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Best Beginner Fishing in Lafitte, LA | Inshore Trip
- Published Date: September 25, 2025
- Fishing
- Lafitte
- $600 - $6,250 price range
Summary
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Lafitte's Inshore Catches
Redfish runs keep rods bending all day.
Explore marsh channels full of Redfish.
Louisiana’s bayous are teeming with fish.
Enjoy year-round inshore fishing in Lafitte.
Cast for Black Drum in the marshes of Lafitte.
Chase Redfish tails in the shallow marsh flats.
Experience Lafitte’s legendary inshore fishing.
Redfish runs keep rods bending all day.
Family-friendly fishing in scenic Lafitte, LA.
Hook Black Drum in calm coastal waters.
Redfish runs keep rods bending all day.
Explore marsh channels full of Redfish.
Louisiana’s bayous are teeming with fish.
Enjoy year-round inshore fishing in Lafitte.
Cast for Black Drum in the marshes of Lafitte.
Chase Redfish tails in the shallow marsh flats.
Experience Lafitte’s legendary inshore fishing.
Redfish runs keep rods bending all day.
Family-friendly fishing in scenic Lafitte, LA.
Hook Black Drum in calm coastal waters.
Redfish runs keep rods bending all day.
Explore marsh channels full of Redfish.
Louisiana’s bayous are teeming with fish.
Enjoy year-round inshore fishing in Lafitte.
Beginner's Guide to Inshore Fishing in Lafitte
Ready to try your hand at inshore fishing but don't know where to start? Captain Kevin Hezeau's full-day trip in Lafitte, Louisiana is tailor-made for newcomers and casual anglers looking to learn the ropes. This 7-hour adventure kicks off at the crack of dawn, giving you prime time on the water to reel in some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after catches. Whether you're hoping to land your first redfish or just want to soak up the Louisiana scenery, this trip's got you covered.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll meet Captain Kevin at the dock in Lafitte at 6:00 AM sharp. Don't worry about packing a ton of gear – he's got all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need. The boat comfortably fits up to 4 people, but it's perfect for a pair of anglers looking for hands-on instruction. As you cruise out into the marshy waterways, Capt. Kevin will break down the basics of light tackle fishing and show you the ropes of popping techniques. These waters are teeming with redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum, so you're in for a real treat. And the best part? When you land that big one, the captain will clean it up for you right on the spot. Just remember to grab your Louisiana fishing license before you head out!
Techniques You'll Master
This isn't your grandpa's "sit and wait" fishing trip. Captain Kevin specializes in active, engaging techniques that'll keep you on your toes. You'll learn the art of light tackle fishing, which is all about finesse and feeling the bite. He'll show you how to work a popping cork – a local favorite for attracting speckled trout and redfish. You might also try some bottom fishing for sheepshead or flounder. Throughout the day, you'll get the hang of reading the water, spotting signs of fish activity, and making the perfect cast. By the time you head back to the dock, you'll have a solid foundation in inshore fishing techniques that you can use for years to come.
Top Catches This Season
Lafitte's inshore waters are a year-round fishing paradise, but each season brings its own highlights. In the warmer months, redfish and speckled trout are the stars of the show. As fall rolls around, you might find yourself battling hefty black drum. Winter brings the chance for some monster sheepshead, while spring is prime time for flounder. No matter when you visit, Captain Kevin knows exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on them. And remember, in these parts, it's not uncommon for even first-timers to land a fish worthy of the wall!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are known for their strong fights and distinctive spot near the tail. These copper-colored beauties can range from modest "puppy drums" to bull reds over 40 inches long. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing themselves with their tell-tale tail sticking out of the water – a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your average trout. Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are actually members of the drum family. They're known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake the hook, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. When you hook into a big one, get ready for some acrobatic leaps and runs.
Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it in taste. Flounder like to hang out on the bottom, often burying themselves in the sand with just their eyes poking out. Captain Kevin will show you the subtle art of detecting their light bite and the quick hook-set needed to land them.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and teeth that look eerily human, sheepshead are one of the more unique catches you'll encounter. They're notorious bait-stealers, so landing one is a true test of an angler's skills. But the reward is worth it – sheepshead are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousins of the redfish, black drum can grow to enormous sizes. While the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are great for the table, the real thrill comes from hooking into one of the big boys. A 30+ pound black drum will give you a workout you won't soon forget!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of Lafitte that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the marsh, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Or perhaps it's the thrill of watching your line go tight as a redfish takes the bait. For many, it's Captain Kevin's patient instruction and local knowledge that turns a simple fishing trip into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to enjoy a day on the water, this trip offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. And let's not forget – there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner!
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and try your hand at some world-class inshore fishing, Captain Kevin's trip is the perfect place to start. With all gear provided, step-by-step instruction, and a focus on beginner-friendly techniques, you'll be reeling in fish like a pro in no time. The base rate of $600 for 1-2 people is a steal for a full day of private instruction and top-notch fishing. And if you want to bring along a couple more friends, it's just $100 extra per person. So grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for a day of Louisiana fishing at its finest. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait – book your trip with Down South Fishing Charters today and start your inshore fishing adventure!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically ranging from 5 to 30 pounds but can hit a whopping 90 pounds. You'll find these bruisers around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in brackish waters. They're adaptable fish, thriving in both shallow flats and depths up to 100 feet. Spring's your best bet for targeting them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful fights and tasty meat, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They're bottom feeders, so live bait like crabs or clams works wonders. Here's a local tip: use a heavier leader and set the hook hard - these guys have strong jaws built for crushing shellfish. Just listen for their distinctive drumming sound, and you'll know you're in the right spot.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple of inshore fishing, known for their copper color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These bruisers typically range from 20 to 40 inches, with some monsters hitting 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in water so skinny their backs are exposed. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall's prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. Here's a local tip: look for "nervous water" or tailing fish in the shallows, then cast ahead of them. Use a gold spoon or a soft plastic under a popping cork for some explosive action. Once hooked, hang on tight - these guys pull like freight trains!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love estuaries and coastal areas with a mix of fresh and saltwater. Fall and winter are prime seasons, with big schools forming in deeper channels. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their delicate, flaky white meat and their willingness to hit artificial lures. Try topwater plugs or soft plastics for some exciting action. Here's a local tip: look for them around structure like oyster beds or dropoffs, and fish slowly - they often hit on the pause. When you find a school, you can catch multiple fish, making for a fun day on the water.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a unique catch. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present - they're notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth. You'll find them munching on barnacles and crabs around pier pilings and oyster beds. Here's a local tip: use a small, strong hook and set it quick. These guys have a light bite, so you've got to be on your toes. Try fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp for bait. When you hook one, be ready for a surprisingly strong fight. They're not just good eating; they're a blast to catch too.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of camouflage, blending in with the seafloor. They typically run 15-20 inches, but trophy catches can hit 26 pounds. You'll find these flatfish in estuaries and inshore waters, often lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms. Fall's prime time, especially September to November, when they're feeding heavily before winter. Anglers love Fluke for their delicate white meat and the challenge they present - they're not called "chameleons of the sea" for nothing. To catch 'em, try drifting with live bait like minnows or mullet. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the Flounder a moment to fully take the bait, then reel steadily. These ambush predators put up a surprisingly good fight for a flatfish, making them a fun catch for all skill levels.
About the Down South Fishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
