Top-Rated St. Bernard Inshore Fishing Charter

Full Day Fishing: St. Bernard's Hidden Hotspots

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. This full-day trip takes you and three buddies deep into the marshes and bays of St. Bernard Parish, where the redfish are always biting and the scenery never disappoints. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, Capt. James knows all the sweet spots to make it happen.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early, meeting Capt. James at the dock as the sun's just peeking over the horizon. After a quick safety rundown, you'll hop in his well-equipped bay boat and head out into the maze of waterways that make St. Bernard a angler's paradise. Capt. James tailors each trip to his guests' experience and the day's conditions, so you might find yourself sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, working jigs around oyster reefs for fat trout, or even venturing out to the outer bays for a shot at some bull reds. With 8 full hours on the water, there's plenty of time to try different spots and techniques. And don't worry if you're new to fishing – Capt. James is a pro at getting even first-timers on fish.

Rods, Reels, and Louisiana Marsh

Inshore fishing in St. Bernard is all about versatility. You'll likely be using light to medium tackle, perfect for battling everything from specks to slot reds. Capt. James provides all the gear, from rods and reels to live bait and artificials. Expect to throw soft plastics, work topwater lures, or soak live shrimp depending on what's biting. The marshy terrain here is a fish magnet – endless grassy edges, deep channels, and scattered islands create the perfect habitat for gamefish. As you weave through the bayous, keep an eye out for wildlife too. Gators, roseate spoonbills, and even the occasional wild hog are all part of the show.

Top Catches This Season

While every trip is different, Capt. James' recent charters have been lighting up the redfish. Slot-sized reds (16-27 inches) have been thick around the outer bays, with some real bruisers mixed in. The trout bite has been steady too, especially around the deeper holes and drop-offs. Black drum are always a possibility, and they've been showing up in good numbers lately. These bulldogs of the marsh put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. And don't sleep on the sheepshead – these striped brawlers love structure and will test your hook-setting skills.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The star of the show in St. Bernard, redfish (also called red drum) are hard-fighting, great-eating fish that can be found year-round. In the cooler months, they school up in the deeper bays, while summer finds them prowling the shallows. Look for their signature tail waving above the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Reds in the 5-10 pound range are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 30+ pound bull.

Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are prized for both their fight and their fillets. Specks hang around structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs, often in schools. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but also readily hit artificial lures. The best trout fishing is typically in the spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are a blast to catch and excellent on the dinner table. They feed primarily on the bottom, using their sensitive barbels to root out crustaceans. While most drum caught inshore are in the 5-15 pound range, they can grow to over 50 pounds. These fish love cracked crab or fresh shrimp fished on the bottom.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around pilings, rocks, and oyster reefs. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so a quick hookset is key. While challenging to catch, they're delicious eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size.

Time to Book Your Spot

A day out with Capt. James isn't just about filling the cooler (though you'll likely do plenty of that). It's about experiencing the incredible fishery of St. Bernard Parish with a guide who knows it like the back of his hand. From the thrill of battling a big red to the simple pleasure of watching the sun set over the marsh, this trip offers memories that'll last a lifetime. So grab your buddies, pack your sunscreen, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Louisiana has to offer. Spots with Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. The fish are biting, and Capt. James is ready to put you on them!