Full Day St. Bernard Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour inshore fishing adventure for four guestsTarget black drum, redfish, sheepshead, and speckled troutExpert Captain James Hanson guides through St. Bernard waters
Captain James Hanson knows these St. Bernard waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 8-hour private charter with Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters is built for groups of four who want the real deal—no crowds, no rushing, just pure Louisiana inshore fishing at its finest. You'll be targeting the bread and butter species that make this area famous: black drum, sheepshead, speckled trout, and redfish. Captain Hanson's been running these marshes and flats for years, so you're in for a top-rated experience that combines his local knowledge with your group's fishing ambitions.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives you the chance to really work the water and hit multiple spots as conditions change throughout the day. Captain Hanson starts early, taking advantage of those prime morning hours when fish are actively feeding. You'll cruise through the scenic marsh areas and productive flats that St. Bernard is known for, with the captain reading the water and adjusting tactics based on tide, weather, and what the fish are telling him. The boat is rigged and ready for inshore action, and since it's a private charter, everything moves at your group's pace. Whether you're seasoned anglers or getting your feet wet, Captain Hanson tailors the day to match your crew's experience level and keeps things fun and productive.
St. Bernard's inshore waters offer incredible variety in how you can fish, and Captain Hanson knows when and where to deploy each technique for maximum success. You'll likely spend time drifting over structure for black drum and sheepshead, using everything from live bait to cut crab depending on what's working. When targeting redfish, expect to work the grass flats and marsh edges with both artificial lures and live bait—these copper-colored fighters love shallow water, and watching them blow up on topwater plugs is something every angler needs to experience. For speckled trout, the approach changes again, often working deeper grass beds and drop-offs where these popular gamefish cruise looking for shrimp and baitfish. Captain Hanson provides all the tackle and knows exactly what rigs and baits produce in these specific waters, but he's always happy to let experienced anglers throw their favorite lures if they want to mix things up.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this charter and for good reason—these fish can really test your drag system. St. Bernard's waters hold some impressive drum, with fish ranging from keeper-sized specimens to true giants that can top 30 pounds. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round around oyster reefs and structure. What makes black drum so popular with anglers is their incredible fighting ability; they use their broad sides and powerful tails to make long, stubborn runs that'll have you questioning your knots. Captain Hanson knows the prime drum spots and how to present baits that these selective feeders can't resist.
Sheepshead fishing around St. Bernard is world-class, especially during their peak season from late fall through early spring. These convict-striped fighters have earned a reputation as bait thieves, but that's exactly what makes catching them so rewarding. They hang around pilings, rocks, and any structure where crabs and barnacles provide an easy meal. Sheepshead have impressive crushing power in their jaws, and they're notorious for subtle bites that require good feel and quick reflexes. Once hooked, they make determined runs back toward structure, so getting them away from cover quickly is key. The best part? They're excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the fillet.
Speckled trout are the reliable producers that keep action consistent throughout the day. These popular gamefish are active year-round in St. Bernard's grass beds and deeper channels, though spring and fall tend to offer the best action. Specks are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificial lures with enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action. They're known for their impressive jumps when hooked, often clearing the water multiple times during the fight. Captain Hanson targets them around grass transitions and drop-offs where they ambush passing baitfish, and he's mastered the timing and presentation that consistently produces quality fish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and St. Bernard's shallow flats and marsh systems provide perfect habitat for these bronze beauties. These fish are available year-round but really shine during warmer months when they move into skinny water to feed. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and bulldogging fights—once hooked, they use their broad shoulders and stamina to test every component of your tackle. What makes them special is their willingness to eat in shallow water where you can actually see the fish, the bait, and the strike. Captain Hanson knows how to position the boat for the best shots at cruising reds, and whether they're in inches of water or holding in deeper holes, he's got the techniques dialed in.
This full-day charter represents serious value for groups who want the complete St. Bernard inshore experience. Eight hours with Captain Hanson means you're getting the benefit of his years of local knowledge, quality tackle, and the flexibility to adapt as conditions change throughout the day. The four-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time on what's shaping up to be a trending choice for serious anglers. St. Bernard's inshore waters don't get the crowds of some other areas, but they consistently produce the kind of fishing that creates lasting memories. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just enjoy a day of quality angling with friends, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to secure
Captain James Hanson's 26-foot Charles Leonard center console bay boat delivers the perfect platform for chasing drum and redfish through St. Bernard's productive inshore waters. Built in 2019 with a powerful 250HP Suzuki 4-stroke engine, this sleek vessel gets you to the fish quickly and runs smooth in choppy conditions. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow feeding areas without spooking wary redfish, while the GPS navigation system and fish finder help locate structure and schools holding speckled trout and sheepshead. With space for four anglers, everyone gets plenty of room to work their lines and fight fish without crowding. The center console design provides 360-degree fishing access and keeps gear organized for efficient moves between spots throughout your 8-hour adventure on these legendary Louisiana waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. You'll find them in brackish areas around St. Bernard, especially during spring spawning season when they school up and get easier to target. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear them underwater. They're strong fighters that'll test your tackle. For the table, stick with fish under 15 pounds for better eating. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and keep your bait right on the bottom. When they hit, they hit hard, so be ready to set that hook quick.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing here in St. Bernard. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 18-30 inches in the shallows, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. Spring and fall are prime, but they bite year-round. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and the way they'll peel drag on shallow flats. The meat on slot-sized fish is fantastic - mild and sweet. My local secret: look for nervous water and baitfish getting pushed around. When you spot that, throw a gold spoon or topwater plug just past the disturbance and hold on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a mainstay in St. Bernard waters, usually running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These beauties with their spotted sides love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they feed actively. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but winter can be productive when they school up in deeper channels. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their decent fight on light tackle. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're great for beginners since they're not too picky about baits. My tip: work the grass lines at dawn and dusk with live shrimp under a popping cork, or throw soft plastics on 1/4 oz jig heads for consistent action.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of St. Bernard with their distinctive black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure - docks, pilings, bridges, you name it. Spring is prime time when they spawn around these areas. These guys are notorious bait thieves with those weird teeth, but once hooked, they put up a solid scrap. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild - though cleaning them takes some patience with those tough scales. My local trick: get your bait as close to structure as possible without spooking them, and when you feel that telltale nibbling, set the hook hard and fast. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crab works best.
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