New Orleans Fishing Charter FAQs
Everything you want to know before booking a fishing charter near New Orleans. Captain Jimmy Corley runs inshore trips out of Shell Beach in St. Bernard Parish — 35 minutes from downtown. If you don’t see your question here, call (504) 258-4431 and we’ll get you sorted.
Booking & What to Expect
How do I book a fishing charter with Captain Jimmy?
Call (504) 258-4431 or use the booking form on the fishing page. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to hold your date. We’ll confirm everything — departure time, meeting location, and what to bring — once you’re booked.
Where do we meet and where do we fish?
All trips depart from the lodge at 2104 East Christie Drive in St. Bernard — about 35 minutes from downtown New Orleans. From there, Captain Jimmy takes you into the marshes, lakes, and coastal waters of St. Bernard Parish. Shell Beach, Lake Borgne, Lake St. Catherine — he goes where the fish are that day.
How long are the trips?
We fish until you’ve had a great day on the water — whether that’s a few hours or a full day depends on conditions and how the bite is going. Captain Jimmy doesn’t watch the clock; he watches the fish.
What's included in the price?
Everything you need to fish — bait, tackle, rods, fuel, ice, drinks, and lunch. If you’re staying at the lodge, that’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One fair price, no add-ons, no surprises. Bait and fuel are always included.
What is the cancellation policy?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at booking. The remaining balance is charged in full if cancelled within 48 hours of the trip.
The Fishing
What fish can I catch near New Orleans?
The inshore waters around St. Bernard Parish are loaded year-round. Redfish and speckled trout are the main targets — they’re both available every month of the year. You’ll also find black drum, sheepshead, and flounder depending on the season. Fall is widely considered the best all-around season, with spring a close second.
When is the best time to fish near New Orleans?
There’s no bad time to fish St. Bernard. Spring brings speckled trout into the shallows and redfish get aggressive as water warms. Fall is the best all-around season — mild temps, active feeding, and big redfish moving through. Summer is great early morning. Winter delivers excellent black drum and often the largest speckled trout of the year.
When is redfish season near New Orleans?
Redfish are available year-round in St. Bernard Parish — there’s no closed season. Spring and fall are the most consistent, with big bull reds pushing through in the fall. Winter produces excellent sight fishing in clear, calm water.
What's the best time of year for speckled trout near New Orleans?
Spring is prime time for speckled trout as they push into the shallows with warming water. Fall runs a close second. Winter is when the trophy-sized trout show up — the biggest speckled trout of the year are often caught in December and January in deeper water.
Do you do inshore or offshore fishing?
Captain Jimmy runs inshore trips — redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder in the marshes, bays, and coastal lakes of St. Bernard Parish. If you’re looking for offshore trips, we can connect you with a reputable operator, but inshore is where we fish.
Who Can Come
Can kids fish with you?
Absolutely — it’s one of the best things we do. Captain Jimmy has put a lot of kids on their first fish. We’ll get them rigged up, keep it fun, and make sure they have a great time from the first cast.
Do I need experience to book a fishing charter?
None at all. Whether you’ve never held a rod or you’ve been fishing your whole life, Captain Jimmy adjusts to your group. He’ll show beginners exactly what to do and give experienced anglers room to fish their way.
How many people can fish at once?
Up to 4 anglers on a standard charter. Larger groups can book through the lodge packages, which accommodate up to 12 anglers. See the fishing page for full pricing.
What to Bring
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes — all anglers need a valid Louisiana fishing license before the trip. Residents and non-residents can both purchase one online at wlf.louisiana.gov. Non-residents can get a temporary license in about five minutes. Pick yours up before you arrive and bring it with you.
What should I bring on the trip?
Your fishing license, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Soft-soled shoes work best on the boat. Captain Jimmy handles everything else: rods, bait, tackle, drinks, and lunch.
What should I wear?
Lightweight, breathable clothing you don’t mind getting splashed. Long sleeves and a hat help with sun protection — the St. Bernard marsh has very little shade. Layers in winter, light and loose in summer. A light rain jacket is smart if there’s any chance of afternoon showers.
The Lodge & New Orleans
Do I have to stay at the lodge to book a fishing trip?
Not at all. Day trips are available without lodging — just show up at the departure address and you’re fishing. The lodge is there if you want to make a full trip out of it, with meals included and everything close to the water.
What is the Drake Lodge?
The Drake Lodge is Captain Jimmy’s on-site lodge in Shell Beach, St. Bernard — right where the fishing starts. It sleeps up to 6, with a leather sofa, DirecTV, screened patio overlooking the marsh, BBQ pit, and boiling pots. Lodge packages include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s 35 minutes from downtown New Orleans.
How far is St. Bernard from New Orleans?
About 35 minutes from downtown New Orleans. Close enough that plenty of visitors make a day trip out of it. If you’re already in the city for the food, the music, and the culture, you’re already close to one of the best inshore fisheries in the country.
Is there good fishing near New Orleans for visitors?
Yes — and it surprises a lot of people. The waters around St. Bernard Parish are some of the most productive inshore fishing in the Gulf. Visitors who book a day on the water with Captain Jimmy almost always say it was one of the best things they did on the trip.