Expert-Guided 6-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Afternoon Redfish and Speckled Trout Charter

If you're not a morning person but still want to experience some of Louisiana's best inshore fishing, Captain Guilbeau's got you covered with this afternoon charter out of Lafitte. This isn't just any fishing trip – it's six solid hours targeting the marsh's most prized species with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll be hunting redfish, speckled trout, black drum, flounder, and sheepshead in some of the most productive waters along the Gulf Coast. The best part? Everything's included except your fishing license, so you can focus on what matters most – landing fish and soaking up the Louisiana bayou atmosphere.

What to Expect on the Water

Starting later in the day gives you a different perspective on Lafitte's incredible marsh system. The afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal, especially when the morning boat traffic dies down and the fish start moving again. Captain Guilbeau runs a private charter for up to two anglers, which means you're getting personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod space with strangers. The marsh around Lafitte is a maze of cuts, ponds, and grass flats that hold fish year-round, and with six hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work multiple spots until you find where they're biting. The captain provides all the tackle, ice, and bottled water, plus he'll clean and bag your catch so it's ready for the dinner table. This is perfect for couples, father-son trips, or just two buddies looking to get away from the crowds and into some serious fishing.

Techniques and Tackle

Inshore fishing in Louisiana's marsh country is all about reading the water and adapting to conditions. Captain Guilbeau typically runs light tackle setups with live bait like shrimp, pogies, and croakers, but artificial lures play a huge role too. You might find yourself throwing spoons over grass beds for reds, working soft plastics along drop-offs for trout, or bouncing jigs on the bottom for black drum. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – you could be sight-casting to tailing redfish one minute and vertical jigging for sheepshead around structure the next. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's breezy on the Gulf, you'll be fishing comfortably in the marsh. Captain Guilbeau provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. The key to success here is staying mobile and letting the fish tell you what they want.

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches around Lafitte and fight like freight trains. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but they bite year-round. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush spoons, inhale live shrimp, and provide that heart-stopping visual when you see them tailing in shallow water. The slot-sized fish make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls give you a workout you won't forget.

Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana's inshore scene. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots are incredibly abundant in the marsh and absolutely delicious. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round by targeting deeper holes and channels during summer heat. Trout are perfect for light tackle fishing – they'll test your drag but won't break your back. Their schooling behavior means when you find one, there are usually more nearby.

Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they're incredible fighters and surprisingly good eating when handled properly. These bottom-dwellers can range from puppy drum around 15 inches to monster bulls pushing 40 pounds. They're most active in spring when they spawn near the passes, but you'll find them year-round around oyster beds and structure. The way they use their powerful tails and broad bodies to fight makes every hookup feel like you're connected to a truck.

Summer Flounder are the ninjas of the marsh – perfectly camouflaged ambush predators that provide fantastic table fare. These flatfish are most abundant during warmer months and love sandy bottoms near pass mouths and bay edges. Landing a doormat flounder over 20 inches is a real accomplishment, and their mild, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the Gulf.

Sheepshead are the convicts of the marsh with their distinctive black stripes, and they're hands-down the best eating fish you'll encounter. These bait-stealing experts hang around structure like oil rigs, rocks, and pilings. They're notorious for their light bites and ability to strip your hook clean, but once you figure them out, they're incredibly fun to target. Their human-like teeth and curious nature make them one of the most unique species you'll catch.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Guilbeau's afternoon charter offers something special – the chance to experience Louisiana's world-class inshore fishing without the early morning rush. Six hours gives you plenty of time to explore different areas, try various techniques, and really get a feel for what makes this fishery so renowned among anglers. With everything included except your license, professional fish cleaning, and a captain who's passionate about putting you on fish, this trip delivers serious value. The afternoon timing is perfect for visitors who want to sleep in, locals getting off work, or anyone who just prefers fishing when the sun isn't beating down quite so hard. Don't wait too long to book – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hottest.