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Top-Rated New Orleans Inshore Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- New Orleans
- $525 - $775 price range
- Updated Date: November 23, 2025
Summary
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Inshore Catches
Hooked up in New Orleans
Calm waters, hot fishing spots
Cast in New Orleans!
New Orleans Finest Trout Fishing
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Big catches on the bayou today!
Fishing fun in New Orleans style
Bayou bites and good times
Trout action in Louisiana
Hooked up in New Orleans
Calm waters, hot fishing spots
Cast in New Orleans!
New Orleans Finest Trout Fishing
null
null
Big catches on the bayou today!
Fishing fun in New Orleans style
Bayou bites and good times
Trout action in Louisiana
Hooked up in New Orleans
Calm waters, hot fishing spots
Cast in New Orleans!
New Orleans Finest Trout Fishing
Reel in the Big Ones: NOLA's Best Fishing Trip
Hey there, anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of the most productive inshore waters around? Captain Frenchy's got you covered with this killer half-day trip right here in the Big Easy. We're talking five solid hours of non-stop action, targeting everything from hefty redfish to slick speckled trout. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this private charter is tailored to give you the ultimate New Orleans fishing experience. So grab your hat and let's dive into what makes this trip a must-do for any fishing enthusiast visiting NOLA.
The Lowdown on Your Day
Picture this: You're cruising through the maze-like marshes surrounding New Orleans, the early morning mist just starting to lift. Captain Frenchy's at the helm, pointing out prime fishing spots as you go. This ain't no cookie-cutter tour - it's a private trip for you and a buddy, meaning you've got the full attention of a local expert who lives and breathes these waters. We're talking hands-on guidance, insider tips, and all the gear you need to land some real beauties. From the moment you step on board, you're in for five hours of pure fishing bliss. And let me tell you, the scenery ain't half bad either - between casts, you'll be soaking in views of the stunning Louisiana wetlands that'll make you forget you're just a stone's throw from the French Quarter.
Tactics and Terrain
Now, let's talk shop. This inshore trip is all about versatility. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, the next you're working a popping cork for specks over an oyster reef. Captain Frenchy's got a whole bag of tricks - we're talking soft plastics, live bait, topwater lures, you name it. He'll read the water and adjust tactics on the fly to put you on the fish. And speaking of reading water, get ready for a crash course in spotting those subtle signs that scream "fish here!" We'll be working a mix of environments - from grassy flats to deeper channels and everything in between. It's this variety that keeps the rods bent and the fish coming over the gunwale all day long.
Raves from the Regulars
"Captain Sandot is simply the best! He's incredibly knowledgeable about the local waterways and knows exactly the right setup for a successful fishing trip. We had an amazing time and caught over 30 speckled trout and three redfish in just five hours. Highly recommend!" - Bryan
"Captain Frenchy was a super captain and host. Very fun and engaging and totally dialed in on the fish. We would recommend him highly to anyone and hope to fish again with him soon." - Margaret
"Simply awesome trip. We had our fish dinner on the hotel grill last night! Captain Sandot is as fine of a fisherman, tour guide and man as you will ever encounter. It was a pleasure and honor to spend the day with him. We will be back!" - Joseph
What's Biting: The Local Lineup
Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, the redfish - the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers can push 40 inches and put up a fight that'll test your drag and your biceps. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be working the edges of grass beds and oyster reefs. Fall is prime time for reds, but honestly, they're a year-round target here.
Next, we've got the black drum. Don't let their ugly mug fool you - these fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They've got a soft spot for crabs and shrimp, so we'll be using natural baits to tempt them. They can grow to monster sizes, but the "puppy drums" in the 5-15 pound range are perfect for the dinner table.
Striped bass, or "stripers" as we call 'em, are a bit of a wildcard in these parts. They're not as common as in the Northeast, but when we find them, it's game on. These hard-fighting fish love to hang around current and structure, so we'll be targeting them around bridges and deeper channels.
Don't sleep on the sheepshead - these striped convicts might look goofy with their human-like teeth, but they're cunning and put up a serious scrap. We'll need to finesse them with light tackle and small baits, usually fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. They're masters at stealing bait, so when you feel that tap-tap, set the hook fast!
Last but not least, the speckled trout. These spotted speedsters are a light-tackle dream. We'll be working soft plastics under a popping cork or free-lining live shrimp to tempt them. They school up, so when we find one, chances are good there's more where that came from. Nothing beats the visual thrill of watching a big speck blow up on a topwater lure at dawn.
