St. Bernard Fishing Charters
St. Bernard fishing charters work the marshes, bays, and nearshore Gulf waters for redfish, speckled trout, and seasonal offshore pelagics.
Top Rated Charters in St. Bernard
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St Bernard, LA Fishing Guide
St. Bernard fishing is all about access — the parish sits right on the doorstep of some of the most productive waters in southeast Louisiana. Most charters launch from places like Hopedale, Shell Beach, and Delacroix, running short distances into protected marshes or crossing into Breton Sound and Black Bay. Half-day trips often stick to the marsh edge and interior lagoons for redfish and trout, while full-day runs might push farther toward rigs, reefs, and barrier islands. Specialty trips include night dock-light fishing for specks in summer, winter big bull red hunts, and seasonal offshore runs for tuna when conditions allow.
The fishery is a mix of shallow grass flats, winding bayous, and open bays. Interior ponds hold slot reds year-round, while deeper channels produce trout, drum, and sheepshead. The outside islands and oyster reefs light up with speckled trout in spring and fall. In summer, shrimp migrations bring in ladyfish, jack crevalle, and occasional tripletail. During colder months, fish stack in deeper holes, passes, and warmwater discharges.
Charters here lean on light tackle, popping cork rigs, jig-and-soft-plastic combos, and live shrimp under corks. Fly fishing is popular in the calmer backcountry, especially in late summer and fall when water clarity improves. On the nearshore Gulf side, trolling for Spanish mackerel or sight-casting tripletail along crab trap buoys can be part of the mix. Most runs to fishable water are under 20 minutes, though pushing toward the islands can mean 45 minutes or more.
Nearby waters like Lake Borgne, Biloxi Marsh, and Chandeleur Sound give captains plenty of fallback options depending on wind and tide. St. Bernard fishing stays strong year-round, with weather and seasonal bait shifts dictating the best game plan
Fishing Seasons in St. Bernard
Spring (March–May)
Spring in St. Bernard kicks off with big speckled trout staging around oyster reefs and bay points. Redfish feed aggressively on warming flats and in the mouths of bayous. This is prime time for mixed-bag trips, with sheepshead and drum still around from winter. The weather can be windy, so captains often work leeward shorelines or interior ponds. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the go-to, with plastics producing when bait is scarce.
Summer (June–August)
Summer means steady speckled trout action at first light on reefs, rigs, and bridges before the heat slows the bite. Redfish roam the grass edges and can be sight-fished in clear water. Tripletail start showing along crab traps, and Spanish mackerel can be caught by trolling near passes. Early morning departures help beat the heat, and night dock-light trips are popular for specks and white trout. Topwaters and live shrimp work well, with anglers switching to deeper water as the day warms.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is considered peak season in St. Bernard, with cooling water triggering aggressive feeding. Speckled trout school up on reefs and along current lines, while redfish flood the marsh in large numbers. This is prime time for fly anglers targeting tailing reds. Bait is abundant, and fishing can stay hot all day. Captains often run to the outer islands for big trout and bull reds, mixing in jigs, spoons, and topwaters depending on the bite.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing focuses on deep holes, passes, and warmwater areas where trout, drum, and reds stack up. Cold fronts push fish into predictable spots, and calm, clear days can offer excellent sight-fishing for bull reds. Live bait can be scarce, so many captains rely on plastics and slow presentations. While the variety drops compared to other seasons, the quality of fish can be excellent, with fewer crowds on the water.
Gamefish in St. Bernard
- Redfish – 16–40 lbs. Found year-round in marsh edges, bays, and passes; sight-fished on flats or fished with live bait under corks.
- Speckled Trout – 1–6 lbs. School on oyster reefs, passes, and islands in spring and fall; caught with live shrimp or plastics.
- Black Drum – 5–30 lbs. Found near channels, bridges, and deep holes; caught with crabs or shrimp.
- Sheepshead – 1–8 lbs. Around docks, pilings, and reefs in cooler months; live shrimp works best.
- Tripletail – 5–20 lbs. Found near crab trap buoys in summer; sight-cast with live shrimp.
- Spanish Mackerel – 2–6 lbs. Caught trolling near passes and jetties in warm months.
- Jack Crevalle – 10–25 lbs. Roam open bays and nearshore Gulf waters; caught on topwaters and jigs.
St. Bernard Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points in St. Bernard?
Most charters leave from Hopedale, Shell Beach, and Delacroix, with easy access to marshes, bays, and the Gulf.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day trips run 4–5 hours in the marsh or bays, while full-day trips of 7–8 hours can reach barrier islands or offshore waters.
Is gear provided on local charters?
Yes, most captains supply rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice. Fly anglers should confirm if gear is available or bring their own.
Do I need a fishing license in St. Bernard?
Yes, all anglers 16 and older need a valid Louisiana fishing license. Non-resident charter licenses are available online or from local vendors.
When is the best time to fish St. Bernard?
Fall is widely considered the best for variety and numbers, but good fishing is available year-round with seasonal tactics.
What techniques are most common here?
Light tackle with popping cork rigs, jig-and-plastic setups, live bait fishing, and fly fishing in calmer waters are all popular.
What species can I expect to catch?
Redfish and speckled trout are mainstays, with seasonal runs of drum, sheepshead, tripletail, Spanish mackerel, and jack crevalle.
Can families and kids fish here?
Yes, the protected marshes are ideal for family-friendly trips, with steady action and short runs to the fishing grounds.
Are specialty trips available?
Many captains offer night dock-light trips for trout, fly fishing excursions, and seasonal offshore runs for tuna when weather allows.