Half Day Louisiana Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing trips with morning or afternoon departuresExpert guides provide equipment and personalized instruction for all skill levelsNavigate Louisiana bayous and marshlands targeting prime fishing conditions
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure in Louisiana's rich marshlands? Capt. Andy Jones has you covered with half-day charters that put you right in the heart of some of the Gulf Coast's best inshore fishing. We're talking 4-5 hours of prime time on the water in St. Bernard, where the bayous hold serious fish and every cast could be the one that makes your day. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the tug on the other end of the line, this trip delivers exactly what Louisiana fishing is all about.
Your day starts with a choice that sets the tone for everything that follows. The 7 am departure gets you out there when the water's still cool and the fish are actively feeding - you'll be back at the dock by 12:30 pm with stories to tell and maybe a cooler full of dinner. Choose the 11 am trip instead, and you're in for something special: fishing Louisiana's marshes as the sun starts to drop, painting the sky in colors that make even seasoned anglers stop and stare. This later trip brings you back around nightfall, and trust me, there's nothing quite like watching a Gulf Coast sunset from a fishing boat with your line in the water. The boat comfortably handles up to two anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with a crowd. Capt. Andy provides all the gear you need and knows these waters like his backyard - he'll put you on fish and make sure you understand what you're doing, whether you've been fishing these marshes for years or this is your first time holding a rod.
The beauty of inshore fishing in St. Bernard lies in the variety of techniques that work in these productive waters. We'll be working the grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges where the fish like to hang out and ambush their next meal. Live bait is king out here - nothing beats a frisky shrimp or finger mullet when you're targeting redfish cruising the shallows. You'll also get hands-on experience with artificial lures that have proven themselves in these waters: soft plastics that mimic shrimp and baitfish, topwater plugs that create explosive strikes, and jigs that can work every level of the water column. The captain brings quality spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the fish we're after - sensitive enough to feel that subtle tap of a sheepshead but with enough backbone to turn a bull redfish away from the structure. Depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us, we might be sight fishing in skinny water, working deeper channels, or casting tight to cover where the big ones like to hide. Every technique has its place, and part of the fun is figuring out what pattern unlocks the bite on your particular day.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and these marshes hold some world-class specimens. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-30 inches in our waters, though don't be surprised if you tie into a bull red that tests your drag system. Redfish feed year-round but really turn on during fall months when they school up in massive numbers. What makes them so exciting isn't just their size - it's their attitude. A redfish will crush a topwater lure in two feet of water, then dig hard for the bottom while peeling line off your reel. They're smart fish that use every trick in the book: running under the boat, wrapping you in structure, or just plain bulldogging until your arms burn.
Speckled trout bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These beautiful fish are renowned for their delicate bite and spectacular fights - when a good trout hits a topwater plug, it's pure poetry in motion. St. Bernard's grass flats and drop-offs hold excellent populations of specks, especially during spring and fall when water temperatures hit that sweet spot. A slot-sized speckled trout will give you a fight that's all about finesse: head shakes, jumps, and runs that test your drag settings and your patience. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, which makes them a customer favorite for good reason.
Sheepshead might not win any beauty contests, but don't let their looks fool you - these are some of the smartest and most challenging fish you'll encounter. They hang around oyster reefs and structure, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. What makes sheepshead fishing so addictive is the technique required: you need to feel for that subtle bite and set the hook at exactly the right moment. Miss the timing, and they'll strip your bait clean without you knowing what happened. When you do connect with a good sheepshead, you're in for a surprise - they fight much harder than their appearance suggests and can easily fool you into thinking you've hooked something twice their size.
Alligator gar represent the wildcard species that can turn a good day into a legendary one. These prehistoric fish cruise Louisiana's marshes like living dinosaurs, sometimes reaching impressive sizes that create stories you'll tell for years. Gar fishing requires patience and the right technique - they're not aggressive biters, but when you connect with one, you'll know immediately that you're attached to something special. The fight is unlike anything else in these waters: long, powerful runs combined with their ability to jump and thrash on the surface. Landing a good alligator gar is a trending experience that puts you in touch with Louisiana's wild side in a way that few other fish can match.
This half-day charter gives you everything that makes Louisiana inshore fishing special: productive waters, expert guidance, and enough variety to keep things interesting from start to finish. With only two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fish without feeling crowded. Capt. Andy's local knowledge and quality equipment take the guesswork out
Your fishing adventure begins aboard our nimble 2015 Maverick center console, a 17-footer that's perfectly sized for Louisiana's backcountry waters. Powered by a reliable 90HP Yamaha, this boat cuts through the bayous and shallow flats at up to 38 knots, getting you to the hotspots fast. The center console design gives you 360-degree casting room, while our fish finder helps locate schools lurking beneath the surface. GPS navigation keeps us on track through the maze of marshlands and channels. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those productive 4-5 hour sessions. With space for just two anglers, you'll get personalized attention from our guides whether you're working the morning bite or staying late for that magical Gulf Coast sunset. This boat handles everything from protected marsh fishing to nearshore Gulf runs.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are prehistoric monsters that make every angler's bucket list. These armored giants typically stretch 4-6 feet and can hit 100+ pounds - they're living dinosaurs with those bone-like scales and razor teeth. You'll find them in deeper bayou bends and river channels, especially during late summer when the water's hot and low. They're catch-and-release only here in Louisiana, but the experience is what draws people. Nothing compares to battling a fish this ancient and powerful - it's like hooking into a log that suddenly comes alive. They can breathe air, so don't be surprised if they surface. Best bait is fresh cut mullet or big shiners on heavy tackle. My tip: use a bright bobber and be patient - they're ambush predators and might sit on your bait for 20 minutes before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Louisiana inshore fishing. These bronze beauties with the signature black spot near their tail typically range 20-35 inches and fight like they're twice their size. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're year-round targets, but spring through fall offers the most consistent action. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight that gets everyone's heart pumping. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild meat. They're not picky eaters either - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work. My go-to technique: sight-fish the flats with gold spoons or topwater plugs early morning. Keep your approach quiet and cast ahead of cruising fish.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread and butter fish here in the Louisiana marsh. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though we catch some real slabs pushing bigger numbers. They love shallow grass flats, especially during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall are prime, but they school up in deeper water during winter months. What guests love most is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their fantastic eating quality - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They put up a decent fight with some nice head shakes. Here's a local trick: work the grass edges with a popping cork and live shrimp about 18 inches below. The sound of that cork popping drives them crazy, especially in 2-4 feet of water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese gray fish with black prison stripes are some of the smartest fish you'll encounter in our Louisiana waters. Sheepshead run 1-8 pounds typically, but we've seen 20-pounders around the oil rigs and bridge pilings. They love munching on barnacles, crabs, and oysters with those human-like teeth. You'll find them tight to structure - docks, bridges, anything with barnacles growing on it. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them special? They're notorious bait thieves and excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use fiddler crabs or live shrimp, keep your bait right against the structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel that tap. They'll steal your bait clean off the hook if you hesitate even a second.
St Bernard, LA