If you're looking for unforgettable summer fishing in Louisiana, Delacroix is where the action is—and Whiskey Bayou Charters is here to put you on the fish. As the temperatures rise, the waters around Delacroix come alive with some of the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler or casting for the first time, summer is the perfect time to get on the water.
So, what’s biting this time of year? Here are the top fish to target in Delacroix during summer:
Redfish (Red Drum)
When it comes to summer fishing in Delacroix, redfish are the undisputed stars. These hard-fighting, bronze-backed bruisers are found cruising the shallow marshes, grass flats, and ponds, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Whether you're a first-time angler or seasoned pro, redfish offer a thrilling experience—aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and nonstop action.
Summer is one of the best times to sight-fish for redfish in clear, shallow water. Watching a tailing redfish inhale your bait in real time is as close to hunting as fishing gets. They’re plentiful, active in the heat, and not too picky—making them perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. And when it’s time for dinner? You can’t beat redfish on the grill or blackened in a cast iron skillet.
Top baits include soft plastics rigged weedless, gold spoons, and live shrimp under a popping cork. For fly anglers, a crab imitation or spoon fly does the trick. If you're looking to get in on this action, summer in Delacroix is the time, and Whiskey Bayou Charters knows just where to find them.
Speckled Trout (Spotted Sea Trout)
Summer is prime time for speckled trout fishing in Delacroix, and these fish bring the action fast. Trout school up in big numbers around oyster beds, marsh drains, and cuts with moving water, feeding aggressively on shrimp and baitfish. They’re a favorite for light-tackle anglers and provide plenty of excitement, especially when the bite is on.
Early mornings often mean explosive topwater strikes—one of the most exciting ways to target specks. As the sun gets higher, switching to soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork keeps the rods bending. Whether you’re chasing a cooler full of keepers or hoping to tangle with a big “gator trout,” summer gives you the chance to do both.
Some of our go-to setups include Matrix Shad soft plastics, Vudu Shrimp, and classic topwater lures like a Spook Jr. Timing your trip with the right tide and moving water makes all the difference, and we’ll put you where the fish are biting. Trout are fun, plentiful, and perfect for anglers of all ages.
Black Drum
Often overshadowed by redfish and trout, black drum are the unsung heroes of summer fishing in Delacroix. These bottom dwellers may not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with brute strength and impressive size—some tipping the scales at 30+ pounds. They hang around oyster beds, deep cuts, and structure-rich areas where they root around for crabs and shrimp.
While they can be a bit more subtle on the bite, once hooked, they pull like a freight train, giving anglers a serious fight on light tackle. They're especially fun for kids and newer anglers because they don’t require fancy presentations—just good bait placement and a strong arm to reel them in.
Best baits include cracked blue crab, dead shrimp, or cut bait fished right on the bottom. If you’re looking for a rod-bending battle and the chance to land a true marsh heavyweight, black drum are a summer sleeper hit.
Sheepshead
With their bold black stripes and unmistakable chompers, sheepshead are one of the more unique fish you’ll catch in the Delacroix marsh, and summer still offers solid opportunities to hook into them—especially in the early months. These structure-loving fish hang out around dock pilings, oyster-studded shorelines, and submerged debris, where they snack on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp. They may not be the most glamorous target, but they’re abundant, put up a great fight, and are absolutely delicious on the table.
What makes sheepshead a challenge (and a thrill) is their notoriously light bite. They’ll often nibble at your bait before committing, so finesse and patience are key. When they do take the hook, though, they fight like crazy—digging hard with powerful surges. If you're fishing near structure and suddenly your line starts moving sideways, chances are you've got a sheepshead on. They’re a favorite for anglers who enjoy a little strategy with their tug-of-war.
To target them effectively, we use live shrimp, fiddler crabs, or small pieces of cracked crab on small, sharp hooks—usually fished right up against structure. A sensitive rod tip helps you feel the bite, and a quick hookset improves your chances. Sheepshead may be a little tricky, but once you get the hang of them, they’re a ton of fun and one of the best-tasting fish you can bring home from a summer charter.
