Full Day St. Bernard Pro Angler Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour professional charter targeting five inshore speciesAdvanced techniques for experienced anglers in Louisiana watersAll equipment, bait, and fish cleaning services included
Captain Thomas knows what serious anglers want—time on the water, productive fishing spots, and the gear to get it done right. This 8-hour charter out of St. Bernard, Louisiana isn't for casual fishing. We're talking about a full day built for experienced anglers who want to test their skills against some of Louisiana's toughest inshore species. With a 6:00 AM departure, you'll have prime time to work the marshes, channels, and flats where the big fish live. Everything's covered—fuel, live bait, tackle, ice, and fish cleaning—so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the box.
St. Bernard's inshore waters are legendary for a reason. This isn't your weekend warrior fishing trip—it's designed for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to push their limits. Captain Thomas runs a tight ship with room for up to three guests, keeping the group small so everyone gets personal attention and prime fishing spots. You'll be working Louisiana's maze of marshes, oyster reefs, and grass flats where Redfish, Black Drum, Sea Trout, Sheepshead, and Summer Flounder make their living. The boat's equipped with everything you need, but bring your A-game because these fish don't make it easy. At $850 for the boat or $140 per person, you're getting access to some of the most productive inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Don't forget your Louisiana fishing license—you'll need it, and Captain Thomas provides the waivers.
This charter runs on precision, not luck. Captain Thomas uses live bait presentations that match what these fish are feeding on naturally—live shrimp, croaker, and pogies that trigger aggressive strikes from wary inshore species. You'll be working everything from popping corks over grass beds to free-lining baits along drop-offs and structure. The tackle selection includes medium-heavy spinning rods paired with reels that can handle long runs and heavy drag pressure. Expect to use circle hooks for live bait fishing, jig heads for soft plastics, and specialized rigs for targeting species like Sheepshead around structure. The techniques here aren't complicated, but they require skill and timing. You'll be sight-casting to tailing Redfish, working baits through current breaks, and learning to read water conditions that change throughout the day. Louisiana's inshore waters demand adaptability, and Captain Thomas adjusts tactics based on tides, wind, and fish behavior to keep you productive all day long.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and St. Bernard waters hold some serious bulls. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches but can push well over 40 inches in these marshes. Fall and spring offer the best action when schools move through the shallows feeding aggressively. What makes Redfish special is their power—they'll make long runs and test your drag system. You'll find them tailing in skinny water or holding near oyster bars where they ambush baitfish.
Black Drum grow big in Louisiana, and specimens over 30 pounds aren't uncommon in these waters. They're bottom feeders with serious pulling power, often mistaken for Redfish until you see their distinctive barbels. Spring months bring the largest fish as they move into shallow areas to spawn. Black Drum fight differently than Redfish—more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that tests your tackle and technique. They're particular about bait presentation, preferring fresh cut crab or shrimp fished on the bottom near structure.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are the most technical fish you'll target on this charter. They're abundant year-round but peak during cooler months when they school up in deeper grass beds and channel edges. These fish require finesse—light leaders, precise presentations, and quick hooksets. What anglers love about Sea Trout is their willingness to hit artificial lures, making them perfect for testing your skills with soft plastics and topwater plugs. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for serious anglers.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge fish—they're notorious bait thieves with crushing power and incredible wariness around structure. Louisiana's oyster reefs and pilings hold good numbers, especially during winter months when they congregate for spawning. These black-and-white striped fish require small hooks, light leaders, and lightning-fast reflexes. What makes them exciting is their unpredictability and the skill required to hook them consistently. Experienced anglers love the technical challenge Sheepshead provide.
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are ambush predators that lie in wait along sandy bottoms and channel edges. They're most active during warmer months and provide excellent action on live bait rigs bounced along the bottom. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large in Louisiana waters, with fish over 5 pounds caught regularly. What's exciting about Summer Flounder is their explosive strike and excellent table quality. They require patience and bottom-fishing skills that serious anglers appreciate.
Captain Thomas runs a top-rated operation that delivers results for experienced anglers who want more than just a fishing trip. This full-day charter gives you 8 hours of focused fishing time in some of Louisiana's most productive inshore waters. With everything included except your license and personal gear, you can concentrate on fishing without worrying about logistics. The small group size ensures personalized attention and access to prime fishing spots that larger boats can't reach. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, target trophy fish, or simply enjoy world-class inshore fishing, this St. Bernard charter delivers the goods. Book your spot with Overtime Charters and experience why Louisiana's inshore fishing has such a legendary reputation among serious anglers.
Your fishing platform for this St. Bernard charter is a proven 1997 Parker center console that knows these Louisiana inshore waters inside and out. At 23 feet, this boat strikes the perfect balance between stability and maneuverability when you're working the shallows for redfish or drifting deeper channels for black drum. The 250HP Yamaha pushes you to fishing spots fast, hitting 40 knots when conditions allow, so you spend more time with lines wet instead of running between areas. The center console design gives everyone room to move around and fight fish without getting tangled up. Built-in GPS keeps you on productive structure, while the fish finder helps locate those suspended trout and drum. The icebox handles your catch and keeps drinks cold during those long August days on the water. This Parker has seen thousands of fishing trips and still delivers the reliable performance serious anglers expect when targeting Louisiana's best inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love muddy flats, oyster beds, and brackish areas where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season when they school up - that's prime time to target them. They're incredible fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to fish under 15 pounds if you plan to eat them since the bigger ones get tough and lose flavor. My go-to tip: use fresh crab for bait since it stays on the hook better than shrimp and catfish won't steal it. Present it right on the bottom near structure and be ready for a serious battle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of Louisiana inshore waters, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. These bulls typically run 20-35 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising mud flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges year-round, though spring and fall offer the hottest action. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your tackle. They're also excellent eating when kept within slot limits. The sight-fishing opportunities here are world-class - watching a 30-pound red cruise the shallows gets your heart pumping. My local tip: use gold spoons or topwater plugs in skinny water, and don't be afraid to make some noise - these fish aren't spooky like you'd think.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing, typically running 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. These grass flat specialists love shallow waters, especially at night when they move up to feed aggressively. Spring and fall provide the best action, though they bite year-round here. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent table fare - soft, white, flaky meat that's perfect for frying. They're also great fighters for their size, making long runs and jumping when hooked. During winter, they school up in deeper channels, but my favorite technique is working soft plastics or live shrimp over grass beds in 2-4 feet of water. Just don't overcook them - the meat is delicate and gets mushy fast.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of inshore waters with their distinctive black and gray stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth built for crushing barnacles and crabs. These 1-8 pound fighters live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings, and oil rigs. Spring months from February through April are peak time when they spawn in large schools. Anglers love them for their excellent table fare - mild, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is their notorious bait-stealing ability; they'll nibble your hook clean without you feeling it. My advice: get as close to structure as possible, use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, and set the hook hard the moment you feel any weight or tapping.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are masters of disguise - flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-20 inches, but the big females can push 26 pounds and make for serious table fare. These "chameleons of the sea" change color to match the bottom, so they're tricky to spot. Fall months from September through November are your best bet when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. What makes them special is the challenge - they're smart, selective feeders that require finesse. The bite is subtle, often feeling like a gentle tap, so stay alert. Local trick: hook live minnows through the eye for smaller baitfish, through the lips for larger ones, and use just enough weight to keep your bait in their strike zone near bottom.
St Bernard