%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fusers%2Fd3e619b0-8e8d-4821-a2b5-713328e40ea1%2Fimages%2Fb7814391-1658-4c0b-bad9-56cb8244bc7b.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Hopedale Inshore Charter & Lodge | Cajun Outcast
- Published Date: December 3, 2025
- Fishing
- Hopedale, LA, USA
- $300 - $1,500 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fd3e619b0-8e8d-4821-a2b5-713328e40ea1%2Fratecard%2F874eddbc-8591-4278-a887-fce7f4234380.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Hopedale Inshore Action
Another great day in Cajun country!
Proud anglers on Louisiana inshore trip!
Action all day with Hopedale charters!
Great catches and memories in Hopedale!
Redfish Catch of the Day! - St Bernard, LA.
Productive day! - St Bernard, LA.
null
null
null
Another great day in Cajun country!
Proud anglers on Louisiana inshore trip!
Action all day with Hopedale charters!
Great catches and memories in Hopedale!
Redfish Catch of the Day! - St Bernard, LA.
Productive day! - St Bernard, LA.
null
null
null
Another great day in Cajun country!
Proud anglers on Louisiana inshore trip!
Action all day with Hopedale charters!
Great catches and memories in Hopedale!
Hopedale Inshore Fishing: Lodge & Charter Package
Get ready for the ultimate inshore fishing experience in Hopedale, Louisiana! This top-rated package from Cajun Outcast Inshore Charters combines a cozy night's stay at Hopedale Lodge with a full day of world-class fishing action. Perfect for a group of three, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable trip chasing some of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore species.
Trip Overview
Your adventure kicks off with a night at the comfortable Hopedale Lodge, where you can rest up and get pumped for the fishing ahead. Come morning, you'll hit the water with one of our seasoned local guides for a full day of inshore action. We'll be targeting a mix of Southern Flounder, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Sea Trout, and the legendary Redfish. This ain't your average fishing trip – it's a chance to experience some of the best inshore angling the Gulf has to offer, guided by folks who know these waters like the back of their hand.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll be using light tackle and a variety of techniques to put you on the fish. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might be throwing soft plastics, live bait, or even fly fishing if that's your thing. Our captains are pros at reading the water and finding the honey holes where fish are stacked up. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing reds in the marsh, jigging for trout around oyster reefs, or battling a big ugly (that's local speak for a monster black drum) in deeper channels. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – every spot holds the potential for a different species and a new challenge.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with us rave about the sheer abundance of fish in these waters. It's not uncommon to hit double-digit catches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish for the cooler. But it's not just about numbers – the quality of the fish here is something else. We're talking about bull reds that'll make your drag sing, gator trout that'll test your finesse, and doormat flounder that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Plus, the scenery around Hopedale is something special. You're surrounded by pristine marsh, with pelicans diving and dolphins cruising by. It's the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for baitfish to swim by. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision – when you feel that distinctive "thump" on your line, it's game on. Fall is prime time for big flounder as they start their migration to deeper waters. Anglers love 'em not just for the fight, but for their sweet, delicate meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mug fool you – black drum are some of the hardest-fighting fish in the inshore scene. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually target the smaller "puppy drums" that are better eating. They love crustaceans, so we often use crabs or shrimp to entice them. Black drum are year-round residents, but the fishing really heats up in late winter and early spring when they gather to spawn. The "thump-thump-thump" of a drum taking your bait is a feeling you won't forget.
Sheepshead: Known locally as "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, sheepshead are the bane of many anglers due to their uncanny ability to steal bait. But man, are they fun to catch! These structure-loving fish have teeth that look almost human, which they use to crush crabs and barnacles. Sheepshead fishing is a finesse game – you need to feel the soft bite and set the hook fast. Winter and early spring are prime time when they gather around pilings and reefs. They're also some of the best-eating fish in the Gulf, with firm, white meat that's mighty tasty.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are probably the most popular inshore game fish in Louisiana. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live shrimp to topwater lures. The action can be fast and furious when you find a school. We target them year-round, but fall and spring are especially good when big schools move into the bays and lagoons. Gator trout – the big ones over 5 pounds – are the holy grail for many anglers. There's nothing quite like the visual thrill of watching a big trout blow up on a topwater plug at dawn.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty red drum – the crown jewel of Gulf Coast inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties are what bring anglers from all over the world to our waters. Redfish are tough fighters, known for powerful runs and head-shaking leaps. We catch 'em year-round, but fall is especially exciting when big schools of bull reds move into the shallows. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is about as thrilling as it gets. Whether you're throwing flies, live bait, or artificial lures, hooking into a big red is an experience you won't soon forget.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're itching for some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer, this Hopedale package is your ticket. For $1250, you're getting a comfy place to crash and a full day on the water with guides who eat, sleep, and breathe these marshes. We provide the local know-how, you bring the enthusiasm, and together we'll make some fishing memories that'll have you planning your next trip before you even head home. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Cajun Outcast Inshore Charters a call and let's get you on the fish!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, often reaching 20-30 pounds with some monsters topping 90. These bruisers love hanging around oyster beds, pier pilings, and brackish estuaries. You'll find them year-round, but spring's the sweet spot when they school up to spawn. Black Drum are prized for their strong fight and tasty meat, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so bring sturdy gear. For bait, fresh crab or shrimp is hard to beat. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound - it can lead you right to a hungry school. When you feel the telltale thump-thump of a Black Drum bite, give it a second before setting the hook. These fish know how to use their weight, so be ready for a battle once you're hooked up.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored beauties, known for the signature spot near their tail, typically range from 5-15 pounds inshore. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or prowling oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time as they school up, but they're catchable year-round. Anglers love Reds for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll take a variety of baits, but it's hard to beat a live mullet or a gold spoon. Here's a tip: look for "nervous water" or mud boils in shallow areas - that's often Redfish rooting for crabs. When sight-fishing, make long casts and let your bait sit. Redfish are curious and will often investigate if you're patient. Once hooked, be ready for a drag-screaming fight, especially around structure.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among light tackle anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though some gators push past 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near drop-offs in coastal waters. They're active year-round, but fall and spring offer peak action as they feed heavily. Trout are loved for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. They'll hit a variety of lures, but nothing beats a live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances - that's often trout smashing bait. When you're working a lure, use a slow, twitching retrieve. Sea Trout have soft mouths, so set the hook with a firm but not overpowering motion.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are the convicts of the coast. These crafty fish typically run 2-8 pounds and love structure - think pilings, jetties, and oyster beds. They're year-round residents, but winter and early spring see them bunch up nearshore. Anglers chase Sheepshead for their excellent table fare and the challenge they present. Those human-like teeth aren't just for show - they're experts at stealing bait. Use small, strong hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, wait a beat before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious bait nibblers, so give them time to get the hook in their mouth. Patience is key with these fish, but the reward is some of the tastiest fillets you'll find inshore.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Typically 15-18 inches long and weighing 2-5 pounds, these flatfish are ambush predators in shallow coastal waters. Look for them near structure in bays, estuaries, and river mouths. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. Use a slow retrieve with live bait like mullet or shrimp, or try soft plastics on a jighead. My go-to trick is to let the bait sit motionless on the bottom, then give it a slight twitch - that often triggers a strike from a hidden flounder. When you feel weight, don't set the hook immediately. Give the fish a few seconds to get the bait in its mouth before a firm hookset.
