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World-Class 6-Hour Louisiana Marsh Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Louisiana
- $525 - $625 price range
- Updated Date: September 28, 2025
Summary
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Marsh Fishing Action
Reeling in the redfish gold in the Big Easy!
Reeling in the redfish gold in the Big Easy!
Reel in the Big One: Louisiana Marsh Fishing
Get ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore fishing waters around! This 6-hour trip with Speck Dat Charters is perfect if you're looking to spend a good chunk of time on the water without committing to a full day. Whether you're a first-timer or an old salt, Captain Brad D'Alfonso knows how to put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. We'll be chasing after redfish, specks, black drum, and more in the rich Louisiana marsh. Don't worry about gear - we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and bait. Just bring your license, some grub, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action!
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off, you'll see why the Louisiana marsh is a bucket-list destination for anglers. We'll cruise through a maze of grass-lined channels and open bays, always on the lookout for signs of fish. Captain Brad's got a keen eye for spotting tailing reds or birds working over a school of trout. He'll get you set up with the right rig for the conditions, whether that's tossing soft plastics, working a popping cork, or maybe even sight-casting to big bulls cruising the flats. And don't sweat it if you're new to this - Brad's a pro at teaching techniques that'll have you hooking up in no time. By the end of the day, you'll be reading the water like a local and probably itching to come back for more!
Techniques & Gear Rundown
On this trip, we'll use a mix of tried-and-true inshore tactics. Depending on what's biting, we might start off drifting live shrimp under a popping cork - a killer method for specks and reds that's easy for beginners to master. If the water's clear, we could switch to sight fishing, which is a whole different ball game. There's nothing like the rush of watching a big red zero in on your lure! We'll also likely do some bottom fishing with cut bait, especially if we're after those tasty black drum. The boat's decked out with top-notch gear from brands like Shimano and St. Croix, so you'll have the right tool for whatever we're after. Captain Brad's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so be ready to learn some local secrets that'll up your fishing game.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Captain Brad was great! He worked really hard to get a few amateurs a nice catch. I recommend the late morning or full day trip to give yourself enough time to catch a variety of fish. Will definitely look for Captain Brad again if in the New Orleans area." - Jason
"We had a great time. It was a very windy day. Slow day for fish but captain Brad made sure to find us spots to fish. We ended up with a good catch. Brad cleaned it for us and we took it to a nearby restaurant and they cooked it up. It was our first time out and I couldn't have been happier with our trip! Highly recommend." - Timothy
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Louisiana inshore fishing. They'll test your drag in the open water and your finesse in the skinny stuff. Reds can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds topping 40 inches. They're aggressive feeders and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch quality reds year-round in the marsh.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Specks are saltwater predators that school up and can provide non-stop action when you find them. They're known for their spotted pattern and delicate flavor. Spring and fall are hot seasons for specks, but summer can produce some giants. Nothing beats the sound of a big speck smashing a topwater lure at dawn!
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish might not be as flashy, but they're equally fun to catch and fantastic on the dinner table. Black drum can grow to massive sizes, with some topping 50 pounds! They love crustaceans, so fishing with crab or shrimp near oyster beds or other structure can lead to some hefty pulls. Winter and early spring are prime times for big black drum.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and teeth that look almost human, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one takes a bit of finesse. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be addicted to the challenge. These fish hang around structure like pilings and reefs, and they're at their peak in the cooler months. Pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fighters in the marsh.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. Catching them requires a slow, methodical approach - but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea. Flounder tend to move into the marshes in spring and fall, with the biggest fish often caught as they migrate to deeper waters in late fall. It's a real thrill to feel that distinctive 'thump' when a flounder takes your bait!
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip with Speck Dat Charters is the real deal. You're not just going fishing - you're getting a front-row seat to one of the best inshore fisheries in the country. Captain Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's passionate about putting clients on fish. Plus, with all the gear provided and your catch cleaned at the end of the day, it couldn't be easier. The Louisiana marsh is calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't miss out on the chance to create some lasting memories and maybe even catch the fish of a lifetime. Give Speck Dat Charters a call and lock in your date - the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner!
Customer Reviews
Capt Brad Catch Win
Jason Drouillard
March 19, 2025
Windy Win with Brad
We had a great time. It was a very windy day. Slow day for fish but captain Brad made sure to find us spots to fish. We ended up with a good catch. Brad cleaned it for us and we took it to a nearby restaurant and they cooked it up. It was our first time out and I couldn’t have been happier with our trip! Highly recommend.
Timothy Tope
February 15, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and muddy flats. These fish use their strong teeth to crush shellfish, so areas with plenty of oysters or crabs are prime spots. Spring is the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful fights and good table fare, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To catch one, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Black Drum often play with the bait before fully committing, so give them a few seconds to really take it. Their deep, drumming sound underwater is a dead giveaway when they're around, so keep your ears open too.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Louisiana marsh fishing. These copper-colored beauties, known for the black spot near their tail, typically run 20-30 inches in the marsh, but can grow much larger. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass beds, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers go crazy for reds because of their powerful fights and excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight-casting with soft plastics or live bait like shrimp or mullet. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs in the mud. When you spot one, make a quiet cast beyond them and slowly retrieve your bait past their nose. The explosion when they strike is something you won't forget!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Louisiana anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically range from 14 to 24 inches, though some can reach up to 5 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often around grass flats and oyster reefs. They're most active in cooler months, especially fall and winter when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers love targeting specks for their aggressive strikes and delicious, flaky meat. To catch them, try using live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Here's a local tip: look for diving birds - they often indicate a school of trout feeding on bait fish near the surface. When you hook one, be ready for some exciting action as they're known for their acrobatic jumps and quick runs. Just remember, they have soft mouths, so don't horse them in or you might lose your catch.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a unique catch in the Louisiana marsh. These tough fighters typically weigh 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structure - pilings, bridges, and artificial reefs. Their human-like teeth are perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs, so look for them near barnacle-covered structures. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching sheepshead, known for their bait-stealing skills. For the best shot at landing one, use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a local trick: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious for pecking at bait, so give them time to really take it. Once hooked, they put up a great fight for their size. As a bonus, their white, flaky meat makes excellent table fare.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. These ambush predators lie in wait for small fish and crustaceans, making them a fun challenge to catch. Look for them in estuaries, bays, and rivers, especially during fall when they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, mild-flavored meat. To catch one, try drift fishing or still fishing near the bottom using live bait like bull minnows or mullet. A local trick is to use a slip lead rig with a 1/4 to 3/8 oz head - this keeps your bait close to the bottom where flounder hang out. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then set it hard. Their fight might not be spectacular, but landing a quality flounder is always satisfying.
About the Blazer Bay
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Captain Brad was great! He worked really hard to get a few amateurs a nice catch. I recommend the late morning or full day trip to give yourself enough time to catch a variety of fish. Will definitely look for Captain Brad again if in the New Orleans area.