they're experts at stealing bait. But when you hook one, you're in for a fight. These striped battlers love structure and can be found around pilings, rocks, and reefs. They're especially active in the cooler months and are considered a delicacy by many anglers. Mastering the subtle bite of a sheepshead is a badge of honor in inshore fishing.
Listen, the Louisiana marshes are calling, and Speck Dat Charters has your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing you'll ever experience. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, this 8-hour trip has got you covered. Captain Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand and is ready to put you on the fish. So what are you waiting for? Grab a buddy, pack your sense of adventure, and let's hit the marsh. The fish are biting, and your next "personal best" is out there waiting. Book now and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. Trust me, once you fish these marshes, you'll be hooked for life!
October 10, 2024
Captain Brad was awesome. He found the best spots and knew the answer to every single fishing question we had. We had never done a charter fishing trip before. I think we're hooked!
August 6, 2024
Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a marsh angler's dream. These silver beauties with dark spots typically range from 14-20 inches, though gator trout pushing 25 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find 'em in the marshes year-round, but they really turn on during spring and fall. Look for them around structure like oyster reefs, drop-offs, and grass beds. They're schooling fish, so where you catch one, there's likely more. Specks put up a good fight and are excellent table fare, which makes them a favorite target. They'll hit live bait, but artificial lures like soft plastics under a popping cork work great too. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, watch for nervous water or slicks - that's often a sign of feeding trout. Cast a topwater lure into the mix and hold on tight!
Southern flounder are the chameleons of the marsh, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, but doormat-sized ones over 20 inches aren't rare. You'll find 'em in sandy areas near drop-offs, creek mouths, and along marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn, but you can catch 'em year-round. Flounder are ambush predators, so they're often found right where the current brings food to them. They're prized for their fight and delicious white meat. Live bait like finger mullet or mud minnows works great, but they'll also hit soft plastics or jigs bounced along the bottom. Here's a tip from years on the water: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to turn the bait - they often grab it sideways first. Then, when you feel weight, set it hard. It takes some getting used to, but man is it fun when you get it right!
Black drum are the big cousins of redfish, with a similar shape but darker coloration. They range from 5 to 30 pounds in the marsh, with some bruisers topping 50. You'll find 'em in similar spots to reds - shallow flats, oyster beds, and channel edges. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn, but you can catch 'em year-round. Drum put up a stubborn fight and the smaller ones make great table fare. They're less picky eaters than some other species, which makes them fun for novice anglers. Fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom is hard to beat, but they'll also take cut bait or even artificial lures at times. Here's a local secret: listen for their distinctive 'drumming' sound underwater - it's a dead giveaway that they're nearby. Once you find 'em, a simple bottom rig with fresh bait is all you need for some steady action.
Sheepshead are the striped convicts of the marsh, known for their human-like teeth and knack for stealing bait. Most run 2-5 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them around hard structure like pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs. They're here year-round, but the bite really picks up in late winter through early spring when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are crafty fighters and delicious eating, which makes them a fun challenge. They're notorious bait stealers, so you gotta be quick on the hook set. Live shrimp or fiddler crabs are top baits, but they'll also take small jigs tipped with shrimp. Here's a pro tip: use a small, sharp hook and fish straight down along structure. When you feel the lightest tap, set the hook immediately. It takes practice, but landing these striped tricksters is always satisfying.
Redfish are a Louisiana marsh staple, known for their copper color and tell-tale spot near the tail. You'll find 'em in shallow water, often tailing in 1-4 feet deep flats or hanging around oyster reefs. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can get much bigger offshore. These guys put up a great fight and taste fantastic, which is why anglers love 'em. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch 'em year-round. Look for schools pushing water or individual fish cruising the shoreline. They'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. My go-to trick? Toss a gold spoon or topwater plug near structure early in the morning. Watch for that explosive strike - it'll get your heart racing every time. Just remember, these fish have sharp senses, so a stealthy approach is key to not spooking 'em.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Highly recommend Captain Brad! We had an amazing experience and will be back!!