World-Class Family Fishing in St. Bernard, LA

Family Fishing Fun in St. Bernard's Backwaters

Ready for a laid-back day on the water that'll have the whole family hooked? Captain James Hanson's got you covered with his top-rated St. Bernard fishing charters. Cruise through the maze-like marshes and bayous, where the fish are biting and the scenery's straight out of a Louisiana postcard. Whether you're teaching the kids to cast or looking to land a trophy redfish, this 8-hour trip is the perfect way to experience the rich fishing grounds right in New Orleans' backyard.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're gliding through glassy bayous, surrounded by waving marsh grass and the occasional gator sunning itself on the bank. Captain James knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll hit all the local honey holes where the fish love to hang out. With room for four on the boat, it's ideal for families or a small group of buddies. The calm waters mean even the littlest anglers can get in on the action without worrying about seasickness. And don't sweat it if you're new to fishing – the captain's as patient as they come, happy to show you the ropes or help you perfect your technique.

Fishing Know-How & Gear

On this trip, you'll get to try your hand at a mix of fishing techniques. Depending on what's biting, you might be tossing soft plastics for speckled trout, working a popping cork for redfish, or dropping live bait for sheepshead around the pilings. Captain James provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. He'll show you how to rig up and give you pointers on setting the hook when you feel that telltale tug. The boat's decked out with a cooler for your drinks and snacks, and there's plenty of ice on board to keep your catch fresh. Just remember to bring your Louisiana fishing license, some sunscreen, and a camera to capture the moment when you land the big one!

Top Catches This Season

St. Bernard's waters are teeming with game fish year-round, but here's what's been really hot lately:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the rock stars of Louisiana inshore fishing. Redfish, also known as red drum, can grow to over 40 inches and put up one heck of a fight. They love to hang out near grass beds and oyster reefs, often giving themselves away with their trademark tail sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. The "bull reds" (over 27 inches) are catch-and-release, but the smaller ones make for some fantastic eating. Redfish are around all year, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these spotted dynamos are more like their largemouth bass cousins than a trout. Specks are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're most active in the cooler months, from October through April, and love to chase baitfish around points and drop-offs. Catching a limit of specks (25 per person) is a real thrill, and they're absolutely delicious on the grill.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like human teeth, sheepshead are as fun to catch as they are weird-looking. These crafty fish are masters at stealing bait, so hooking one is a real accomplishment. They hang around structures like pilings and seawalls, using their teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter is the best time to target them, especially around February when they school up to spawn. Don't let their looks fool you – sheepshead are excellent table fare.

Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes – we're talking over 100 pounds! The smaller ones, under 15 pounds or so, are what you'll typically catch on this trip, and they're perfect for the dinner table. Black drum use their sensitive barbels to feel for crabs and shrimp on the bottom, so fishing with natural bait on the bottom is the way to go. They're around all year but really start to bite well in late winter and early spring.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Captain James tend to make it a regular thing, and it's easy to see why. For starters, the fishing's consistently good – even on slower days, you're bound to catch something. But it's more than just the fish. It's about cruising through the bayous, spotting wildlife, and soaking in that classic Louisiana atmosphere. The captain's got a million stories and knows all the local history, so you're in for some quality entertainment between bites. Plus, with the shallow draft of the boat, you can get into some real skinny water where the big boys like to hide. It's the kind of trip where time flies by, and before you know it, you're heading back to the dock with a cooler full of fish and a day's worth of memories.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fish-filled day that'll have the whole family grinning from ear to ear, Captain James's St. Bernard fishing charter is the ticket. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you're in for a treat. The waters are calling, the fish are waiting, and the memories are ready to be made. So why not round up the crew and book your trip? The hardest part will be deciding who gets to reel in the first big one! Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Grab your spot now and get ready for a day of Louisiana fishing at its finest. Trust me, once you've fished these waters, you'll be counting the days till you can come back and do it all over again.