Half Day Seasonal Fishing Trip In St. Bernard
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target monster Speckled Trout on 6-hour nearshore adventureEarly 5:30 AM departure to productive oil rig locationsSeasonal availability May through August for optimal conditions
Looking for some serious action on the water? This 6-hour seasonal fishing trip out of St. Bernard, Louisiana is exactly what you need. We're talking about targeting monster Speckled Trout around nearshore oil rigs, plus plenty of shots at Black Drum, Sheepshead, Southern Flounder, and Redfish. Starting at 5:30 AM when the fish are most active, you'll get the water mostly to yourself while working some of the most productive structures in Louisiana waters. Available from May through August, this is prime time fishing when these species are feeding heavy and putting up the kind of fights that make stories worth telling.
We keep this trip intimate with just one angler, so you're getting a completely personalized experience tailored to your skill level and what's biting that day. The early departure isn't just for show - it puts us on the rigs when the water's calm and the fish are actively feeding. St. Bernard Parish sits right where freshwater marshes meet the Gulf, creating the perfect mixing zone that draws baitfish and the predators that chase them. The oil rigs we fish have been underwater for decades, turning into artificial reefs loaded with structure that holds everything from juvenile bait to trophy-sized gamefish. Weather and conditions change daily here, so we'll adjust our game plan based on wind direction, tidal movement, water clarity, and what the fish have been doing lately.
We'll be running two main approaches depending on what the fish want that day. Popping cork setups are deadly when trout are feeding up in the water column - that popping sound drives them crazy and brings them up from the structure to investigate. Under the cork, we'll run live shrimp or croakers to seal the deal. When fish are holding tight to the bottom structure, we switch to down rigging with live bait, dropping it right into their zone. The beauty of fishing these rigs is the variety - you might hook a nice trout on one cast, then have a bull redfish crash your bait on the next. We carry a full spread of tackle sizes because you never know if you're going to tie into a schoolie trout or a 30-pound black drum. All gear is provided, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one.
Speckled Trout are the main target here, and for good reason. These fish get aggressive around structure, especially during the cooler morning hours. St. Bernard's trout run anywhere from keeper size up to genuine wall-hangers pushing 8+ pounds. They hit hard and make screaming runs, plus they're fantastic eating if you decide to keep a few. Peak season runs May through August when they're feeding heavily to build up for the spawn.
Black Drum around these rigs are absolute bruisers. We're not talking about the little ones you catch in the shallows - these oil rig drum can push 40+ pounds and will test every bit of your drag system. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and cut bait, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. The fight is more of a tug-of-war than the fast runs of a trout, but they've got the power to straighten hooks if you're not careful.
Sheepshead are the structure specialists of the Gulf. With their human-like teeth, they're perfectly designed to crush barnacles, crabs, and oysters off the rig pilings. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one requires quick reflexes and the right technique. Don't let their small mouth fool you - sheepshead fight way above their weight class and are some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Southern Flounder are the ambush predators of the bunch. They bury themselves in the sand near structure and wait for baitfish to swim by. When they strike, it's lightning fast. Flounder fishing requires a different approach - slower presentations along the bottom where they're waiting. They're masters of camouflage and incredibly fun to target with light tackle.
Redfish are the wild cards of this trip. While they're not always at the rigs, when they show up, they make it count. These copper-colored fighters are pure muscle and attitude. They'll crush topwater baits, slam live shrimp, and put up fights that include powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. Louisiana reds are famous for a reason - they're some of the hardest fighting inshore fish you'll find anywhere.
This seasonal trip books up fast during peak months, and with only one angler per trip, availability gets tight quickly. You'll need a valid Louisiana fishing license before we head out - no exceptions there. The 5:30 AM start time might seem early, but trust me, it's worth every minute when you're watching the sunrise while fighting fish. The deposit is non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. This is world-class inshore fishing in one of Louisiana's most productive areas, guided by someone who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're after your first speckled trout or looking to land a personal best black drum, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Hit the waters of St. Bernard aboard our 2023 23' Tidewater Bay Boat, perfectly rigged for chasing black drum, sheepshead, and whatever else is biting in these productive Louisiana marshes. This center console setup gives you plenty of room to work your lines while the Yamaha 250HP gets us to the hot spots fast – we're talking 50 knots when we need to cover water quickly. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on structure without spooking fish, while our GPS and fish finder combo keeps us on productive bottom. Whether we're working live bait around pilings or bouncing jigs through oyster beds, this boat handles the shallow inshore waters like a dream. The stable platform makes fighting fish easy, and there's room for all your gear plus whatever you bring home for dinner.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 15-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50+ pounds around our oil platforms. These bruisers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure in 10-40 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll have your best shot at a trophy. They're famous for their crushing power and stamina, making long runs that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom and be patient. When you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let your drag work and enjoy the fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana legends with their copper backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These 20-40 inch drum typically weigh 10-25 pounds and love shallow flats, oyster reefs, and oil rig structure in 5-20 feet of water. They're year-round fighters but really shine during our warmer months when they're actively hunting. What makes them special is their powerful runs and that famous red coloration - plus they're protected game fish, so every catch feels special. The meat is mild and firm, perfect for the grill. My go-to technique: cast topwater lures early morning around structure and be ready for explosive strikes. When they hit, let them run - trying to muscle them in early will just straighten your hooks.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our Louisiana waters, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats, oil rigs, and drop-offs in 15-30 feet of water. Our summer season from May through August is perfect timing when they're actively feeding on shrimp and baitfish around structure. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make runs that keep you busy. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with tender, flaky meat. Pro tip: work your lure slowly around the rigs and vary your depth. They suspend at different levels, so don't just fish the bottom. A slow retrieve often triggers the biggest bites.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Louisiana waters with their black stripes and human-like teeth. These 2-8 pound structure huggers live around our oil rigs, pilings, and anywhere barnacles grow. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spawning season from February through April. What makes them special is their finicky nature and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is they're notorious bait thieves with those crushing jaws. Fresh shrimp or small crabs work best, but here's my secret: once you feel them nibbling, count to three before setting the hook hard. They'll try to steal your bait, but patience pays off with these tasty fish.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud to ambush prey. You'll typically find them in 15-25 feet of water around our oil rigs and structure, ranging from 15-18 inches and weighing around 5 pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, which makes them pretty unique to catch. They're active year-round but really bite best during our cooler months when they move offshore to spawn. What guests love most is the surprise factor - they hit hard and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run a bit first, then set firm. They're notorious for stealing bait if you're too quick on the trigger.
Hopedale, LA