St. Bernard's Top-Rated Beginner Fishing Charter

Beginner's Guide to St. Bernard Inshore Fishing

Ready to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? Look no further than this full-day charter in St. Bernard, Louisiana. Perfect for newbies, this trip is all about learning the ropes, catching your first fish, and soaking up the Louisiana wetlands. With patient guidance from Captain Thomas, you'll be reeling in redfish and trout before you know it. No experience? No problem. This trip is tailor-made for folks just starting out.

Trip Overview

Kick off your day bright and early at 6:00 AM, when the fish are biting and the air is crisp. You'll spend a solid 8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to get comfortable with the basics. Captain Thomas knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's got a knack for putting beginners on fish. You'll be targeting some of Louisiana's most popular inshore species - redfish, black drum, speckled trout, sheepshead, and even some summer flounder if you're lucky. The best part? Everything you need is included. Rods, reels, bait, ice - it's all taken care of. Just bring your Louisiana fishing license and a good attitude, and you're set for a day of learning and catching.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your grandpa's sit-and-wait fishing trip. You'll be actively working the shorelines, grass beds, and oyster reefs that make St. Bernard Parish a fish magnet. Captain Thomas will show you how to cast, set the hook, and play a fish - all the skills you need to become a competent angler. You might start with some simple bottom fishing for drum, then move on to sight-casting for redfish in the shallows. As the day heats up, you could switch to drifting for trout or working structure for sheepshead. It's all about adapting to the conditions and giving you a taste of different techniques. And don't worry about messing up - there's no judgment here. It's all part of the learning process.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

St. Bernard Parish is a fisherman's playground, and once you've had a taste, you'll be hooked. The vast network of bayous, lakes, and bays provides endless opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. But it's not just about the fishing. Out here, you're surrounded by nature. Pelicans diving for bait, dolphins cruising by, and maybe even an alligator sunning on the bank. It's a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and tune into the rhythms of the marsh. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of catching your first fish or improving your skills under the guidance of a pro. Many first-timers find themselves planning their next trip before they even get back to the dock.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, redfish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These copper-colored bruisers love to hang around shallow grass flats and oyster reefs. In the fall, you might even spot their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. They put up a great fight, often making powerful runs that'll have your drag singing. The best part? They're not too picky, making them perfect for beginners to target.

Black Drum: Often overlooked by visiting anglers, black drum are like redfish's bigger, uglier cousins. They can grow to massive sizes, with some old-timers topping 50 pounds. You'll usually find them hanging around deeper holes or structure, where they use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they're fun to catch and the smaller ones are delicious.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these are the bread and butter of Louisiana inshore fishing. They're abundant, aggressive, and make for some fantastic light tackle action. Specks love to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Their soft mouths can make them tricky to land at first, but that's all part of the learning experience.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive set of chompers, sheepshead are one of the more unique-looking fish you'll encounter. They love structure, so you'll often find them around pilings, rocks, and oyster reefs. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so learning to catch them is a true test of an angler's skills. But once you get the hang of it, they're a blast to catch and make for some mighty fine eating.

Summer Flounder: While not as common as the other species, flounder are a welcome bonus on any trip. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snap up any unsuspecting baitfish that swims by. Catching them requires a bit of finesse, but there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing your first "doormat".

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to brush up on your skills, this full-day charter in St. Bernard is the perfect way to dive into inshore fishing. With everything provided and expert guidance from Captain Thomas, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. At $850 for up to three people (with additional guests at $140 each), it's a great value for a full day of learning and fishing. Plus, you'll walk away with cleaned fish, new skills, and memories that'll last a lifetime. So why wait? The fish are biting, and there's no better time to start your fishing journey. Book your trip with Overtime Charters and get ready to experience the best of Louisiana inshore fishing. Who knows? This might just be the start of your new favorite hobby.