Full Day St. Bernard Catch All You Can Challenge
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting five different fish speciesEighthour challenge focuses on maximizing catch variety and quantityAll equipment, bait, fuel, and fish cleaning services included
Picture this: you're out on the Louisiana marsh at first light, rod in hand, ready to see just how many different species you can rack up in eight solid hours of fishing. That's exactly what Captain Thomas delivers with this top-rated inshore charter that's got local anglers talking. Starting at 6 AM sharp, you'll be targeting everything that swims in these productive St. Bernard waters - from hefty redfish to scrappy sheepshead. The clock's ticking, the fish are biting, and the challenge is simple: catch as many species as you can before sunset. With all your gear, bait, and cleaning included in the $850 base price for three anglers, this isn't just another fishing trip - it's a full-contact fishing marathon.
When Captain Thomas says "catch all you can," he means business. This eight-hour adventure kicks off before dawn because that's when the fish are most active and your species count can really start climbing. The St. Bernard marshes offer some of the most diverse inshore fishing in Louisiana, and this charter takes full advantage of that variety. You'll be moving between different structures, depths, and habitat types throughout the day - one minute you're sight-casting to redfish in shallow grass flats, the next you're bottom fishing for black drum around old oil rigs. The captain provides everything you need: live bait, tackle suited for each species, ice to keep your catch fresh, and complete fish cleaning at the end of the day. All you need to bring is your Louisiana fishing license, some snacks, drinks, and the stamina to keep casting when other anglers would call it quits.
This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of fishing trip. Captain Thomas will have you switching techniques and tackle throughout the day to maximize your species count. You'll start with live shrimp under popping corks for speckled trout in the early morning, then transition to cut bait on the bottom for black drum as the sun comes up. When the tide's right, you might find yourself sight-casting spoons at tailing redfish or dropping fiddler crabs near dock pilings for sheepshead. The beauty of this challenge is learning how different species respond to different presentations - and St. Bernard's diverse structure gives you the perfect classroom. From shallow grass beds to deeper channels, oyster reefs to man-made structures, each spot requires its own approach. Captain Thomas will coach you through the transitions, showing you how to read the water and adjust your technique as conditions change throughout the day.
Redfish are the backbone of Louisiana inshore fishing, and St. Bernard's marsh system holds some real bruisers. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot fish mixed in with oversized bulls. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some monster fish. What makes redfish so exciting is their versatility - you can catch them on everything from topwater plugs to live crab, and they'll fight you from the moment they feel the hook until they're in the net.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your tackle and technique. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses can range from 15-inch "puppy drum" to massive 40+ pound fish that locals call "big uglies." They're most active during cooler months and love structure like old pilings and shell beds. The key to consistent black drum fishing is patience and the right bait - fresh blue crab or cut mullet presented right on the bottom. When a big drum takes your bait, you'll know it immediately.
Speckled Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are probably the most popular target for Louisiana anglers. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that respond well to both live and artificial baits. Peak season runs from March through November, with the best action often coming during moving tides around dawn and dusk. A good speck will run 14-20 inches and put up a respectable fight, but it's their willingness to bite that makes them perfect for a species challenge like this.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's skill and patience. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and are notorious bait thieves, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They hang around structure - docks, pilings, reefs - and require a delicate touch to hook consistently. Most run 12-16 inches, but the challenge and excellent table fare make them a prized catch. Peak sheepshead fishing happens during their spring spawn when they move inshore in large numbers.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, add another dimension to your species count. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. They're most active during warmer months and respond well to live bait bounced along the bottom. While they might not be the biggest fighters, their unique appearance and excellent eating quality make them a welcome addition to any mixed bag.
This full-day species challenge isn't for every angler - it's for those who want to push their limits and see what Louisiana's inshore waters can really produce. At $850 for up to three anglers, with additional guests at $140 each, you're getting world-class guiding, top-notch equipment, and eight hours of non-stop fishing action. Captain Thomas has built his reputation on putting clients on fish, and this challenge format brings out the best in both guide and angler. Whether you're looking to test your skills against Louisiana's diverse inshore species or just want the most action-packed day on the water possible, this charter delivers. The St. Bernard marshes are waiting, the fish are biting, and the challenge is set. All that's left is to see how many species you can check off the list.
Get ready to chase redfish and speckled trout aboard this reliable 23-foot Parker center console! Built to handle Louisiana's inshore waters, this 1997 workhorse packs a 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots. Perfect for navigating St. Bernard's shallow marshes and back bays where the big drum and sheepshead hang out. The fish finder will help you locate structure and baitfish, while the GPS keeps you on track to productive waters. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. With space for three anglers, there's plenty of room to work lures around oyster reefs and grass flats without bumping elbows. This boat's shallow draft design lets you slip into skinny water where trophy redfish cruise the shallows, making it ideal for sight fishing and working the countless ponds and cuts that make St. Bernard Parish such a productive fishery.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our marshes, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bulls pushing 50+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're bulldogs on the line, using that broad body to pull hard in shallow water. For the best shot at hooking up, use fresh crab on a circle hook and keep your bait right on the bottom. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare, but the big ones are better released to keep fighting another day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, with that distinctive copper-bronze color and black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but we see plenty of bull reds over 30 inches that'll test your drag. They cruise shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in water so skinny their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and fall are peak times when they're most aggressive. They're powerful fighters that use their broad shoulders to pull hard. The smaller slot fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Watch for nervous water and tailing fish in the shallows, then cast topwater plugs or live shrimp just ahead of their path. They'll eat almost anything when feeding.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread-and-butter fish in these Louisiana marshes, typically running 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives you consistent action, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. They're scrappy fighters with a soft mouth, so don't horse them in. The white, flaky meat is outstanding on the table - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Try working shallow grass beds at first light with live shrimp under a popping cork, and listen for their feeding activity splashing on the surface.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and gray stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll crack barnacles right off the pilings. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles, though you might hook into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. They're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and pick at your hook trying to steal your crab without getting caught. Spring from February through April is when they school up and feed heavily around structures. The meat is some of the best you'll find - sweet and flaky when cooked right. Get your bait as close to the structure as possible and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. Fresh fiddler crab is the ticket, and make sure it's hooked on tight.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged until they ambush passing baitfish. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and make for excellent eating with their sweet, flaky white meat. You'll find them on sandy flats and around structure where they lie in wait for prey. Fall months from September through November give you the best action when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. They're fun fighters that'll make solid runs once hooked. The key to catching them is using a circle hook with live minnows or croakers, and hooking smaller baits through the eyes while larger ones go through the lips. Keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom - they won't chase far from cover.
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