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Beginner-Friendly Inshore Charter in Lafitte
- Published Date: August 30, 2025
- Fishing
- Lafitte
- $500 - $1,400 price range
Summary
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Inshore Action Shots
Big Redfish catch — exciting inshore action!
Epic Redfish catch — exciting family fishing moment!
Massive Black Drum catch — exciting inshore action!
Exciting pile of Redfish & Black Drum catches!
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Family fishing victory — Redfish & Black Drum action!
Exciting catch — big Redfish success on the water!
Family catch — proud Redfish & Black Drum haul!
Big Redfish catch — exciting inshore action!
Epic Redfish catch — exciting family fishing moment!
Massive Black Drum catch — exciting inshore action!
Exciting pile of Redfish & Black Drum catches!
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Family fishing victory — Redfish & Black Drum action!
Exciting catch — big Redfish success on the water!
Family catch — proud Redfish & Black Drum haul!
Big Redfish catch — exciting inshore action!
Epic Redfish catch — exciting family fishing moment!
Massive Black Drum catch — exciting inshore action!
Exciting pile of Redfish & Black Drum catches!
Lafitte's Best Beginner Inshore Fishing Trip
Ready to wet a line in Lafitte's rich coastal waters? Captain Guilbeau's got you covered with this top-rated 4-hour inshore trip that's perfect for newcomers to fishing or anyone looking for a quick morning adventure. You'll be on the water as the sun comes up, targeting some of Louisiana's most sought-after inshore species. No need to worry about gear or licenses - it's all included, plus you'll get your catch cleaned and bagged to take home. Whether you're aiming to land your first redfish or just want to enjoy a relaxed morning on the bayou, this trip hits the sweet spot.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll meet Captain Guilbeau bright and early at 6 AM, just as the marsh is coming to life. He'll get you set up in his well-equipped boat and head out to some of his favorite inshore honey holes. The beauty of fishing Lafitte is the variety - one minute you might be casting along grass lines for redfish, the next you could be drifting over oyster reefs for speckled trout. The captain's got years of local knowledge, so he knows just where the fish are biting. And don't worry if you're new to this - he'll show you the ropes, from how to cast to setting the hook when a fish strikes. By the time 10 AM rolls around, you'll have had a solid morning of fishing and be back at the dock, hopefully with a cooler full of fish and definitely with some good stories to tell.
Fishing Techniques & Gear
On this trip, you'll likely be using light to medium tackle, perfect for the inshore species we're after. Captain Guilbeau typically sets you up with spinning reels, which are easy to use even if you've never fished before. Depending on what's biting, you might be throwing soft plastics, live shrimp, or even cut bait. The technique changes with the target - for redfish, you might be sight-casting to fish you can see tailing in shallow water. For trout, it could be a more active approach, working jigs or topwater lures. And for those big black drum, sometimes it's as simple as dropping a crab bait right in front of their noses. The captain provides all the gear and knows how to rig it just right, so you can focus on the fun part - catching fish!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Lafitte anglers. They love to hang around structure in shallow water, often giving themselves away with their signature tail sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Redfish put up a great fight, especially on light tackle, and they're delicious on the grill. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round in Lafitte.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for both their sporting qualities and their taste. They're often found over grass flats or near oyster reefs. Specks are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle touch is needed when setting the hook. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for big trout, but summer can produce great numbers.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, though the ones we usually target inshore are in the 5-30 pound range. They love crustaceans and will often be found grubbing around oyster reefs. Black drum are known for their strong, steady fights and are excellent table fare when caught at smaller sizes.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are sometimes called the convict fish. They're notorious bait stealers, thanks to their human-like teeth, which they use to crush crabs and barnacles. Catching them requires finesse and patience, but they're a fun challenge and taste great.
Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're highly prized for their sweet, flaky meat. Flounder like to ambush their prey from the bottom, often burying themselves in sand or mud near drop-offs or structure. Fall is typically the best time to target flounder as they move to deeper water for the winter.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Lafitte's inshore waters are like a fish magnet, drawing in a variety of species throughout the year. But it's not just about the fish - it's the whole package. You've got the beauty of the Louisiana marsh, with its winding bayous and abundant wildlife. Then there's the convenience - you're just a short drive from New Orleans, but you feel a world away from the city bustle. And let's not forget the food - nothing beats ending a fishing trip with a fresh catch cooked up Cajun style. Captain Guilbeau's trip gives you a taste of all this in just a half-day, making it perfect for fitting into a busy schedule or as part of a longer Louisiana adventure.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and see what Lafitte's inshore fishing is all about, this trip with Captain Guilbeau is your ticket. It's the perfect intro to inshore fishing - short enough to fit into a busy schedule, but long enough to give you a real shot at landing some quality fish. Remember, all the gear is provided, your catch will be cleaned for you, and you'll be in the hands of a local expert who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're a first-timer or just looking for a quick fishing fix, this trip delivers. So why wait? The fish are biting, and Captain Guilbeau's ready to put you on them. Book your spot now and get ready for a morning of Lafitte fishing at its finest. Just don't forget to bring your camera - and maybe leave some room in your cooler for the fish you'll be bringing home!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are inshore bruisers that put up a great fight. They typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, but can reach up to 90 pounds for the real monsters. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. These fish use their powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so areas with plenty of crabs and oysters are prime spots. Spring is the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong pulls and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. When fishing for them, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. A local trick is to use a heavier weight to keep your bait in place, as Black Drum can be stubborn biters. Listen closely too - they make a distinctive drumming sound that can help you locate them.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. They typically range from 20 to 40 inches and can weigh up to 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow water, often tailing in 1 to 4 feet deep around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. They're active year-round, but fall brings big schools to the flats. Anglers love Redfish for their powerful runs and their ability to be sight-fished in shallow water. They're also excellent table fare. To catch them, use live bait like shrimp or mullet, or artificial lures like topwater plugs and soft plastics. A local tip: look for "nervous water" or tailing fish in shallow areas, especially during low tide. When you spot them, make a quiet approach and present your bait ahead of the fish's path for the best chance at a hookup.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These fish typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds, though some giants can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in shallow grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels during winter. They're active year-round, but fall and spring offer the best fishing. Sea Trout are popular for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They're visual predators, so using lures that mimic their favorite prey - like shrimp or small fish - works well. Try topwater plugs at dawn and dusk for exciting surface strikes. A local tip: when fishing grass flats, look for potholes or sandy areas. Sea Trout often hang out in these spots, ambushing bait as it passes over.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. These inshore fish typically weigh 1-8 pounds and love structure - you'll find them around docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They're year-round residents, but spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers prize Sheepshead for their crafty nature and excellent table fare. These fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans, making them notorious bait stealers. To catch them, use small, strong hooks baited with fiddler crabs or oysters. Fish as close to the structure as possible, and be ready for a subtle bite. Here's a local trick: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait, so giving them time to fully commit improves your chances of a solid hookup.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, also called fluke, are masters of camouflage and ambush. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but trophy-sized ones can hit 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in estuaries and inshore waters. They're most active from spring through fall, with peak fishing in summer. Flounder are fun to target because of their unique feeding style - they lie flat on the bottom, waiting to ambush prey. Anglers enjoy the challenge of enticing a bite and the delicious, mild-flavored fillets. To catch them, use a slow retrieve with live bait like minnows or mullet, or try bouncing a jig along the bottom. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait and turn it before fully committing, so giving them that extra moment can improve your hookup rate.
About the Center Console Boats
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 175
