Full Day St. Bernard Pro Angler Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour professional charter targeting redfish and speckled trout inshoreAdvanced techniques with live bait and tackle included for experienced anglersCaptain Thomas provides focused guidance for serious Louisiana fishing challenges
Captain Thomas runs one of the most respected pro-level fishing charters in St. Bernard Parish, and this full-day trip is built for serious anglers who want to push their limits in Louisiana's legendary inshore waters. We're talking about an 8-hour commitment that starts before sunrise at 6:00 AM and doesn't let up until you've worked every productive spot from the marshes to the barrier islands. This isn't your typical family fishing trip – it's designed for experienced anglers who know their way around a rod and want to target the big five: Redfish, Black Drum, Sea Trout, Sheepshead, and Summer Flounder using advanced techniques that separate the pros from the weekend warriors.
When you step aboard Captain Thomas's boat, you're getting access to some of the most productive inshore fishing grounds on the Gulf Coast. St. Bernard Parish sits right where the Mississippi River dumps nutrients into pristine marshlands, creating a food chain that supports massive populations of game fish year-round. The boat handles up to three anglers comfortably, which means you're not fighting for space or competing with a crowd – just focused fishing with personalized attention. Everything's included in your $850 trip: fuel, live bait that's caught fresh, top-shelf tackle, ice to keep your catch fresh, and professional fish cleaning so you go home with fillets ready for the table. Captain Thomas provides the Louisiana fishing licenses and handles all the paperwork, including liability waivers, so you can focus entirely on fishing. The early 6:00 AM departure isn't just about beating the heat – it's about hitting the prime feeding windows when these species are most active and aggressive.
This charter operates with pro-level equipment and techniques that match the skill level of experienced anglers. You'll be working with live bait presentations that require precise boat positioning and current reading – skills that Captain Thomas has perfected over years of guiding in these waters. The boat is rigged for everything from sight fishing the shallow flats to working deeper structure where the big Black Drum and Sheepshead hold. You'll learn advanced jigging techniques for Summer Flounder, proper live bait rigging for trophy Redfish, and the patience required to target selective Sheepshead around structure. The tackle selection includes everything from ultra-light spinning gear for finesse presentations to heavy conventional setups capable of handling 40+ pound fish in current. Captain Thomas matches the technique to the conditions and species, whether that's working topwater lures at dawn, bouncing jigs in deep holes, or presenting live shrimp under popping corks in the marsh.
Redfish are the backbone of Louisiana inshore fishing, and St. Bernard waters hold some true giants. These copper-colored bruisers average 8-15 pounds but regularly push into the 20-30 pound range, especially during fall months when they school up for their spawning runs. Redfish are sight-fishing targets in shallow water and will absolutely destroy topwater lures at first light. They're aggressive, hard-fighting fish that make long runs and test your drag system. The best action happens from April through November, with peak fishing in late summer when the big bulls move shallow.
Black Drum might be the most underrated fighters in these waters. These bottom-dwellers grow massive – 20 to 40 pounds isn't uncommon – and they fight like freight trains once hooked. They school up around oyster reefs and structure, feeding on crabs and shrimp with crushing power that can straighten hooks if you're not prepared. Spring brings the biggest concentrations as they move shallow to spawn, but quality fish are caught year-round. The trick is presenting fresh dead shrimp or blue crab right on the bottom and being patient – when a big drum picks up your bait, you'll know it.
Sea Trout are the technical challenge that keeps expert anglers coming back. These spotted beauties require precise lure presentation and light tackle to maximize the fight. St. Bernard's grass flats and drop-offs hold excellent populations, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper pockets. A 5-pound trout is a trophy fish that will test your skills, and the eating quality is second to none. The key is reading water temperature and finding the bait concentrations where trout feed most actively.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as "convict fish" with distinctive black stripes, but they're better known among serious anglers for being incredibly selective biters with crushing power. These fish live around structure – bridge pilings, oil rigs, and oyster reefs – where they feed on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp. Landing a quality Sheepshead requires perfect bait presentation and lightning-fast hook sets since they're notorious bait stealers. Winter months offer the best fishing when they school up in deep water, and a 5-pound Sheepshead provides some of the finest eating you'll find.
