St. Bernard's Premier 8-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

St. Bernard Fishing: 8-Hour Inshore Adventure

Ready to wet a line in some of Louisiana's most productive inshore waters? Captain James Hanson of Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters has got you covered with this 8-hour trip that'll have you chasing redfish, speckled trout, and more through the marshes of St. Bernard. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's perfect for one or two folks looking to experience the best of Louisiana fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step onto Captain James's boat, you're in for a day of non-stop action. We'll cruise through the winding bayous and sprawling grass flats of St. Bernard, hitting all the honey holes where the fish are biting. You'll be casting to structure, working the tide lines, and maybe even sight-fishing if conditions are right. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – Captain James knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll adjust the game plan based on what's hot that day. Expect to throw a mix of live bait and artificial lures, and don't be surprised if you end up with a cooler full of fish for dinner.

Techniques & Gear Breakdown

On this trip, we'll be using a variety of inshore fishing techniques to put you on the fish. Depending on the conditions and target species, you might find yourself popping corks for specks, bouncing jigs off the bottom for redfish, or free-lining live shrimp around oyster reefs. Captain James provides all the gear you'll need, including quality rods and reels spooled with fresh line. He's always got a mix of artificial lures on hand, from soft plastics to topwater plugs, as well as live bait when it's the ticket to success. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – the Captain's there to show you the ropes and help you dial in your technique.

Top Catches This Season

St. Bernard's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, big bull reds cruise the outer bays, while speckled trout stack up in deep holes. As things warm up, the action shifts to the shallow flats where redfish tail in crystal-clear water. Black drum and sheepshead are always around structure, offering steady action when other species might be finicky. No matter when you book, Captain James will put you on the fish that are biting best.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, redfish are hard-fighting and great eating. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in shallow water or hanging around structure in deeper channels. They'll eat just about anything that looks like food, from live shrimp to topwater lures. The "slot" size for keeping redfish is between 16 and 27 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull red over 40 inches – just be ready for a fight!

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got soft mouths and tend to shake their heads on the way in, making for an exciting fight. Specks can be caught on a variety of lures, but nothing beats a live shrimp under a popping cork. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, often feeding in schools around points, drop-offs, and grass beds.

Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing their more glamorous cousins, black drum are hard-fighting fish that can reach impressive sizes. They love to hang around structure and will readily take a piece of crab or shrimp fished on the bottom. While the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent table fare, the big ones can top 50 pounds and put up a fight you won't soon forget.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive set of teeth, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling the bite and setting the hook takes some practice. These fish love structure and can often be found around pilings, rocks, and oyster reefs. They're excellent eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Captain James tend to become repeat customers, and it's easy to see why. First off, the guy flat-out knows how to put you on fish. He's been guiding these waters for years and has a knack for finding the bite, even when conditions are tough. But it's more than just catching fish – it's the whole experience. From the moment you step on the boat, you're treated like an old fishing buddy. Captain James is always ready with a story, a fishing tip, or a bad joke to keep things lively between bites.

The scenery alone is worth the trip. As you're cruising through the marshes of St. Bernard, you'll see a side of Louisiana that most people never get to experience. Herons stalking the shallows, mullet skipping across the water, and maybe even an alligator sunning on the bank – it's like a nature documentary come to life. And let's not forget about the potential for a cooler full of fresh fish. There's nothing quite like ending the day with some fresh-caught redfish on the grill.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Louisiana has to offer, this 8-hour trip with Captain James is just the ticket. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just soak in the beauty of the St. Bernard marshes, you're in for a treat. Remember, the boat only takes up to two people, so you're guaranteed a personalized experience without the crowds.

Don't let this opportunity slip away like a big redfish shaking the hook. Grab your fishing buddy (or come solo if that's your style) and book your trip with Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters. Captain James is ready to show you why St. Bernard is a top-notch inshore fishing destination. Who knows? You might just end up with a new fishing story to tell and a fresh catch for dinner. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is calling. Let's get out there and make some memories!