Flounder
Flat, camouflaged, and sneaky as they come, flounder are the ambush predators of the Delacroix marsh, and while they’re not as abundant in summer as in fall, they’re still around—and definitely worth targeting. These fish lie motionless along sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting for an unsuspecting baitfish or shrimp to drift by. You’ll often find them near points with current, grassy edges, or transitions from soft mud to shell, especially during tidal movement.
Hooking a flounder can be a little tricky. Their bite is often subtle—they’ll hit a lure or bait and just sit with it, giving the impression that you're snagged on the bottom. A steady pull followed by a gentle thump is usually your cue. But once the hook sets, get ready: flounder fight with a head-shaking, rolling motion and have a knack for throwing the hook at the boat if you’re not careful. That said, they’re one of the most fun surprises you can hook into during a summer inshore trip.
When we’re targeting flounder, we like to use soft plastics like Gulp! swimming mullets, curly-tail grubs, or live mud minnows—slowly bounced along the bottom. The key is to work the bait patiently and keep contact with the bottom where flounder hide. They might not be the main attraction every day, but when they show up, they’re a welcome addition to the cooler and a top-tier eating fish.
Best Times of Day to Fish in Summer
In the heat of a Louisiana summer, timing your fishing trip just right can make all the difference—both for comfort and for success on the water. At Whiskey Bayou Charters, we tailor our trips around the best fishing windows, and during the summer months, that typically means early mornings and late afternoons.
Morning trips are our favorite this time of year. The air is cooler, the water’s calm, and the fish are active—especially redfish and speckled trout, which tend to feed aggressively at first light. There’s also something special about watching the sun rise over the Delacroix marsh as you ease into a quiet pond or bayou. Topwater bites are at their best during this window, and you’ll beat the midday heat while stacking fish before most people finish their coffee.
That said, late afternoon trips can be just as productive, particularly when the tides are moving. As the sun dips and shadows stretch across the marsh, redfish often move shallow again to feed, and the breeze tends to pick up just enough to keep things comfortable. It’s a laid-back time of day, perfect for anglers who enjoy a slower pace and a golden-hour backdrop while they fish. Whether you're an early bird or a sunset chaser, summer in Delacroix delivers.
What to Bring on a Summer Charter
Heading out on a summer charter with Whiskey Bayou Charters? We’ve got the gear and the fish covered—all you need to bring is yourself and a few essentials to stay comfortable and make the most of your day on the water.
Here’s what we recommend packing:
- Sunscreen – The Louisiana sun is no joke, even in the early morning. Go for a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often.
- Polarized sunglasses – These reduce glare and help you see fish in shallow water—plus, they protect your eyes all day long.
- Lightweight clothing – Breathable, moisture-wicking shirts (long sleeves are great for sun protection), shorts or quick-dry pants, and a good hat will go a long way.
- Drinks and snacks – Staying hydrated is key. Bring plenty of water, maybe a sports drink or two, and light snacks to keep your energy up.
- Camera or phone – You’ll want to snap a few pics when you land your catch of the day (or that sunrise shot over the marsh).
We provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait, and we’ll clean your catch at the end of the day. Just show up ready to fish, relax, and enjoy one of the most scenic and productive fisheries in Louisiana. If you’re unsure about anything, just ask—Captain Ezell is always happy to help you get set up right.
Let’s Go Fishing!
Summer is one of the best times to experience the incredible inshore fishing that Delacroix has to offer—and there’s no better way to do it than with Whiskey Bayou Charters. Whether you're chasing redfish in the shallows, loading up on speckled trout, or battling big black drum, every trip offers a new adventure in the heart of Louisiana’s marsh. We handle the details so you can focus on the fun, the fish, and the memories. Spots fill up fast during peak season, so don’t wait—book your summer charter today and let’s get you on the water!
