Half Day Fishing Trip in St. Bernard, Louisiana
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing trips with flexible morning or afternoon departuresExpert guide provides equipment and personalized instruction for all skill levelsSmall group experience accommodates up to 2 guests in Louisiana marshlands
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that'll get you into some serious fish without eating up your whole day? Captain Andy Jones knows these Louisiana waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some quality catches in the productive marshlands around St. Bernard. Whether you're an early bird who wants to beat the heat or prefer chasing that evening bite, this 4-5 hour adventure gives you flexibility with morning and afternoon departures. You'll be fishing some of the most fish-rich waters in Louisiana, where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf, creating perfect conditions for multiple species year-round.
Your day starts with a choice - roll out early at 7 AM and be back by lunch, or take the 11 AM trip and fish into that beautiful Gulf Coast sunset. Both options have their perks. Morning trips often mean calmer conditions and more active fish, while afternoon sessions can be money when the tide's right and you get to watch the marshland come alive as evening approaches. Captain Andy keeps his trips intimate with just two anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod space or competing for the guide's attention. He'll have all the tackle ready to go, from light spinning gear for trout to heavier setups when the reds are pushing bait in shallow water. The boat's equipped to handle everything from open water drifts to skinny water sight fishing, depending on what the fish are doing that day.
These Louisiana marshes demand versatility, and Captain Andy's got the right approach for every situation. You'll be throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics worked along oyster bars and drop-offs. When the sheepshead are biting around structure, he'll rig you up with fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp on circle hooks. For redfish, expect to pitch spoons and paddle tails into the grass, or work topwater plugs when they're pushing bait shallow. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano combos, and Andy keeps a good selection of Gulp baits, DOA lures, and fresh bait on ice. He knows when to drift the deeper cuts with Carolina rigs and when to pole the flats looking for tailing reds. GPS and fish finder technology help locate productive structure, but it's Andy's decades of experience reading water color, bait movement, and bird activity that consistently puts clients on fish.
The beauty of fishing St. Bernard's diverse waters is the variety of species you'll encounter. Redfish are the bread and butter here - these copper-colored bulldogs love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout the area. They'll average 20-27 inches with plenty of slot fish and some bull reds mixed in during peak seasons. Fall and spring are prime time when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning. Sea trout populate the deeper cuts and grass beds, especially during cooler months when they school up in predictable spots. Look for keeper trout in the 15-20 inch range with occasional gator trout pushing 25 inches or better. Sheepshead show up around any hard structure - dock pilings, rock piles, and bridge foundations. These black-and-white striped convicts are notorious bait stealers, but once you figure out their bite, you'll have some excellent table fare. The real wildcard is alligator gar - these prehistoric giants can stretch 4-6 feet and provide an absolute battle on conventional tackle. They're more common during warmer months and often show up when you're targeting other species, turning a routine day into something memorable.
Captain Andy Jones has built his reputation on consistently putting anglers on fish while showing them the beauty of Louisiana's coastal marshlands. With only two spots per trip, you're getting personal attention and prime fishing time without the crowd. Whether you book the early departure to beat the heat or choose the afternoon trip for those magic-hour conditions, you're in for quality fishing in some of the Gulf Coast's most productive waters. The variety of species, from hard-fighting redfish to table-fare trout, means every cast has potential. Don't sleep on this opportunity to fish with a local expert who knows exactly where to find them and how to catch them. Book your half-day adventure and get ready to experience why St. Bernard's marshes are considered world-class fishing destinations.
This sleek 2015 Maverick 17' center console cuts through Louisiana's marshes with serious fishing power. The 90HP Yamaha pushes this nimble boat to 38 knots, getting you to the hotspots fast while staying quiet in shallow waters where the big ones hide. Built for two anglers max, you'll have plenty of elbow room to cast and fight fish without bumping into crowds. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and bait schools, while GPS keeps you on productive waters. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Louisiana afternoons. Whether you're targeting redfish in the grass or speckled trout along the drop-offs, this boat's shallow draft and responsive handling let your captain slide into backcountry spots that bigger vessels can't reach.
Atractosteus SpatulaThese prehistoric monsters are the ultimate trophy fish - pure dinosaur with ganoid scales like armor plating and a mouthful of needle-sharp teeth. We're talking 4-6 footers weighing 100+ pounds that can surface breathe like a gator. You'll find them in deeper bayou bends and backwater sloughs, especially during late summer heat when they're most active. They're catch-and-release only in Louisiana, but landing one is a bucket-list experience that tests every piece of your tackle. What makes them special is their ancient lineage and sheer size - it's like hooking a submarine. They're ambush predators, so patience is key. The secret is using big live bait like mullet or carp on heavy tackle, fishing deep holes near shallow feeding areas. Once hooked, they'll jump, roll, and fight for what feels like forever.
Sciaenops OcellatusLouisiana's signature gamefish, reds are what put our marshes on the map. These copper-colored bruisers with their distinctive black spots love our shallow flats and oyster reefs, often feeding in water so skinny their backs show. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but oversized bulls can hit 40+ inches and really test your gear. They're year-round targets, though fall brings the best action when they're fattening up. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat almost anything and that powerful, drag-screaming run when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The beauty of reds is they're perfect for sight-fishing on calm days. Local secret: look for nervous water and baitfish activity over shallow mud flats on incoming tides - that's where the big ones ambush prey.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 14-24 inches and putting up a solid scrap on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow bays, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they bite year-round here in Louisiana waters. What guests love about specks is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus that tender white meat makes for excellent eating. They're perfect for beginners but still challenge experienced anglers. During cooler months, they school up in deeper channels. Pro tip: fish soft plastics under a popping cork over grass beds early morning - that cork pop mimics feeding activity and calls them in from a distance.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese convict-striped fish with their human-like teeth are some of the smartest catches in our waters. You'll find them around any structure - docks, pilings, oil rigs - where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we've seen 20-pounders that'll test your patience. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling to steal your offering before committing. Spring through fall are prime times when they're feeding heavy. What makes them special? That delicate, sweet white meat is table fare gold, plus the challenge of outsmarting them keeps things interesting. Here's the trick: use fiddler crabs on a tight line right against the structure, and when you feel that first tap, set the hook hard - they've got crushers for jaws and won't give up easy once hooked.
St Bernard, LA