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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in St. Bernard
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- St Bernard
- $750 - $1,200 price range
- Updated Date: September 19, 2025
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Full Day St. Bernard Fishing: Drum, Redfish & More
Ready to reel in some Louisiana legends? Get your tackle box ready for an action-packed day on the water with Captain James Hanson of Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters. We're talking 8 solid hours of inshore fishing in the fish-rich waters of St. Bernard. Whether you're after the powerful pull of a black drum or the acrobatics of a speckled trout, this trip's got you covered. Grab your fishing buddies (up to 3 total) and let's hit the bayou!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising through the maze-like waterways of St. Bernard, the early morning mist rising off the water as Captain James points out prime fishing spots. We're not just randomly casting lines here - the Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll be using top-notch gear (so don't sweat it if you forgot yours) and getting personalized tips to help you land the big one. From the moment we push off until we dock 8 hours later, it's all about putting you on fish and having a blast doing it.
Fishing Techniques & Hotspots
We'll be mixing it up throughout the day, using different techniques to target various species. Expect to do some light tackle casting around marsh edges for redfish, maybe some bottom fishing for black drum in deeper channels, and drifting live bait for speckled trout over oyster reefs. Captain James might have you tossing soft plastics one minute and live shrimp the next - it's all about what's working that day. And don't worry if you're new to this - the Captain's got patience for days and loves showing folks the ropes.
Top Catches This Season
St. Bernard's waters are teeming with game fish year-round, but here's what's been really hot lately:
Black Drum: These bruisers have been crushing it near structure and in deeper holes. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull! Expect a workout when you hook into one of these bulldogs.
Redfish: The reds have been on fire, especially around grass flats and oyster beds. Nothing beats seeing that copper flash as a red takes your bait - it's heart-stopping stuff.
Speckled Trout: These guys have been schooling up nicely. We've been finding them over reefs and along drop-offs. When you hit a school, it's non-stop action.
Sheepshead: The "convict fish" have been thick around pilings and structures. They're tricky to hook, but delicious to eat - it's a challenge worth taking on.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are the heavyweights of inshore fishing. They can grow over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll leave your arms aching (in the best way). Black drum love hanging out near structure and will eagerly gobble up crabs or shrimp. The bigger ones have a distinctive "chin whiskers" look that's pretty cool. Spring and fall are prime times for trophy-sized black drum, but we catch 'em year-round in St. Bernard.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth freak you out - sheepshead are awesome catches. They're masters of stealing bait, so hooking one is a real accomplishment. These striped fish love structure and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Winter and early spring are peak sheepshead seasons, but we find them year-round near bridges and pilings.
Speckled Trout: AKA specks or spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're beautiful fish with a soft mouth, so finesse is key when reeling them in. Specks school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. They're most active in cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. The topwater bite for specks at dawn is something every angler should experience.
Redfish: The rockstars of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what bring many anglers to Louisiana. They're powerful, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. Redfish love shallow water and can often be spotted "tailing" in grass flats. The signature black spot on their tail makes them easy to identify. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them all year in St. Bernard. Watching a redfish crush a topwater lure is pure fishing magic.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, I could go on all day about the fish, but it's more than that. It's the way the sun rises over the marsh, painting the sky in colors you didn't know existed. It's the sudden splash of a redfish chasing bait that gets your heart racing. It's the stories and laughs shared on the boat, and the pride of bringing home a cooler full of fish for the family. Captain James doesn't just put you on fish - he shows you the soul of St. Bernard's waters. That's why folks come back year after year, bringing their kids, their buddies, making memories that last a lifetime.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're looking for a top-notch inshore fishing experience in St. Bernard, this is it. Captain James Hanson knows these waters like nobody else, and he's all about making sure you have the best day possible on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you're in for a treat.
Remember, we're limited to 3 people per trip, so grab your fishing buddies and lock in your date. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and Captain James is itching to show you why St. Bernard is a fisherman's paradise. Don't let this opportunity slip away - book now and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be bragging about for years to come. Tight lines, and we'll see you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are real bruisers, usually 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. Look for 'em in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds. They love shallow, muddy flats in spring when they school up to spawn. These guys make a weird drumming sound underwater – that's how they got their name. They're not picky eaters, so fresh crab, clams, or shrimp on the bottom will do the trick. Use a heavy enough weight to keep your bait in place. Black drum put up a great fight, but here's a tip: if you're planning to eat 'em, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones get tough and lose flavor. Fall and winter are prime time for drum fishing here in St. Bernard. Just listen for that drumming, and you'll know you're in the right spot!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. You'll spot 'em by that black dot near the tail. They love super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water! Most are in the 5-10 pound range, but they can get much bigger. Look for 'em around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. They'll eat just about anything, but live bait like mullet or crabs is hard to beat. Reds put up a heck of a fight, often making long runs in shallow water. Fall is prime time when they school up. Sight fishing for tailing reds in clear water is a rush – nothing like watching a big red crush your lure. Pro tip: on calm days, look for their wakes or tails sticking up. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight!
Sea Trout
We call 'em speckled trout around here, and they're a favorite target. These silver beauties usually run 14-24 inches, putting up a good fight on light tackle. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hit artificial lures – topwater plugs and soft plastics work great. In winter, they school up in deeper holes, sometimes down to 100 feet. Trout are finnicky with weather changes, so pay attention to fronts moving through. The meat is delicate and tasty, but don't overcook it or it'll get mushy. Best part about trout fishing? They're often found in the same spots as redfish, so you might land both in one trip. My local tip: try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork – it's deadly when the bite is tough.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are some funky-looking fish, with their black and white stripes earning them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 1-8 pounds, but can get up to 20 if you're lucky. These guys hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs – anywhere with barnacles to munch on. Spring is prime time, when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you gotta be quick on the hook set. Use light tackle and drop your bait right next to pilings. Fiddler crabs are my go-to bait, but shrimp works too. Folks love catching sheepshead 'cause they're a challenge and taste great. Pro tip: if it's legal, try scraping some barnacles off the pilings to chum 'em up. Just be careful of those human-like teeth when you're unhooking 'em!
About the Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki 4 stroke
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
