Get ready for a day of rods, reels, and real quality time with the family on this full-day charter in St. Bernard, Louisiana. Captain Thomas knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about making sure everyone from grandpa to the little ones has a blast hauling in some of the tastiest fish the Gulf has to offer. With an early start and a full 8 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to find the hot spots and fill the cooler with some impressive catches.
This ain't no rushed fishing trip – we're talking a full day of laid-back angling with enough action to keep things interesting. We'll push off at 6 AM, just as the sun's starting to peek over the marsh grass. The boat's comfortable for up to three folks, but if you've got a bigger crew, no worries – we can add extra spots for a bit more. Everything you need is covered – bait, ice, tackle, even fish cleaning at the end of the day. All you gotta do is show up ready to wet a line and make some memories.
In these parts, we're all about working the inshore waters for some real beauties. We might start off drifting live shrimp along grass lines for speckled trout, then switch it up and toss some popping corks near oyster reefs for redfish. If the tide's right, we could find ourselves sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallow flats – that's a rush you won't forget. For the kids or beginners, we might anchor up and bottom fish for black drum or sheepshead. Captain Thomas will read the water and adjust our game plan to put you on the fish.
St. Bernard's got a buffet of fish species, and we're aiming to sample 'em all. Redfish are the local celebrities – they fight hard and taste even better. Speckled trout (we call 'em specks) are plentiful and make for some great light-tackle action. Black drum are like redfish's bigger, uglier cousins – they pull like freight trains and can get huge. Sheepshead, with their funky teeth, are tricky to hook but a blast to catch. And if we're lucky, we might even stumble on some summer flounder – those flatfish are masters of camouflage but can't hide from Captain Thomas.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Louisiana. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and they love to hang out near structures in shallow water. In the fall, big schools of bull reds come in to spawn – that's when the real rodeo starts. Redfish will hit just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures, and they put up a fight that'll have your arms burning.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're beautiful fish with spots all over their backs and sides, and they've got some sharp teeth to boot. Specks are schooling fish, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They love to chase down topwater lures at dawn and dusk – there's nothing like seeing a big trout explode on a surface plug.
Black Drum: These are the workhorses of the inshore world. They can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually catch them in the 5-30 pound range. Black drum have a face full of whiskers (barbels) that they use to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they fight hard and taste great when they're smaller.
Sheepshead: These striped convicts are named for their sheep-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers and can be tough to hook, but they're a blast to catch once you get the hang of it. They hang around structure like pilings and reefs, and they're at their best in the cooler months.
Summer Flounder: Also called fluke, these flatfish are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bottom. They're masters of camouflage, able to change color to match their surroundings. Flounder fishing is all about patience and a light touch – when you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second to swallow the bait before setting the hook.
Folks who fish with Captain Thomas tend to make it a tradition. Maybe it's the way he puts you on fish like a heat-seeking missile. Or how he's got a knack for keeping the kids entertained (and actually catching fish) all day long. Could be his local knowledge – he'll point out ospreys diving for their dinner or tell you about the history of the old forts we pass. Whatever it is, one trip is rarely enough. Plus, there's something special about fishing these waters. One day you're battling a bull red in the current, the next you're finessing specks out of a quiet bayou. It's fishing that keeps you on your toes and coming back for more.
Look, if you're after a day on the water that's more than just fishing – it's about making memories with the people who matter most – then this is your ticket. Captain Thomas has got the know-how, the patience, and the passion to make sure your family has a day they'll be talking about for years to come. Whether you're looking to put some fillets in the freezer or just want to feel the tug of a good fish on the line, St. Bernard's got what you're after. So don't let this chance slip away like a big one off the hook. Get in touch, lock in your date, and get ready for some real Louisiana fishing action. The fish are biting, and Captain Thomas is ready to show you where they're hiding. Let's get out there and make some fishing stories of your own!
Black Drum are real brutes, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can get up to 90. Look for 'em around oyster beds and muddy flats in brackish water. They're bottom-feeders, so use live bait like crabs or clams on the seafloor. Spring's your best bet when they school up to spawn. Folks love catching these fish 'cause they put up a good fight and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) taste great. They make a croaking sound, so listen for that. Here's a local trick: use a bucktail jig tipped with shrimp and work it slowly along the bottom. You'll feel those powerful jaws when they strike. Just watch out for their teeth – they can crush oyster shells!
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a Louisiana staple. They love shallow water, often as little as 1-4 feet deep. You'll find 'em around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. They typically grow to 28-33 inches, but can get much bigger offshore. Anglers love targeting these fish for their strong fight and excellent taste. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail – it's actually a false eye to confuse predators. Fall is prime time for Redfish as they school up to spawn. To catch 'em, try a gold spoon or a popping cork with live shrimp. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking out of the water as they feed in the shallows. It's called "tailing," and it's a sight to see!
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in St. Bernard. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can get much bigger. Look for 'em in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love cooler water, so fall and winter are prime seasons. Anglers enjoy targeting these fish for their fight and taste – they've got a mild, delicate flavor. They're also known for their distinctive spots and silvery color. To catch 'em, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. Here's a local tip: when the water's cool, slow down your retrieve. Sea Trout get a bit sluggish and won't chase fast-moving bait as much.
Sheepshead are quirky fish with human-like teeth and black stripes that earned 'em the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20. You'll find 'em around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs – anywhere with barnacles. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait-stealers. They're notorious for nibbling without getting hooked. The meat's sweet and delicious, but cleaning 'em can be tough due to their scales. Here's a local trick: use a small, strong hook with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. Get as close to the structure as you can, and be ready to set the hook fast when you feel that telltale nibble.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. They're usually 15-20 inches long, but can grow up to 26 pounds. You'll find 'em on sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters and estuaries. They're most active from late spring through fall. Anglers love targeting these fish because they're challenging to catch and delicious to eat. Their white, flaky meat is hard to beat. To catch 'em, use a drift fishing technique with live bait like minnows or squid strips. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait and swim with it before fully committing. It's all about patience with these flatfish!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250