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St. Bernard's Premier 8-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- St Bernard
- $750 - $1,200 price range
- Updated Date: September 19, 2025
Summary
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St. Bernard's Finest Catches
St. Bernard's Top Inshore Fishing Adventure
Ready to reel in some serious action on the waters of St. Bernard? Captain James Hanson's full-day guided trip with Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters is your ticket to a world-class inshore fishing experience. For 8 hours, you and a buddy will cruise the rich, fish-filled waters, targeting some of the area's most prized catches. Whether you're after the powerful pull of a black drum or the lightning-fast strikes of speckled trout, this trip's got you covered. Let's dive into what makes this St. Bernard fishing charter a must-do for anglers looking to make some waves.
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard Captain Hanson's boat, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing action. This isn't your average "sit and wait" trip – we're talking hands-on angling from start to finish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be hitting all the local hotspots where the fish are biting. Expect to cast your line in a variety of environments, from grass flats to oyster beds and channel edges. The beauty of inshore fishing in St. Bernard is the diversity – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you could be dropping bait near structure for hefty black drum. And let's not forget the views – the marshes and bayous of St. Bernard are a sight to behold, teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.
Techniques & Gear Rundown
On this trip, you'll get to try out a range of fishing techniques tailored to the species we're after. For redfish, we might use artificial lures like soft plastics or topwater plugs, working them along grass lines or over shallow flats. When targeting speckled trout, live bait under a popping cork can be deadly effective. For the bigger boys like black drum, we'll often use natural baits like shrimp or crab on the bottom. Captain Hanson provides all the gear you'll need – top-notch rods, reels, and tackle suited for inshore fishing. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to these methods, or if you're an experienced angler, he's always game to try out your favorite techniques. The key here is versatility – we adapt our approach based on the conditions and what the fish are biting on that day.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing in St. Bernard. Known for their distinctive "croaking" sound, black drum can grow to impressive sizes – we're talking 30+ pounds for the big ones. They're bottom feeders with a soft spot for crustaceans, so crab and shrimp baits are top choices. The fight of a big black drum is something every angler should experience – it's like trying to reel in a bulldozer! Spring and fall are prime times for these fighters, but you can catch them year-round in the right spots.
Sheepshead: Don't let their strange, almost human-like teeth fool you – sheepshead are crafty adversaries that'll test your skills. These striped battlers are structure-loving fish, often found around pilings, rocks, and oyster reefs. They're notorious bait stealers, so a sensitive touch and quick hook-set are crucial. Sheepshead really shine in the cooler months, with peak action from late fall through early spring. Their firm, white flesh makes them excellent table fare, too.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are a staple of inshore fishing in St. Bernard. They're aggressive predators with a soft mouth, making for exciting and challenging catches. Specks, as locals call them, are known for their distinctive spots and their tendency to school up, meaning when you find one, you've often found many. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for trout fishing, especially around structure or bait schools. The "gator" trout – the big ones over 20 inches – are the holy grail for many anglers.
Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are prized for their hard-fighting nature and their ability to thrive in various habitats. In St. Bernard, you might find them tailing in shallow grass flats or prowling along oyster reefs. Their copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail make them easily identifiable. Redfish are year-round residents, but fall is particularly exciting when big schools of bull reds move into the area. The adrenaline rush of seeing a redfish's tail break the surface as it feeds in shallow water is hard to beat.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
What sets this St. Bernard fishing trip apart is the combination of Captain Hanson's expertise and the incredible diversity of the fishery. You're not just going fishing; you're getting a masterclass in inshore angling techniques. The captain's knowledge goes beyond just finding fish – he'll clue you in on how tides, weather, and seasons affect fish behavior, making you a better angler in the process. Plus, the customized nature of the trip means whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, you'll get an experience tailored to your skill level and interests. And let's be real – the chance to hook into multiple species in a single day, all while soaking in the natural beauty of St. Bernard's waterways, is pretty hard to top.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of St. Bernard's finest finned residents, this full-day trip with Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters is your golden ticket. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big black drum, outsmarting a sheepshead, or experiencing the thrill of a speckled trout blitz, Captain Hanson will put you on the fish. Remember, this is a small-group experience with a max of two anglers, so you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention and fishing time. Don't let this chance to create some epic fishing memories slip away – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Grab your fishing buddy, pack your sense of adventure, and let's make some waves in St. Bernard!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family. These big boys can tip the scales at 90 pounds, though most you'll catch are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. They're bottom feeders, so use live bait like crabs or clams on the seafloor. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Black drum put up a good fight and make for decent eating when smaller, but the big ones can be tough. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate them. They use those noises to communicate, especially during spawning. When you hear that croaking, you know you're in the right spot. Just remember, anything over 15 pounds is better released – the meat gets less tasty in the big ones.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing around here. You'll spot 'em by that black dot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can grow over 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for 'em in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active. Redfish put up a hell of a fight and are great eating too. They'll hit just about any bait or lure, but here's a local trick: use a gold spoon in muddy water. The flash drives 'em crazy. When you see their tails sticking up as they root for crabs, that's your cue to make a cast. Just remember to check regulations – these guys are protected, so there are limits on what you can keep.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em around here, are a favorite inshore target. Most run 14-24 inches, weighing 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're suckers for artificial lures – try topwater plugs at dawn or dusk for some exciting action. In winter, they school up in deeper holes, sometimes down to 100 feet. These fish put up a good scrap and are excellent eating with their mild, flaky white meat. Just be careful not to overcook 'em, or they'll turn to mush. Here's a local secret: troll slowly along grass edges on cloudy days. Sea trout are ambush predators and will often strike as the lure passes by their hiding spots. They're not the biggest fish in the bay, but they're consistent and fun to catch year-round.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea with their distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might hook into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. These guys love structure – docks, bridges, reefs – anywhere with barnacles to munch on. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. They've got human-like teeth that'll crunch through crab shells like nobody's business. The fight can be surprisingly strong for their size. Here's a pro tip: use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crab or shrimp. Get as close to the pilings as you can without snagging. When you feel that telltale nibble, give it a second, then set the hook hard. The meat is sweet and delicious, but cleaning them can be a chore with those tough scales.
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
