Get ready for a day of rod-bending action in the rich inshore waters of St. Bernard, Louisiana. This 7-hour charter with SaltyFrog Charters puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're after a bull redfish or a mess of speckled trout, our experienced guides know just the spots to make it happen. With room for up to three anglers, this private trip is perfect for buddies looking to wet a line or families wanting to create lasting memories on the water.
We'll kick things off bright and early at 6:00 AM, meeting up at 5717 Hopedale Hwy. From there, we'll hop aboard our well-equipped boat and head out to the honey holes. Don't worry about bringing gear - we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need. Just remember to grab your Louisiana fishing license before you arrive. Oh, and if you're hoping to take home some fresh fillets (and trust me, you will be), bring along a small cooler. We'll clean your catch, so all you have to do is fire up the grill when you get home.
In these parts, we're all about versatility. Depending on what's biting, we might start the day tossing soft plastics for speckled trout around oyster reefs, then switch to sight-casting for redfish in the shallow marshes as the sun gets higher. If the black drum are schooling up, we might drop some crabs or shrimp to the bottom and hold on tight. And don't sleep on those summer flounder - they're not just tasty, but put up a great fight too. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll adjust our tactics to give you the best shot at a full fish box.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, redfish (also known as red drum) are hard-fighting and delicious. In the fall, big bulls move into the marshes, offering the chance at a true trophy. Year-round, slot-sized reds provide consistent action and great eating. Look for their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but never underappreciated, black drum are the redfish's beefy cousins. Smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent table fare, while the big ones can top 50 pounds and pull like a freight train. They love crustaceans, so crab and shrimp baits are top choices.
Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They school up and can provide fast action when you find them. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for topwater lures, which can lead to explosive strikes. Specks are also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Summer Flounder: While not as common as the other species, flounder are a prized catch when we come across them. They're ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, so a slow retrieve with a soft plastic or live bait is the ticket. Their white, flaky meat is considered a delicacy by many anglers.
St. Bernard's inshore waters are a fish-filled playground that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The maze of bayous, marshes, and bays creates the perfect habitat for a variety of gamefish. Plus, with the Mississippi River nearby, there's always fresh nutrients flowing in, keeping the food chain strong and the fish healthy. Our local knowledge means we can put you on fish in just about any condition - whether it's a calm summer morning or a blustery fall day.
This year has been red-hot for redfish, with many anglers reporting personal bests. The trout bite has been steady, especially around the gas rigs and oyster reefs. We've also seen an uptick in flounder catches, which is always a welcome bonus. Black drum have been showing up in good numbers, offering some drag-screaming battles for those who hook into the bigger ones.
While we provide all the fishing gear, there are a few things you'll want to bring to make the most of your day: - Valid Louisiana fishing license (can be purchased online) - Sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses - Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are always a good idea) - Drinks and snacks (we'll be out for 7 hours, so pack accordingly) - Small cooler for your catch - Camera or smartphone to capture the memories (and bragging rights) Remember, the weather can change quickly on the water, so it's better to be over-prepared than under.
If you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler with some of Louisiana's finest inshore species, now's the time to lock in your date. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you have a day on the water you won't forget. So grab your fishing buddies, clear your schedule, and let's get out there and see what's biting. The fish are waiting, and the SaltyFrog team is ready to put you on them. Book now and get ready for some serious inshore action in St. Bernard!
Black Drum are the big bruisers of the inshore waters. These cousins of Redfish can grow up to 90 pounds, but we usually target the 5-30 pounders. Look for them around oyster beds and muddy flats in 1-4 feet of water. They're bottom feeders, so use fresh crab or clams on a weighted rig. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a solid fight and make that distinctive drumming sound. For eating, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds - the meat gets tough in bigger fish. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second to really take the bait before setting the hook. These fish are a blast for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. You can't miss that copper color and black spot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even old pier pilings. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Redfish put up an amazing fight and are delicious on the plate. They'll hit just about any bait or lure, from live shrimp to topwater plugs. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows. Local tip: when you spot a school, cast beyond them and slowly retrieve your lure through the group. Hold on tight - the strike can be explosive!
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target here in St. Bernard. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hit artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water temps are just right. Sea Trout are known for their light, flaky meat - perfect for a fresh fish fry. They put up a good fight too, often making acrobatic jumps. Here's a local secret: troll slowly along grass lines at dawn or dusk, using a soft plastic shrimp imitation. The bite can be explosive when you find a school. These fish are a blast for both novice and experienced anglers.
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish blend right into the sandy bottom, with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-20 inches, but they can hit 26 pounds. Look for them in estuaries and inshore waters, especially from September to November. They're ambush predators, so work your bait or lure slowly along the bottom. Live minnows, mullet, or sea worms are top baits. Flounder give a unique fight as they use that flat body to resist coming up. They're also excellent eating - mild, white flesh that's a local favorite. Here's a trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and turn the bait in their mouth first. Patience pays off with these tasty flatfish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250