Get ready to experience some of the hottest inshore action Port Sulphur has to offer. This 6-hour private charter with Captain Chris is your ticket to targeting the cream of the crop - Red Snapper, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, and Redfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be hitting all the local honey holes, using a mix of techniques to put you on the fish. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get after 'em!
When you step aboard Captain Chris's boat, you're in for a real treat. We'll cruise out of Port Sulphur, Louisiana, known to locals as the "Gateway to the Gulf." This area's a goldmine for inshore fishing, with endless marsh channels, oyster reefs, and coastal waters teeming with fish. Over the course of 6 hours, we'll explore the best spots, switching up our tactics to match what the fish are biting. From drifting over grass flats for specks to sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, every minute's an adventure. And with a max of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain to hone your skills.
On this trip, we don't just stick to one playbook. Captain Chris will have you trying out a whole bunch of fishing methods to see what's working best that day. We might start off bottom fishing, dropping bait down to where the big drums and sheepshead like to hang out. If the bite's slow, we could switch to trolling, dragging lures behind the boat to cover more water. Light tackle's great for those speckled trout, while we might bust out the heavy gear if we're after some bruiser reds. Drift fishing lets us cover ground naturally, and jigging or popping can be killer for attracting strikes. Don't worry if you're new to any of these - the captain's there to show you the ropes and help you master each technique.
Red Snapper: These guys are the rockstars of the Gulf. Known for their bright red color and tasty fillets, they put up one heck of a fight. Red snapper love structure, so we'll be targeting reefs and wrecks. They can grow over 30 pounds, and when you hook into a big one, hold on tight! Best time to target them is usually summer through fall, but regulations can vary, so we'll make sure we're fishing them when it's legal.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you - these fish are a blast to catch. They use their chin barbels to root around the bottom for crabs and shrimp, and they can get huge. We're talking 30-40 pounders being common, with some real monsters out there over 80 pounds. They're great fighters and even better eating when they're smaller. We'll likely find them around oyster reefs and muddy bottoms.
Sheepshead: These striped bandits are known for their human-like teeth and their ability to steal bait like nobody's business. They're crafty and can be tough to hook, but man, are they fun to catch. We'll target them around pilings, jetties, and oyster beds. They're fantastic eating fish too, with firm, white meat that's delicious fried up.
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these are one of the most popular inshore species. They're known for their spotted pattern and their willingness to hit artificial lures. We might find them in the marshes, over grass flats, or around oyster reefs. They're not the biggest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Nothing beats a mess of fried specks!
Redfish: Last but definitely not least, we've got the redfish. These copper-colored beauties are the pride of Louisiana fishing. They can be found tailing in shallow water, prowling the marsh edges, or hanging around structure. They put up a great fight, especially on light tackle, and they're excellent table fare. We might sight-cast to them in the shallows or fish deeper holes for the bigger bulls.
Folks who fish with Hook'Em South Charters don't just come once - they make it a tradition. Maybe it's the way Captain Chris puts you on fish like a heat-seeking missile. Or how he's always got a story or a joke to keep things lively between bites. Could be the way he teaches you new tricks, whether you're a first-timer or an old salt. Whatever it is, one trip is never enough. And let's be honest, once you've tasted fresh-caught redfish or speckled trout, you'll be counting down the days 'til your next trip.
Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're looking for a weekend fishing trip that's gonna give you stories (and hopefully some fish pics) to brag about, this is it. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to share that local knowledge with you. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big red or filling the cooler with specs, this trip's got you covered. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. And that deposit? It's non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before you book. But trust me, once you're out there on the water, watching the sun rise over the marsh with a rod in your hand, you'll know you made the right call. So what are you waiting for? Get that trip locked in and start getting ready for some of the best fishing Louisiana has to offer!
Black Drum are hefty bottom-dwellers you'll find in our brackish waters and estuaries. They range from 5-30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in 1-100 feet of water. These fish make a distinctive croaking sound, earning them the nickname "puppy drum." Spring's the prime time to target them as they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a solid fight and are fun to catch on light tackle. Use fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait on the bottom. Here's a local tip: if you're after bigger drum, try using a whole blue crab - just remove the top shell and legs. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are best for eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. The bigger ones can get tough, so we usually release those to fight another day.
Red Snapper are prized catches in our Gulf waters, typically ranging from 5-20 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in depths of 30-600 feet. These fish put up a great fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, nutty flavor. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snapper move to shallower waters. We target them using heavy tackle and natural baits like cigar minnows or squid. One local trick is to use a fish finder rig with a circle hook - it helps prevent gut-hooking and improves your chances of landing these hard-fighting fish. Snapper can be tricky to hook, so be ready for that telltale thump and set the hook fast. The meat is versatile for cooking and packed with healthy omega-3s. There's nothing quite like the rush of reeling up a big red snapper from the depths.
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges. Most reds we catch are in the 3-10 pound range, but bull reds over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for their distinctive spot near the tail. Redfish put up a great fight, often making strong runs and tail-walking across the surface. They'll eat just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Try sight-fishing for them in shallow water - it's a real thrill to see a big red tailing in inches of water. Here's a local tip: on windy days, fish the lee shores where bait gets pushed up. Redfish have excellent table quality, with a mild, sweet flavor that's great on the grill or blackened.
Speckled Trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them in grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in deeper channels during winter. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures and live baits. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temperatures are mild. Specks are fun on light tackle and make excellent table fare. Try using soft plastics under a popping cork - the noise attracts trout from a distance. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for trout "slicks" - oily patches on the water surface where they've been feeding. That's often a sign of a school below. Whether you're after numbers or that trophy gator trout, speckled trout fishing is always a blast.
Sheepshead are unique-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." You'll typically catch them in the 1-8 pound range, hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. They're notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Spring's the best time to target them as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead put up a good fight for their size and are excellent eating. Use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs, shrimp, or barnacles. Here's a pro tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick and bring the sheepshead in close. Their tough scales make them tricky to clean, but the sweet, white meat is worth the effort. Locals love 'em fried or grilled.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300