Summer Flounder add a different dimension to the fishing, requiring bottom-bouncing techniques and constant movement to locate active fish. These flatfish ambush prey from sandy bottoms and structure edges, growing to impressive sizes in Louisiana's nutrient-rich waters. A 5-pound flounder is a keeper that provides excellent table fare, while trophy fish push 8+ pounds. The technique involves working bucktail jigs or live bait rigs along the bottom while covering water systematically – it's technical fishing that rewards skill and persistence.
Captain Thomas's Full Day Pro Angler Charter represents serious value for experienced anglers who want maximum fishing time with expert guidance. At $850 for up to three anglers, you're getting 8 hours of focused fishing, all equipment and bait, fuel, fish cleaning, and access to some of the most productive inshore waters on the Gulf Coast. This trip fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red hot. The
Your fishing platform for this St. Bernard charter is a reliable 1997 Parker 23-footer that's built to handle Louisiana's challenging inshore waters. This center console design gives you maximum fishing room and 360-degree access to the action. The 250HP Yamaha pushes this boat to 40 knots, getting you to productive redfish flats and trout holes quickly while burning less fishing time on long runs. The GPS keeps you on target spots while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish below. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer sessions. With space for three serious anglers, there's plenty of elbow room for multiple lines and serious rod work. The open layout means easy movement when fighting fish and quick access to tackle. This boat's proven in these waters and ready for whatever St. Bernard's inshore fishery throws at you.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers love muddy flats, oyster beds, and shallow structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. You'll find them in brackish waters around St. Bernard's marshes and inlets. What makes them special is their serious pulling power - they'll test your drag and stamina. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a heavy sinker and stay patient - they're notorious for picking at bait before committing to the bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature inshore species, known for their copper-bronze coloring and distinctive black spot near the tail. These powerful fish typically run 20-35 inches around St. Bernard's shallow marshes, flats, and oyster reefs. They love water so shallow their backs show, especially around grass beds and structure. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer peak action. What draws anglers is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll peel drag and test your skills. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mildly sweet meat. The sight-fishing opportunities here are outstanding when conditions are right. My best advice: work topwater lures early morning over shallow flats, and watch for nervous water or tailing fish - that's your money shot right there.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are beautiful silver fish covered in distinctive spots, running 14-24 inches and up to 5 pounds in our waters. They patrol grass flats and shallow bays throughout St. Bernard, especially at dawn and dusk when they're most active feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall provide consistent action, but they can be caught year-round. What anglers love is their willingness to hit artificials and their decent fight on light tackle. The meat is tender and flaky, though you need to be careful not to overcook it. Night fishing over grass flats is often most productive. Here's my secret: work topwater plugs and soft plastics slowly over the grass beds, and don't be afraid to fish extremely shallow water where their backs are nearly exposed.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Louisiana waters, easily recognized by their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound structure huggers live around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered pilings in our area. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring spawning season from February through April. What makes them a favorite is their excellent table fare - mild, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is their notorious bait-stealing habits and light bite. They'll nibble your bait clean off if you're not paying attention. Pro tip: use fresh fiddler crab or shrimp, get tight to the structure, and when you feel that subtle weight, set the hook hard immediately. Their powerful jaws require aggressive hooksets.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are master ambush predators that blend perfectly with sandy bottoms using their chameleon-like color changing abilities. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. They're found on sandy flats and around structure in deeper channels throughout our area. Fall months from September through November offer the best action when they're most active and aggressive. What guests love about flounder fishing is the challenge - they're incredibly smart and require precise presentations. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: hook live bait through the eyes for smaller fish, lips for larger ones, and always use a circle hook since they bite sideways.
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