Ready for some laid-back afternoon fishing on Lake Pontchartrain? This 4-hour private trip is perfect for kicking back and reeling in some local favorites as the day winds down. We'll cruise the inshore waters, chasing Speckled Trout, Redfish, and whatever else is biting. It's an easy-going experience that's great for families, buddies, or solo anglers looking to unwind after a long day. We keep things simple with light tackle, so you can focus on enjoying the golden hour views and filling the cooler. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect mix of relaxation and action-packed fishing.
Once we shove off, we'll head to some of my favorite honey holes around Lake Pontchartrain. I've been fishing these waters for years, so I know where the fish like to hang out. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. I'll show you how to work a popping cork for trout or how to sight-cast to tailing redfish in the shallows. The afternoon light makes for some killer views of the lake and surrounding marshes - don't forget your camera! As we fish, keep an eye out for pelicans diving for their dinner or maybe even a pod of dolphins if we're lucky. This trip is all about having a good time, so we'll take it at your pace. Whether you want to cast until your arm falls off or just soak up the scenery with a line in the water, I've got you covered.
Lately, the fishing has been on fire around Lake Pontchartrain. We've been hammering the Speckled Trout on the bridges and oyster reefs, with some real gators in the mix. The Redfish have been tailing in the shallow flats, giving us some heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. Black Drum have been showing up in good numbers too, especially around structure. They're not the prettiest fish, but man, do they pull! For you fluke fans out there, we've been finding some nice Summer Flounder hanging around sandy bottoms. And let's not forget about the Sheepshead - these striped convicts have been all over the pilings, ready to steal your bait if you're not quick on the hookset. No matter what's biting, we'll put you on the fish and have a blast doing it.
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the inshore world. They love to hang around structure and can grow to over 40 pounds in Lake Pontchartrain. Black Drum put up a great fight and are best targeted with crabs or shrimp on the bottom. They're most active in the cooler months, making them a perfect target for our afternoon trips when other species might be laying low. Listen for their distinctive drumming sound - it's a dead giveaway that you're in for some action.
Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are ambush predators that blend in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're masters of camouflage, but we know their favorite hangouts. Summer Flounder are most active in the warmer months, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. We'll drift over sandy areas, bouncing jigs or live bait along the bottom. When a flounder hits, it's like hooking into a frying pan - they use their flat bodies to resist all the way to the boat.
Sheepshead: With their black and white stripes and human-like teeth, Sheepshead are some of the most unique-looking fish in Lake Pontchartrain. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one takes a bit of finesse. We target them around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs using small hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Sheepshead fishing is all about feeling the bite - these guys are subtle, but once you hook up, they put up a scrappy fight. They're available year-round but are especially active in the cooler months.
Sea Trout: Speckled Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are probably the most sought-after inshore species in Lake Pontchartrain. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live shrimp to topwater lures. We often find them schooling around oyster reefs, drop-offs, and grass beds. The afternoon bite can be spectacular, especially as the sun starts to set. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a trout blowing up on a topwater plug in the fading light.
Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, Redfish (or Red Drum) are hard-fighting, copper-colored beauties that'll test your drag and your nerves. In Lake Pontchartrain, we catch them year-round, but the fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers. We might spot them tailing in shallow water or find them crashing bait along the banks. Redfish will hit a variety of baits, from live mullet to scented soft plastics. When a big bull red takes off on a run, hold on tight - it's going to be a wild ride!
Folks come back to fish Lake Pontchartrain time and time again because it's just so darn productive. Where else can you catch such a variety of hard-fighting fish in just a few hours? The afternoon trips are especially popular because they fit perfectly into a busy schedule. You can work a full day, then come out and unwind with some quality fishing as the sun sets. It's like hitting the reset button on your week. Plus, the scenery out here is something else. As the light gets low, the lake takes on this golden glow that's just magical. Even if the fish aren't biting (which is rare), the views alone are worth the trip. And let's be honest, there's no better way to end a day than with a cooler full of fresh fish for dinner.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on Lake Pontchartrain for some afternoon fishing action, now's the time to lock in your trip. These 4-hour excursions are the perfect way to squeeze in some quality angling without eating up your whole day. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting Redfish, outsmart a crafty Sheepshead, or fill the cooler with tasty Speckled Trout, we've got you covered. Remember, we're limited to just two guests per trip, so it's nice and personal - no overcrowded boats here. Don't let another beautiful Louisiana afternoon slip away without wetting a line. Give us a call or hit that "Book Now" button to reserve your spot. Trust me, after a few hours on the water with us, you'll be hooked on Lake Pontchartrain fishing for life!
Black Drum are tough fighters that'll give you a real workout. These bruisers average 5-30 pounds but can reach a whopping 90 pounds. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in the brackish waters of Lake Pontchartrain. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so fresh crab or clams make great bait. Black Drum are most active in spring during spawning season when they school up. Listen for their distinctive drumming sound - that's how they got their name. The meat on smaller ones under 15 pounds is delicious, but bigger fish can get tough. Here's a local tip: use a 7-9 weight fly rod with weighted black flies like a Clouser Minnow. Let it sink to the bottom, then retrieve slowly. Black Drum aren't the prettiest fish, but man are they fun to catch and tasty to eat.
Redfish are the pride of Lake Pontchartrain fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 28-33 inches but can top 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and other structure. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Reds put up an epic fight and taste great too. Use topwater lures, jigs, or live bait like shrimp or mullet. Here's a local secret: watch for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast beyond them and slowly retrieve your lure past their nose. When a big red crushes your topwater plug, hold on tight! These hard-fighting fish with the trademark tail spot are the ultimate inshore target for many anglers.
Speckled Trout, or specs, are a favorite target in Lake Pontchartrain. These silvery beauties average 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase shrimp and small fish. Fall and winter are prime, when big schools form in deeper channels. Specs put up a good fight on light tackle and taste great too. Use artificial lures like topwater plugs, jigs, or soft plastics. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly too. Here's a local tip: troll slowly along grass lines if you're having trouble finding them. When you hook one, work it carefully - specs have soft mouths and can throw the hook easily. There's nothing like the thrill of a spec blowing up on your topwater lure at dawn. These tasty fighters are a blast for anglers of all skill levels.
Sheepshead are a blast to catch in Lake Pontchartrain. These striped "convict fish" average 1-8 pounds but can reach 20. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like docks, bridges and pilings. They use those weird human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. Spring is prime time as they spawn near channel passes and offshore reefs. Sheepshead are tricky to hook but put up a great fight. Their sweet, white meat is delicious too. Use light tackle with fresh crab or shrimp for bait. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them in. Cast as close to the structure as you can, let it hit bottom, then slowly work it up. When you feel that nibble, set the hook hard - these bait thieves are notorious for stealing your crab. Sheepshead fishing takes patience, but landing one of these striped battlers is super satisfying.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are a fun challenge in Lake Pontchartrain. These flat fish average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms near structure in 1-100 feet of water. They're ambush predators that use camouflage, lying on the bottom waiting to strike. Fall is prime time as they migrate to deeper water. Flounder put up a good fight and their white, flaky meat is excellent eating. To catch 'em, use a slow retrieve with bucktail jigs or live bait like minnows or mullet. Here's a local secret: hook smaller baitfish through the eye, bigger ones through the lips. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard - flounder are notorious bait stealers. Catching these "chameleons of the sea" takes some skill, but it's worth it when you're enjoying fresh flounder for dinner.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200