Top-Rated Louisiana Marsh Morning Fishing Trip

Reel in Redfish and Trout in the Louisiana Marsh

Get ready for an early morning adventure on the water with Captain Brad D'Alfonso of Speck Dat Charters. This half-day inshore fishing trip takes you into the heart of the Louisiana marsh, where redfish and speckled trout are waiting to test your skills. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, you'll find plenty of action in these productive waters. Let's dive into what makes this trip a must-do for anyone looking to experience some of the best inshore fishing Louisiana has to offer.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts bright and early at 6 AM when you'll meet Captain Brad at the dock. Don't worry about bringing gear - he's got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. Over the next four hours, you'll hit some of Brad's favorite spots in the marsh, targeting a variety of species including redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, black drum, and flounder. The beauty of inshore fishing is that you're always close to the action, whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or jigging for trout along oyster reefs. And when the trip's over at 10 AM, Brad will clean and bag your catch, so you can head straight to the grill or freezer with your fresh fillets.

Techniques and Terrain

Fishing the Louisiana marsh is all about versatility. One minute you might be tossing soft plastics under a popping cork for specks, the next you could be sight-fishing for reds with live bait. Captain Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust tactics based on conditions and what's biting. You might find yourself working a topwater lure across a grass flat at dawn, then switching to a jig to probe deeper holes as the sun climbs higher. The marsh itself is a maze of shallow bays, winding bayous, and grass-lined banks - perfect habitat for a variety of gamefish. Don't be surprised if you spot some wildlife too; gators, ospreys, and pelicans are all part of the show out here.

Customer Stories

"Captain Brad man, he gave us an incredible fishing trip! Knows all the best stops and filets a fish like a complete pro. Thank you Brad, we had such a good trip and can't wait to come back and do it again!" - Corrie

"Captain Brad is AWESOME! Before the trip, he checked in several times to answer our questions and make sure we were ready. We had such a wonderful day fishing with him. He had everything taken care of, the bait, sunscreen, water, bug spray, etc. We caught 11 fish! After our trip, he cleaned and filleted the fish, bagged and ready to go! Captain Brad is knowledgeable, professional, and fun. Would recommend to anyone!" - Liz

"Wow! What a great fishing trip. Early August 2023. I could tell from my first phone call with Captain Brad how passionate he was about fishing and putting people on fish. We talked about the tide and how the bite has been recently. He took myself and my 2 boys out for a full day. We caught so many fish we stopped counting. We put one Bull Shark on the boat for a quick pic before releasing it. One Bull Red Fish and several slot limit Reds. Also, we caught so many Trout, Sheep's Head, Lady Fish and other species. I will be reaching out to him again for another fishing trip and I will be sharing his information with family and friends for their next trips!" - Paul

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of the Louisiana marsh. Redfish, also known as red drum, can range from small "rat reds" to bull reds over 40 inches long. They're known for their hard-pulling fights and their distinctive black spot near the tail. In the marsh, you'll often find them tailing in shallow water, their backs sometimes breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. The best time to target reds is typically in the fall when they school up, but you can catch them year-round in the marsh. Anglers love redfish for their aggressive strikes and the challenge of sight-fishing for them in clear, shallow water.

Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are a favorite among light-tackle enthusiasts. Speckled trout are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake their heads during the fight, making them a fun challenge to land. They range from 1-5 pounds on average, with gator trout (over 5 pounds) being prized catches. Specks are often found around structure like oyster reefs or along the edges of grass flats. They're most active in the cooler months, but can be caught year-round with the right tactics. Anglers prize speckled trout for their delicate flavor and the visual excitement of watching them blow up on topwater lures at dawn.

Sheepshead: These striped fish with human-like teeth are a unique target in the marsh. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge for anglers looking to test their skills. They're typically found around structure like pilings, rocks, or oyster reefs. Sheepshead feed primarily on crustaceans, so using fiddler crabs or shrimp as bait is often effective. While they can be caught year-round, the best time to target them is usually in the cooler months when they gather to spawn. Anglers appreciate sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the satisfaction of outsmarting these crafty fish.

Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum are another hard-fighting species you might encounter in the Louisiana marsh. They range from small "puppy drums" to big bulls over 30 pounds. Black drum are bottom feeders, often found rooting around oyster reefs or muddy bottoms for crabs and shellfish. They're less glamorous than redfish, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. The best time to target them is typically in the spring when they move into shallower waters to spawn. Anglers enjoy catching black drum for their strong pulls and the challenge of presenting baits in just the right spot to entice a bite.

Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized by anglers for their excellent table fare. Flounder are ambush predators, often burying themselves in the sand or mud with just their eyes poking out, waiting for prey to pass by. They're typically found near drop-offs, creek mouths, or along channel edges. Fall is usually the best time to target flounder as they move towards the Gulf to spawn, but they can be caught year-round with the right tactics. Anglers love the challenge of detecting the subtle bite of a flounder and the satisfaction of landing these tasty fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

A morning on the water with Speck Dat Charters is more than just a fishing trip - it's a chance to experience the unique ecosystem of the Louisiana marsh and potentially land some of the most sought-after inshore species in the Gulf. Captain Brad's local knowledge and passion for putting clients on fish make this trip a top pick for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-pulling reds, finesse some specks, or just soak in the sights and sounds of the marsh, this four-hour trip delivers big time. Don't forget to bring your Louisiana fishing license, some snacks, and a camera to capture the memories. With limited spots available each day, you'll want to lock in your date soon. Give Captain Brad a call and get ready to discover why the Louisiana marsh is a bucket-list destination for inshore anglers everywhere.