Pro Level Inshore Fishing | SaltyFrog St Bernard

Pro-Level Inshore Fishing in St. Bernard

If you're tired of easy trips and want to test your skills against Louisiana's most challenging inshore gamefish, Captain Shawn Mitchell's full-day adventure in St. Bernard waters is exactly what you're looking for. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's a serious 7-hour pursuit designed for anglers who know the difference between a good day and a great one. Starting at first light from Hopedale Highway, you'll work the marshes, bayous, and flats where redfish cruise in schools and sea trout stack up in deeper cuts. Captain Shawn brings decades of local knowledge to put you on fish that'll make your drag sing, using techniques that separate the pros from the weekend warriors.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off at 6:00 AM sharp from 5717 Hopedale Hwy – and trust me, that early start makes all the difference when you're chasing quality fish. Captain Shawn runs a tight ship with top-rated gear already rigged and ready, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. The 7-hour window gives you serious time to work multiple spots, from shallow grass flats where redfish tail in knee-deep water to deeper bayou bends where big trout ambush baitfish. You'll cover water that only locals know about, hitting honey holes that Captain Shawn has dialed in over years of guiding these marshes. Bring your Louisiana license, pack some snacks since meals aren't included, and don't forget a cooler – you'll want to take home some fresh fillets from this adventure.

Advanced Tactics & Gear

This trip is all about stepping up your game with proven techniques that work in Louisiana's challenging inshore environment. Captain Shawn runs professional-grade spinning and baitcasting setups matched perfectly to the conditions you'll face. You'll work everything from topwater plugs over shallow oyster reefs to soft plastics bounced along drop-offs where big trout hold. The captain shares advanced rigging techniques, like how to set up Carolina rigs for spooky redfish in clear water, or why a properly weighted jighead can make the difference when sea trout are finicky. You'll learn to read water like the locals do – spotting subtle current breaks, identifying productive structure, and understanding how tides affect fish movement in these intricate marsh systems. All gear is provided, but seasoned anglers often appreciate the chance to throw their own favorite lures on quality tackle.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and St. Bernard's marshes hold some true giants. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches in these waters, with bulls pushing 40+ inches showing up regularly during fall months. Redfish feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, making them perfect targets for both live bait and artificial presentations. What makes them so exciting is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll peel drag and test your skills in shallow water where every mistake shows. The best action often happens during moving tides when reds cruise the flats looking for easy meals.

Sea Trout in St. Bernard waters are legitimate wall-hangers, with fish over 20 inches common and occasional monsters pushing 25+ inches. These spotted beauties love deeper cuts and channel edges, especially during warmer months when they stack up near structure. Trout have excellent eyesight and can be incredibly picky, requiring precise presentations and quality lures. Their soft mouths mean you need to stay sharp with your drag settings, but the reward is worth it – few fish fight prettier than a big speckled trout jumping in shallow water. Prime time is often early morning and late evening when they move up to feed.

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the marsh, with mature fish commonly exceeding 30 inches and 20 pounds. These powerful bottom-feeders cruise oyster reefs and muddy flats, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. What makes drum fishing so addictive is the patient hunt – you're looking for subtle signs like muddy water or tail movement that gives away feeding fish. When you hook a big drum, get ready for a serious fight that'll test your tackle and technique. They're incredibly strong and know how to use structure to their advantage.

Summer Flounder, or fluke as many anglers call them, are the marsh's ultimate ambush predators. These flatfish can exceed 20 inches and provide some of the most challenging fishing you'll find inshore. They bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms near current breaks, waiting to ambush passing baitfish. Flounder fishing requires precision – the right drift speed, proper weight selection, and perfect timing on the hookset. They're notorious for short strikes and dropped fish, making every landed flounder a real accomplishment. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Shawn Mitchell's pro-level trips book up fast, especially during prime seasons when the bite is hot and experienced anglers want to get after quality fish. This 7-hour adventure offers serious value for anglers ready to step up their inshore game – you're getting access to local knowledge that takes years to develop, professional gear that's perfectly matched to these waters, and techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends. The 4-person capacity keeps things intimate and productive, ensuring everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal instruction. Whether you're looking to land your personal best redfish, fill the cooler with sea trout, or just spend a day fishing like the locals do, this St. Bernard charter delivers the goods. Don't wait – book your spot and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Louisiana has to offer.