Half Day Seasonal Fishing in St. Bernard
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target monster Speckled Trout on 6hour nearshore adventureDepart 5:30 AM to productive oil rigs with live baitSeasonal availability May through August for personalized experience
When you're looking for serious fishing action in Louisiana waters, this 6-hour seasonal trip delivers exactly what you're after. Running from May through August, we're targeting some of the Gulf's most prized inshore species in the productive waters around St. Bernard Parish. Starting at 5:30 AM, we'll make the run to nearshore oil rigs where monster Speckled Trout, hefty Black Drum, and crafty Sheepshead are waiting. This is a single-angler trip, so you get my full attention and the best possible chance at landing fish of a lifetime. We adjust our approach based on wind, tides, and water conditions to put you on the most active fish. Louisiana fishing license required, and fair warning - the deposit is non-refundable, so come ready to fish.
We're heading straight to the oil rigs where the action happens. These structures hold everything from schooling trout to trophy-sized drum, and I know exactly which rigs are producing based on current conditions. The early morning departure isn't just for show - dawn and the first few hours of daylight are prime feeding times for our target species. You'll experience the excitement of watching your popping cork disappear as a big trout slams your bait, or feeling the heavy pull of a Black Drum testing your drag. The nearshore rigs create their own ecosystem, attracting baitfish which in turn draw the predators we're after. Water clarity, wind direction, and tidal movement all factor into our game plan, and I'm constantly reading these conditions to keep us on productive water. This personalized approach means we can quickly adapt when fish are finicky or move to a hot bite when conditions align perfectly.
We're running two proven methods that consistently produce fish around these structures. Popping cork rigs are deadly for Speckled Trout and Redfish, creating that surface disturbance that triggers aggressive strikes. I'll have you working live shrimp or finger mullet under the cork, letting the natural action do its work while staying in constant contact with the bottom structure. Down rigging with live bait is our second approach, especially effective for Black Drum and Sheepshead that tend to hang tight to the rig pilings. We're talking Carolina rigs with circle hooks, heavy enough to get down through the current but light enough to feel every nibble. The key is reading the structure on the fish finder and positioning ourselves where the fish are holding. I provide all tackle and bait, but if you have a favorite rod setup, bring it along. These oil rigs can be snaggy, so we're prepared with plenty of terminal tackle to keep lines in the water when fish are biting.
Southern Flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on sandy bottoms near rig structures, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. These flatfish can grow impressive in Louisiana waters, with keeper-sized fish running 15-18 inches and trophy specimens pushing 20-plus inches. May through August is prime time as they move into shallower waters for feeding. What makes flounder exciting is their explosive strike - one second your bait is drifting naturally, the next you're fighting a fish that knows every trick to shake the hook. Black Drum are the bruisers of this fishery, with mature fish weighing 30-50 pounds and possessing the power to test your equipment and endurance. They're year-round residents around oil platforms, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish off the structure. Summer months see them in peak feeding mode, and their fights are legendary - long, bulldogging runs that'll leave your arms burning. Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" thanks to their distinctive black stripes, but it's their notorious bait-stealing ability that keeps anglers on their toes. These fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, making them incredibly structure-oriented around rig pilings. They're notorious for subtle bites that require excellent feel and quick hooksets. Sea Trout, particularly the larger "gator trout," are what dreams are made of in Louisiana waters. During our seasonal window, mature trout cruise rig areas feeding on abundant baitfish, with quality fish running 20-25 inches and true giants exceeding 27 inches. Their aggressive strikes on topwater and under popping corks provide some of the most exciting moments on the water, and their beautiful golden sides make them a prized catch for any angler. Redfish complete the inshore slam, with bronze-backed bulls patrolling rig areas for easy meals. These copper-colored fighters are notorious for their initial run and stubborn fighting style, often heading straight back to structure to try breaking you off.
This seasonal trip books up fast once word gets out about the fishing quality. From May through August, conditions align perfectly for targeting multiple species in one trip, giving you the best shot at a memorable day on the water. The single-angler format means you're getting premium guide service without competing for attention or prime fishing spots. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Louisiana species to your list or someone wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Remember to secure your Louisiana fishing license before the trip, and come prepared for an early start that puts us on the water when fish are most active. The non-refundable deposit policy ensures serious anglers only, so when you book, you're committing to a day of fishing that'll have you planning your return trip before we reach the dock.
You'll fish from a brand new 2023 23' Tidewater Bay Boat, perfectly set up for targeting black drum and sheepshead in St. Bernard's productive waters. This center console runs on a powerful Yamaha 250HP engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast, hitting speeds up to 50 knots when conditions allow. The boat's designed for inshore work with plenty of deck space and stability for fighting fish. Built-in fish finder helps locate structure where drum and sheepshead hang out, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over shell beds and pilings without spooking fish. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's space to spread out and work different techniques. The center console layout gives everyone easy access to rod holders and storage for tackle and bait.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with giants reaching 90 pounds. They get their name from the drumming sounds they make, especially during spawning season in spring when they school up and are easiest to target. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure in brackish water from super shallow to about 100 feet deep. What guests love is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump but pull hard and steady. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with flaky white meat, but the big ones get tough. They're bottom feeders that crush oysters and crabs with powerful jaws. Fresh blue crab is my go-to bait since it stays on the hook better than soft baits and catfish won't steal it. Fish it right on the bottom and be patient - when they pick it up, let them run with it a bit before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the golden boys of Louisiana inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They typically run 20-35 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them on grass flats, around oyster reefs, and cruising marshes in 1-4 feet of water. Summer through fall is prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What guests love is their powerful, bulldogging fight and that signature spot that helps predators attack the wrong end. They're great eating when under 27 inches - firm, slightly sweet meat. They'll eat almost anything but live shrimp and soft plastics work best. My go-to trick is watching for "nervous water" - slight ripples they make when feeding. Cast ahead of them, not directly at them, and work your bait slowly. They're spooky in shallow water, so stay quiet and keep movements to a minimum.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread-and-butter inshore species, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. They're silver with distinctive black spots and love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs near structure. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're most active, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're outstanding table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. They're not the strongest fighters but they're fun on light tackle and jump occasionally. During hot summer months, look for them in deeper holes and channels, but they move shallow to feed at first light. My favorite technique is a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it slowly over grass beds and listen for that telltale "pop" when they hit. Keep your drag light - their mouths are soft and they'll tear off easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders do show up. You'll find them tight to structure - docks, bridges, oil rigs, any barnacle-covered pilings. They're notorious bait thieves that nibble to test your offering before committing. Spring is prime time when they spawn around structures, but they're catchable year-round. Guests love them because they're excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is their light bite and strong mouth. I use fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks, get as close to structure as possible, and keep a tight line. When you feel them pecking, don't wait - set the hook hard immediately. They'll spit the bait faster than you can blink.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are flat, sneaky predators that bury themselves in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. You'll typically find them around 15-18 inches, though some reach over 30 inches. They love shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries with sandy or muddy bottoms where they can camouflage perfectly. What makes them unique is having both eyes on one side of their head - usually the left. They're most active during cooler months when they move offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting them because they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They hit live bait like bull minnows, mullet, and shrimp best. My local tip: use a Carolina rig with just enough weight to feel bottom, then slowly drag it along. When you feel that telltale thump, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around and swallow it properly.
Hopedale, LA