Beginner Inshore Fishing | SaltyFrog St Bernard

Full Day Beginner-Friendly Fishing St. Bernard

Looking for a fishing trip that won't leave first-timers feeling overwhelmed? Captain Shawn's full-day inshore adventure in St. Bernard is exactly what you need. This 7-hour trip starts at the crack of dawn – 6:00 AM sharp – from Hopedale Highway, and it's built around one simple idea: making fishing fun for everyone, no matter your skill level. You'll spend the day learning proven techniques while targeting some of Louisiana's most popular inshore species. With all gear provided and hands-on instruction throughout, this top-rated charter takes the guesswork out of your first serious fishing experience.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical "figure it out as you go" fishing trip. Captain Shawn knows that beginners need structure, so he walks you through everything from casting basics to reading the water. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests, keeping things intimate and ensuring everyone gets plenty of personal attention. You'll work the shallow flats and grass beds where St. Bernard's fish love to hang out, using light tackle that's perfect for learning proper technique. The captain provides all rods, reels, bait, and tackle – you just need to show up with your Louisiana fishing license, some snacks to keep your energy up, and a cooler if you want to take home fillets. Weather can change quickly out here, so dress in layers and bring sun protection.

Simple Techniques That Work

Captain Shawn focuses on straightforward methods that produce results without requiring years of practice. You'll learn to work soft plastics along grass lines, drift live bait near structure, and spot the subtle signs that give away where fish are feeding. The shallow inshore waters around St. Bernard are perfect for sight fishing when conditions allow – there's nothing quite like watching a redfish cruise up to your bait in clear water. Spinning reels with 15-20 pound test line handle most situations you'll encounter, and the captain adjusts techniques based on what the fish are doing that particular day. Tides, wind, and seasonal patterns all play a role, but that's part of what makes each trip a learning experience.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the stars of St. Bernard's inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-30 inches in this area, with larger "bull reds" showing up during their fall and spring migrations. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to paddle-tail soft plastics, and they put up a solid fight without being too overwhelming for beginners. Reds are active year-round here, though summer and fall tend to produce the most consistent action. What makes them special is their willingness to eat – even novice anglers can hook up when Captain Shawn puts you on a school.

Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are another customer favorite. These silvery fish with distinctive spots rarely exceed 20 inches in the marsh, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and excellent table fare. They're most active during cooler months, especially early morning and late afternoon when they move into shallow water to feed. Trout can be picky eaters, making them perfect for learning finesse techniques and reading subtle bites. When you find a good trout bite, it's not uncommon to catch a dozen or more from the same spot.

Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they're bulldogs that teach beginners what a real fight feels like. These bottom-feeders can range from schoolie-sized juveniles to massive 20+ pound adults, and they're surprisingly common in St. Bernard's deeper holes and around structure. They love crab and shrimp baits worked slowly along the bottom, and their powerful runs often catch new anglers off guard. Spring and fall bring the best drum fishing, when they move into shallower water to spawn and feed.

Summer Flounder add variety to the mix with their unique fighting style and excellent eating quality. These flatfish hide in sandy bottoms and ambush prey, so you'll learn patience and the importance of keeping bait moving to trigger strikes. Louisiana flounder typically run 12-18 inches, and while they're not the strongest fighters, they're crafty and fun to target on light tackle. The summer months obviously offer peak flounder action, particularly around structure changes where they like to set up ambush points.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Shawn's beginner-friendly approach has made this trip a go-to choice for families and first-time anglers throughout the region. The combination of hands-on instruction, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds gives you the best possible introduction to inshore fishing. At 7 hours, you'll have plenty of time to practice different techniques and target multiple species without feeling rushed. Remember to secure your Louisiana fishing license before departure, and don't forget that cooler if you're planning to take home your catch. Early morning departures mean fish are more active, but they also mean you should plan to arrive a few minutes early to get settled. This world-class fishery right in St. Bernard's backyard offers the perfect setting for your first serious fishing adventure.