Time to Lock in Your Lines
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase - this trip is the real deal. You're getting five hours of prime fishing time with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. We're talking non-stop action, a chance to land multiple species, and memories that'll last way longer than your catch (unless you decide to mount that trophy red, of course). Whether you're looking to bend a rod with your buddy or teach the kids the joys of fishing, Captain Frenchy's got you covered. The boat's prepped, the gear's ready, and the fish are waiting. All that's missing is you. So what do you say we make it happen? Book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you out there!
Customer Reviews
Trout Bonanza
Bryan Harper
June 2, 2025
Frenchy Fish Finder
Captain Frenchy was a super captain and host. Very fun and engaging and totally dialed in on the fish. We would recommend him highly to anyone and hope to fish again with him soon.
Margaret Begley
October 14, 2025
Sandot Serves Stars
Simply awesome trip. We had our fish dinner on the hotel grill last night! Captain Sandot is as fine of a fisherman, tour guide and man as you will ever encounter. It was a pleasure and honor to spend the day with him. We will be back!
Joseph Sawyer
April 18, 2025
Trout Triumph
Awesome trip and experience !! My girlfriend and I couldn’t be happier with our half day private charter. Frenchy is a world class fisherman and knew all the right spots to catch fish. Took excellent care of us while on the water, and we caught a bunch of trout!! 10/10 highly recommended
David Brown
October 16, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often reaching 20-30 pounds. You'll find these bruisers in shallow, muddy waters around oyster beds and structure. They use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish, so crab and shrimp make great bait. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the strong, stubborn fight Black Drum put up. Just remember, the bigger ones over 15 pounds can get tough and less tasty. For the best eating, target the smaller "puppy drums" under 10 pounds. When you're rigging up, go with a simple bottom rig and circle hook. Let that bait sit on the bottom and wait for the telltale thump. Black Drum aren't the prettiest fish, but they're a blast to catch and make for some fine eating when prepared right.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing. Most run 3-10 pounds, but bull reds over 20 are out there. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in grass flats or cruising oyster bars. They love structure and will hang around docks and pilings too. Fall is prime time when big schools move in, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. That copper color with the black spot near the tail is unmistakable. Anglers love sight-fishing for them in clear shallows. For lures, gold spoons or soft plastics work great. Live bait like shrimp or mullet is always a good bet. Here's a pro tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the grass. Redfish are also excellent eating, with a sweet, mild flavor. Just be ready when you hook one – these bulldogs will test your drag and your arms!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the oddball of inshore fishing. With human-like teeth and zebra stripes, they're a sight to behold. Most run 2-5 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them around structure – pilings, jetties, and reefs. They're notorious bait stealers, using those teeth to pick crabs and barnacles off pilings. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these crafty fish. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, white meat. For bait, fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp are top choices. Here's a local trick: use a small, sharp hook and wait for the slightest tap before setting. Patience is key – sheepshead are masters at stealing bait. When you do hook up, be ready for a stubborn fight. These convict-striped battlers will try to wrap you around every piling in sight!
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass are scrappy fighters that punch above their weight. Most run 1-4 pounds, but they feel twice as big on the line. You'll find them in clear, rocky areas of lakes and rivers. They love structure, so target around boulders, fallen trees, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime, but summer can be great if you fish deep or early/late. Smallies are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Anglers prize them for their fight and the skill it takes to fool them. For lures, you can't go wrong with soft plastics like tubes or finesse worms. Topwater action can be amazing in low light. Here's a local tip: when the water's warm, try night fishing with black buzzbaits. The big ones often feed after dark. Just be ready to hold on – even a modest smallmouth will give you a run for your money!
Striped Bass
Striped Bass are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills. These guys can grow over 50 pounds, but most you'll catch are in the 5-20 pound range. Look for them around structure like pilings, rocks, and drop-offs. They're migratory, so spring and fall are prime times as they move through. Stripers hit hard and put up an amazing fight on light tackle. Anglers love 'em for their size, strength, and tasty white meat. To up your odds, try live bait like bunker or eels. If you're throwing lures, go with swimming plugs or soft plastics that mimic baitfish. Early mornings and evenings are often best, especially around moving tides. Keep an eye out for birds working bait schools – that's a dead giveaway stripers are feeding below. These fish can make your drag sing, so hang on tight when you hook into a big one!
About the Captain Frenchy
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 37
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70
"Captain Sandot is simply the best! He's incredibly knowledgeable about the local waterways and knows exactly the right setup for a successful fishing trip. We had an amazing time and caught over 30 speckled trout and three redfish in just five hours. Highly recommend!"