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Beginner-Friendly Port Sulphur Fishing Charter
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Port Sulphur
- $700 price range
- Updated Date: October 24, 2025
Summary
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Catch of the Day
Picking Pumpkins 🎃
Family time and redfish smiles in Port Sulphur!
Sunshine, redfish, and laughter all day long.
First redfish, lifelong memory.
Hooked on family time in Port Sulphur.
Proud smiles with the catch of the day!
Teaching the next generation, one cast at a time.
Picking Pumpkins 🎃
Family time and redfish smiles in Port Sulphur!
Sunshine, redfish, and laughter all day long.
First redfish, lifelong memory.
Hooked on family time in Port Sulphur.
Proud smiles with the catch of the day!
Teaching the next generation, one cast at a time.
Picking Pumpkins 🎃
Beginner's Inshore Bonanza: Redfish & More
Looking to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? You've come to the right place. This half-day trip out of Port Sulphur, Louisiana is tailor-made for newcomers to the sport. Captain Chris has designed a laid-back experience that'll have you casting like a pro in no time. We'll be targeting some of the Gulf's most popular inshore species, including redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead. Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to brush up on your skills, this trip is the perfect way to get hooked on Louisiana's incredible inshore fishing scene.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll meet bright and early at 6:30 AM at 161 Marina Rd in Port Sulphur. Don't worry about bringing any gear – Captain Chris has got you covered with all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility. We'll start with some basic techniques like bottom fishing and light tackle, but we can adjust based on your comfort level and what the fish are biting. The shallow waters around Port Sulphur are teeming with life, so there's always action to be had. Over the course of our 6-hour trip, you'll get hands-on experience with different techniques and plenty of opportunities to reel in some fish. And hey, if you've got some fishing buddies who want to join, you can bring up to 3 additional guests for just $50 each.
Techniques & Tips for Newbies
Inshore fishing in Louisiana is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll start with bottom fishing, which is exactly what it sounds like – dropping your bait to the bottom and waiting for a bite. It's a great way to target redfish and black drum. Then we'll move on to light tackle fishing, which is perfect for speckled trout and sheepshead. Captain Chris will show you how to work a soft plastic lure or live bait under a popping cork – a classic Louisiana technique that's deadly effective. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before; by the end of the day, you'll be casting like you've been doing it for years. And remember, there's no such thing as a dumb question out here. Captain Chris loves sharing his knowledge, so pick his brain and soak up all the local fishing wisdom you can.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of Louisiana inshore fishing. They put up a heck of a fight and are delicious to boot. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, often with their tails sticking out of the water (we call that "tailing"). They'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and when they're on, the action can be non-stop. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round in Port Sulphur.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a blast on light tackle. They're known for their distinctive spots and their willingness to hit topwater lures – there's nothing quite like watching a trout explode on a surface bait at dawn. Specks school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch them all year in the marshes around Port Sulphur.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy looks fool you – sheepshead are smart, tough fighters that'll test your skills. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush crabs and barnacles. Sheepshead love structure, so we'll target them around pilings and oyster reefs. They're notoriously tricky to hook, but Captain Chris will show you the tricks to outsmarting these striped bandits. Winter is prime time for big sheepshead.
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousins of redfish, black drum are hard-fighting and great eating (especially the smaller ones). They can grow to enormous sizes – we're talking over 100 pounds – but we usually target the more manageable "puppy drums" in the 5-30 pound range. Black drum are bottom feeders, so we'll use natural baits like shrimp or crab to tempt them. They're around all year, but really start to bite as the water warms up in spring.
Red Snapper: While we primarily focus on inshore species, there's always a chance to hook into a red snapper if conditions are right. These deep-water dwellers are prized for their flaky white meat and hard-fighting nature. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, so if we're lucky enough to be out during an open season, it's a real treat. They love structure, so we might hit some nearshore reefs or oil rigs to try our luck.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the waters around Port Sulphur. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the marsh, painting the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks. Or perhaps it's the thrill of watching your line go tight as a big redfish takes the bait. For many, it's the peaceful solitude of being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But what really keeps folks coming back is the incredible diversity of fish we have here. One minute you're battling a bull red, the next you're finessing a speckled trout. And let's not forget the food – there's nothing quite like a fresh fish fry after a successful day on the water. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's always eager to share his passion for fishing with newcomers. Whether you're looking to learn the basics or just want a relaxing day out, this trip delivers.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to get your feet wet in the world of inshore fishing? This beginner-friendly trip with Hook'Em South Charters is the perfect way to start. You'll learn valuable skills, catch some fish, and have a blast doing it. Remember, no experience is necessary – just bring your sense of adventure and a valid Louisiana fishing license. The $50 deposit is non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out on the water reeling in your first redfish, you'll know it was worth every penny. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Captain Chris a call and lock in your date for an unforgettable day of Louisiana inshore fishing. Who knows? This might just be the start of your new favorite hobby. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big cousins of redfish, and they can grow to monster sizes - we're talking 90 pounds or more. Most of the ones we catch are in the 5 to 30 pound range though. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab or shrimp is your best bet for bait. Black Drum make a distinctive croaking sound, which is pretty cool to hear when you're reeling one in. Spring is prime time, as they school up to spawn. These fish can be stubborn fighters, so make sure your drag is set right. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, with firm white meat. The bigger ones can get tough, so we usually release those. Here's a tip: if you feel light taps on your line, that's probably a Black Drum testing out your bait. Give it a second, then set the hook hard when you feel the weight. They're fun to catch and a real staple of inshore fishing around here.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are a prized catch in the Gulf, known for their bright red color and tasty white meat. You'll typically find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in waters 30 to 620 feet deep. Most snappers we catch run 1-2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds, though big ones can hit 35 pounds or more. They're bottom dwellers, so we'll use heavy weights to get our bait down where they're feeding. Live bait like cigar minnows or squid works great. These fish put up a good fight and will often try to run back to cover, so be ready when you hook one. The meat is mild and nutty - perfect for grilling or frying up. Best time to target them is May through October during spawning season. One local trick: chum the water to get them fired up before dropping your line. Red Snapper's a real Gulf Coast favorite that'll test your skills and reward you with a delicious dinner.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of Louisiana inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black tail spot are a blast to catch. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two. Most reds we catch are in the 3 to 10 pound range, but they can grow over 40 pounds. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs when hooked. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. These fish will eat almost anything, but live shrimp, crabs, or mullet are hard to beat. For artificials, gold spoons and soft plastics work great. Redfish make excellent table fare too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper backs or tails breaking the surface. Sight fishing for reds is as exciting as it gets. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, hooking into a big red is always a thrill.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target for light tackle anglers here in Louisiana. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, shallow bays, and around oyster reefs. They're most active at dawn and dusk, often feeding near the surface. Sea Trout put up a good fight on light gear, with quick runs and head shakes. They're also known for their delicate, flaky white meat - just be careful not to overcook it. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic setup, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too. Winter is actually a good time to target them, as they school up in deeper channels. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, look for them feeding on the surface - you can often sight cast to individual fish. Sea Trout are a blast to catch and make for some fine eating too.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of the quirkiest fish you'll catch around here. They're nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, but it's their human-like teeth that really stand out. These chompers help them crush barnacles and crabs right off pilings and structures. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches long. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacle-covered surfaces. Early spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. Use light tackle and drop your bait right next to structure. Fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp work great. The fight isn't spectacular, but landing one takes skill. Their white, sweet meat is delicious, though cleaning them can be a chore due to tough scales. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to get them feeding, then drop your bait in the mix. Sheepshead fishing is all about patience and precision.
About the Center Console Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
