Hey there, fellow fisherman! If you're thinking about chasing redfish down in Delacroix, you’re already on the right track. This place isn’t just good—it’s one of the best spots on the map when it comes to inshore redfish fishing. I’ve been running these marshes for years, and let me tell you, the action out here still gets me fired up every morning.
Whether it’s your first time in Louisiana or you’ve been doing this a while, I figured I’d put together a straight-up guide to help you make the most of your trip. No fluff—just real talk about redfish, tackle, tides, and what a day looks like when you fish with me here at Whiskey Bayou Charters.
What Makes Redfish So Special?
Let’s talk a little about the star of the show—redfish, also known as red drum. These fish are built like tanks, with broad shoulders, a strong tail, and an attitude to match. They're aggressive, powerful, and always up for a fight, which makes them one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the country.
One of the coolest things about redfish is that they thrive in shallow water. You’ll find them cruising grass lines, tailing in muddy ponds, or laid up in the sun waiting to ambush prey. They’ve got this coppery, bronze color that flashes in the sunlight, and most of them carry that signature black dot—or sometimes multiple dots—right near the tail.
That dot? It’s not just for show. It’s thought to confuse predators by making them think that’s the fish’s eye. Smart little detail from Mother Nature right there.
How Redfish Feed – and Why That’s Good News for Us
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, which is just a fancy way of saying they eat just about anything they can get their mouths on. Shrimp, crabs, mullet, pogies, small baitfish—you name it. That’s part of what makes them such fun targets for anglers. If you put the right bait or lure in front of them, chances are good they’ll eat it.
Their feeding behavior also makes for exciting fishing. When a redfish is tailing, that means its head is down, rooting in the mud or grass for food—and its tail sticks out of the water. It’s a clear sign you’ve got a hungry fish in casting range. Other times, they’ll push wakes as they move in shallow water, or you’ll see a flash of their side when they turn on a bait. Those moments, when you see the fish before you hook it—that’s what keeps us coming back.
They’ll crush topwater baits, chase down soft plastics, and inhale a shrimp under a popping cork. And when they hit, there’s no mistaking it. Your rod bends, your drag screams, and the fight is on.
Why Delacroix?
Delacroix is the kind of place that makes fishermen fall in love with Louisiana. We’re way down in the marsh where the freshwater from the river meets the saltwater from the Gulf. That mix makes for some seriously rich habitat—shrimp, mullet, crabs, you name it—and you better believe the redfish are thick in here because of it.
There are miles and miles of broken marsh, shallow ponds, little cuts, and bayous with zero pressure. Some days, you won’t see another boat. It’s wild, it’s peaceful, and it’s just loaded with fish. This isn’t some manicured resort fishery—it’s raw and real, and that’s what makes it so special.
What’s the Best Time to Come?
Now, one of the best things about redfishing in Delacroix is that there’s no bad time to do it. But depending on the season, the style of fishing changes a bit.
If you’re looking for big numbers and fish that are flat-out aggressive, fall’s your window. Cooler temps push redfish into big schools, and they feed like crazy. Winter brings that gin-clear water we all love, and if you’re into sight-fishing, this is your season. You’ll see them tailing and cruising in water so shallow it’ll blow your mind.
Spring starts to warm things up—fish get active again and spread out. You’ll see more bait moving around, and topwater action starts to kick off. Summer can be hot, sure, but the fish are still biting. We just start early and focus on deeper cuts and grass lines when the sun gets high.
Let’s Talk Tackle
We fish with what works. I’ll have top-notch spinning gear on the boat—medium-light rods, fast reels, braid, fluoro leaders. It’s the kind of setup that gives you the backbone to handle a bull red, but still lets you feel the bite.
As far as lures go, we throw a lot of soft plastics on jigheads—simple, effective, and deadly in these waters. Gold spoons still do the trick, especially when the water’s got a little color. And on those calm mornings? There’s nothing like a redfish blowing up on a topwater plug. That sound sticks with you.
Prefer live bait? No problem. Shrimp under a cork, or some cut mullet along the edge of the marsh—we do whatever the fish are eating that day. I'm not married to one method. My job is to put you on fish, not make a point.
What’s a Day with Whiskey Bayou Like?
We start early, usually just before the sun peeks over the horizon. There’s nothing like pulling away from the dock in that early light, with the boat skimming across calm water and the whole marsh waking up around you. Birds are flying, bait’s popping, and the air’s still cool. That’s the good stuff.
I’ll take you into areas I’ve fished for years—quiet spots that don’t see much pressure. We’ll move around, hit different ponds, flats, and cuts depending on what the fish are doing. Some days we drift. Some days we pole. Some days we tuck into a quiet pocket and work the edges. It all depends on the wind, the tide, and what the fish want that day.
We’re usually out for six to seven hours, but I’m not the kind of guide who checks the clock every five minutes. If the bite’s hot, we’ll stretch it. My goal’s simple: make sure you have a great day and leave with a story worth telling.
And when we get back to the dock, I’ll clean your fish for you, bag it up, and send you on your way with dinner in the cooler and hopefully a grin on your face.
A Few Tips Before You Come Down
Dress for the weather. Lightweight stuff works best, and a good hat and sunglasses are worth their weight in gold. Polarized lenses are key—you’ll see more fish, plain and simple.
Stay hydrated. Bring a few bottles of water, maybe some snacks, and be ready for a full day of fishing. Don’t forget your camera or phone. Between the fish and the marsh, you’re going to want some photos.
And most importantly—just come ready to fish. We’ll talk, we’ll laugh, and we’ll put some redfish in the boat. You’re not just booking a charter, you’re getting the kind of trip you’ll want to do again.
Where to Stay & What to Do Nearby
If your anglers are coming from out of town, they’re probably looking for a place to stay—and maybe even something to do before or after their trip. A short section recommending nearby lodges, fishing camps, or accommodations (and maybe a bite to eat in St. Bernard or Chalmette) is super helpful. You could also link to local tourism sites or hotels you trust. If you’ve got a partnership with a lodge or B&B, even better.
Let’s Get You on the Water
Delacroix is the real deal, and if redfish are on your mind, this is where you want to be. I’ve spent years learning every bend and bayou out here, and nothing makes me happier than sharing that with fellow anglers.
So if you’re ready for an honest-to-goodness Louisiana redfish adventure, let’s make it happen. Head over to Whiskey Bayou Charters and lock in your date. I’ll be waiting at the dock, coffee in hand, boat ready, and redfish calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Nope. I’ve got you covered. I provide all the rods, reels, tackle, bait—everything you’ll need to catch redfish. If you have a favorite setup and want to bring it along, you’re more than welcome, but it’s not required.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes—you’ll need a valid Louisiana saltwater fishing license for the day of your trip. You can easily get one online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, or pick one up at most bait shops and sporting goods stores.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Absolutely. Louisiana’s redfish limits are pretty generous, and I’ll clean and bag your catch at the end of the trip so you can take home some fresh marsh-to-table filets. If you’d rather release your fish, that’s fine too—totally your call.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If we’ve got rough weather in the forecast—high winds, storms, or anything that’ll make it unsafe or miserable to fish—we’ll reschedule your trip. I’ll always stay in touch leading up to your date and make the call early if we need to adjust.
What should I bring with me?
Pack light but smart. You’ll want a small cooler with drinks and snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses—they really do make a difference when spotting fish. Bring a camera or phone for photos, and don’t forget your fishing license.
Is this trip good for beginners?
100%. Whether you’ve been fishing for 30 years or this is your first time holding a rod, I’ll tailor the trip to your experience level. I love introducing new folks to redfish fishing—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
