Damn Good Flats Fishing Charters In The Rigolets

There’s something about the Rigolets that feels timeless—like you’re stepping into a world that’s been the same for centuries. The water is a perfect mirror, stretching out to the horizon, where the saltwater meets the sky in a haze of blues. This spot, tucked between the northern edge of Lake Pontchartrain and the vast Mississippi Sound, offers a quiet kind of escape, with one of the richest flats fishing experiences you’ll ever find. And it’s not just the fishing that’ll hook you—it's the land, the marshes, the wild rhythm of it all that makes it so damn special.

When you’re out on the water, the flats are yours to explore. You’ll cast your line into the shimmering shallows, where speckled trout, redfish, and flounder are lurking in plain sight. The skill of spotting fish, anticipating their next move, and timing your cast just right—it’s a dance with nature, one that rewards patience and persistence. There’s an art to flats fishing here. You’ll be drifting through a maze of waterways, cutting through grassy patches, with the occasional dolphin popping up to remind you who’s boss in these waters.

The magic of the Rigolets is in the solitude, too. It’s the kind of place where the world feels far away, and you’re reminded of the simple satisfaction of a great day on the water. The weather shifts with a gentle breeze, and the sun casts long shadows over the flatlands. When you hook that perfect fish, it’s not just about the catch—it’s the experience of it, the quiet moments, and the sense of having found something wild and unspoiled. That’s what makes the Rigolets the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to.

The Rigolets is a place that doesn’t just offer a fishing season—it offers seasons of adventure, each one bringing its own unique rhythm to the water. Spring is when everything kicks into gear. As the air warms and the water settles, the redfish start to push in, chasing baitfish along the shallows. The marsh comes alive with color, and the warm winds offer a sense of renewal. It’s that time of year when the world feels fresh, the fish are active, and the sense of anticipation is at its peak. Whether you’re stalking the flats or casting from a skiff, spring brings a burst of action, a welcome reminder that the wild is always waiting.

Summer, though—it’s a different beast altogether. The sun’s beating down, and the water’s warm enough to make you think about that perfect cool drink back at the dock. But the flats fishing in summer isn’t just about the heat—it’s about the pursuit. The redfish and trout are still there, but they’re a bit more laid back, finding their sweet spots in the deeper pockets. There’s a calmness to it, almost like the water has slowed down too, but that doesn’t mean the fishing’s easy. It’s the perfect time to fine-tune your skills, to watch the water and the skies for those telltale signs of a bite, and to embrace the challenge of a quieter, more subtle season.

Then, there’s fall. If you’ve been chasing the action all summer, fall is the reward. The weather cools, and with it, the fish become more aggressive, fattening up for the winter months ahead. You’ll find the reds back on the flats, working the grass, the trout moving into tighter pockets, and the occasional flounder lying in wait. The bite gets hotter, and there’s something about that fall light—the way it hits the water—that makes everything feel a little more alive. As the days grow shorter and the season shifts, you’re reminded that the Rigolets is a place that offers more than just fish; it’s a place where the land and water change together, making every season a new adventure.

Flats fishing in The Rigolets is as much about strategy as it is about skill. You’re not just casting a line into the water—you’re crafting a plan, working with the land and the tides to get the perfect shot. One of the most rewarding techniques is sight casting, where you’re hunting for fish on the flats, scanning the water for that glint of a redfish’s tail or a school of trout. With the sun high and the water clear, you’ll be able to spot fish before they see you, and that’s when the real magic happens. Patience is key, and the thrill comes when you’ve studied the water long enough to know exactly where to place your cast.

Then there’s the art of drift fishing, where you let the wind or tide guide your boat along the flats, casting as you go. The Rigolets’ shallow, grassy waters make it the perfect spot for this technique, with reds and specks often waiting in the same channels and pockets you’re drifting past. The beauty of it is in the simplicity—let the environment do the work, while you focus on reading the water and delivering the perfect cast at the right moment. It’s a more laid-back way to fish, but just as rewarding when that line starts to pull.

And for those who really want to test their skills, there’s fly fishing on the flats—a true challenge that pairs well with the Rigolets' wide-open spaces. Casting a fly rod in shallow water is an art form, and the payoff can be huge when you land a redfish or a trout on a perfectly tied fly. With the right fly, matched to the conditions, you’re working with nature in its rawest form—no hooks, no weights, just you, the rod, and the water. Whether you’re casting from the skiff or wading the shallows, fly fishing here demands focus, precision, and a deep respect for the wild landscape around you. The Rigolets is a place that lets you take your fishing game to the next level, no matter your preferred method.

The Rigolets is a flats fisherman’s dream because it’s home to some of the most sought-after species in the game. If you’re after redfish, you’re in the right place. These powerful fish are the backbone of the flats, often found cruising along the grass beds or tailing in the shallows. Their striking copper-colored scales make them a true prize, and the fight they put up is worth every minute you spend hunting them down. Whether you’re sight casting or drifting, redfish will keep you on your toes, and there’s nothing quite like seeing one of these bad boys take off after your lure.

Then, there’s the speckled trout, which are always a blast to chase. Known for their elusive nature, these sleek fish are just as skilled at evading you as they are at striking fast when you least expect it. In the Rigolets, trout are a consistent presence in the flats, especially during the warmer months. They’re not as big as redfish, but their speed and agility make them a worthy challenge, and when you get them on the line, they’re a beauty to behold. Cast a soft plastic or a topwater lure near the grass lines, and you might find yourself in the middle of an exciting fight, all while watching the sun dip low over the marsh.

Lastly, don’t overlook the flounder—often the quietest player on the flats but just as rewarding to catch. These flatfish blend in with the sandy bottom, waiting for the perfect moment to strike at an unsuspecting baitfish. They’re sneaky, and they like to hang around drop-offs, channels, or even the deeper pockets in the shallows. Catching a flounder requires a bit of patience and a keen eye, but when you finally feel that tug, it’s a satisfying reward. With the variety of species that call the Rigolets home, you can count on each outing offering something new—whether you’re chasing reds, stalking specks, or trying to outsmart a flounder.