Get ready to hit the saltwater marshes of Hopedale, LA for some serious inshore action. This 6-hour private trip is your ticket to hooking into some of the best fishing St. Bernard Parish has to offer. We're talking redfish, speckled trout, and maybe even a surprise or two. It's just you and a buddy, so we can really dial in on what's biting and where. No cookie-cutter trips here – we're going after what's hot and hungry.
We'll meet up bright and early at 5:30 AM, ready to beat the heat and the crowds. Our stomping grounds? The maze-like marshes and reefs around Hopedale. This is prime redfish and trout territory, and we know just where they like to hang out. We'll be using live shrimp under popping corks – a classic Louisiana technique that gets results. Might switch it up with some dead shrimp if that's what the fish are craving. It's all about reading the water and giving 'em what they want.
Inshore fishing is all about finesse and knowing the spots. We'll be working the edges of grass beds, oyster reefs, and marsh islands. Popping corks are the name of the game – they mimic the sound of feeding fish and draw in the predators. When a red or trout hits, you'll feel that distinctive 'thump' travel right up your line. We might also do some sight fishing if conditions are right, spotting those big reds tailing in the shallows. It's a rush when you see that copper-colored tank cruise by your bait.
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of the show. They love to hang around structure and will put up a serious fight. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but we catch 'em year-round. Nothing beats seeing that spot-tailed beauty come alongside the boat.
Speckled Trout (Sea Trout): The acrobats of the inshore scene. These silver-spotted speedsters are known for their soft mouths and tendency to throw hooks. We target them around oyster reefs and drop-offs. Spring and fall are hot seasons, but a skilled angler can find them any time of year.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, these cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes. They love crustaceans, so we might switch to crab if we're targeting them specifically. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull!
Sheepshead: These striped convicts are the bane of many anglers due to their light bite and bait-stealing ways. But hook into one, and you're in for some good eating. We find them around pilings and reefs, especially in cooler months.
Southern Flounder: The ninjas of the flats. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush hunting. Fall is the best time to target them as they move to deeper water. They're not known for long runs, but they'll give you a good tussle on light tackle.
This ain't no leisurely cruise – we're here to put you on fish. Expect to cover some ground as we hop from spot to spot, following the bite. The marshes can be a maze, but that's where the fish hide, and we know how to find 'em. You'll be casting, retrieving, and hopefully fighting fish most of the time. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; we'll get you up to speed quick. Just remember to bring your Louisiana fishing license, some sunscreen, and a good attitude. The rest is on us.
There's something special about fishing the Louisiana marsh. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the grass, turning everything gold. Or maybe it's the heart-stopping moment when a big red crushes your bait. Our regulars tell us it's a mix of great fishing, beautiful scenery, and the chance to learn something new every trip. Plus, with just two anglers, you're getting a personalized experience you can't find on bigger boats.
Look, the fish are out there waiting, and spots on the boat fill up fast. This half-day trip is perfect for both seasoned anglers looking to scratch that fishing itch and newcomers wanting to see what all the fuss is about. Remember, we need that non-refundable deposit to lock in your date. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddy, secure your spot, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing St. Bernard has to offer. The reds are calling, and Jason's Saltwater Guide Services is ready to put you on 'em. Let's make some memories on the water!
Black Drum are the heavyweight champs of the drum family, with big ones topping 90 pounds. Most we catch run 5-30 pounds, perfect for a good fight and great eating. Look for them around oyster beds, mud flats, and pier pilings in our brackish waters. They love crustaceans, so crab and shrimp are top baits. Spring's the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Drum make a croaking sound you can sometimes hear, earning them the nickname "happies." Anglers enjoy their strong pulls and tasty fillets, especially from smaller fish under 15 pounds. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook. Black Drum have tough mouths, so a sharp hookset is key. Whether you're after a trophy or a delicious dinner, these bruisers are a blast to catch in our Louisiana marshes.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the crown jewels of our Louisiana marshes. These copper-colored beauties, known for the black spot near their tail, typically run 28-33 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them tailing in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are exposed. They love hanging around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and grass flats. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they school up. Anglers prize redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, use live shrimp under a popping cork or try sight-fishing with gold spoons or soft plastics. Here's a local secret: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their distinctive V-shaped wakes. Cast ahead of the wake and hold on tight – when a big red hits, you're in for a battle that'll test your gear and your skills!
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among our local anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14-24 inches, but can reach up to 40 pounds. You'll find them in our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're active year-round, but winter's great for targeting big schools in deeper holes. Trout are known for their light, flaky meat and the exciting topwater action they provide. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Work your bait with a twitching motion to mimic wounded prey. Here's a pro tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances – that's often trout feeding on bait. Cast beyond the ripples and work your lure through the area for some fast action.
Sheepshead are the convicts of our coastal waters, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty fish typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structure like docks, bridges, and reefs. They're notorious bait stealers with their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. Spring's prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these wily fish and their excellent table fare. To catch 'em, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Fish as close to the structure as you can without snagging. When you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook – sheepshead are masters at stripping bait. Once hooked, they put up a solid fight for their size. Remember to bring pliers; those teeth can do a number on your fingers when unhooking!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky ambush predators. To catch 'em, use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Let it drift along the bottom near structures or dropoffs. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel steadily. These flatfish put up a good fight once hooked, making for an exciting catch in our Hopedale waters.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250