Get ready for a day of non-stop action on the calm waters of St. Bernard, Louisiana with Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters. Captain James Hanson's got your back for 8 full hours of bottom fishing that'll have you reeling in redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead like there's no tomorrow. This ain't no tourist trap—it's a real-deal, hands-on fishing trip where you'll learn the ropes, soak in the stunning marsh views, and come away with stories (and hopefully a cooler full of fish) to last a lifetime. With room for up to four anglers, it's the perfect setup for a day out with your crew, whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or show your buddies who's boss on the water.
From the moment you step aboard Captain James's boat, you're in for a treat. This full-day private charter is all about getting you on the fish—and keeping you there. We're talking 8 solid hours of bottom fishing in some of the most productive inshore waters Louisiana has to offer. The beauty of this trip is its versatility; whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain James will tailor the experience to your skill level. You'll be dropping lines in honey holes known for their steady action, targeting species that love to hang out near structure and fight like champions when hooked. And let's not forget the views—the marshes of St. Bernard are something else, providing a backdrop that'll have you reaching for your camera almost as often as your fishing rod.
Bottom fishing is an art form, and on this trip, you'll get to learn from a master. Captain James will show you the ins and outs of rigging up for success, from choosing the right bait to reading the water and finding those sweet spots where the fish are stacked up. You'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. The key to bottom fishing is patience and finesse—you'll learn how to detect even the slightest nibble and set the hook just right. And when that rod bends double? Hold on tight, because the fight is on! Whether you're dropping a line near oyster reefs for sheepshead or working the deeper channels for bull reds, you'll be using techniques that have been honed over generations of Louisiana anglers.
Redfish are the crown jewels of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties can grow to over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. They love to cruise the shallows and hang around structure, making them perfect targets for bottom fishing. In the cooler months, you might tangle with some real bulls—those over 27 inches that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are another prized catch in these parts. Don't let their size fool you—what they lack in brute strength, they make up for in numbers and taste. These spotted fighters are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, so keep your eyes peeled for feeding frenzies on the surface.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. These cousin's of the redfish can grow to enormous sizes, with some old-timers tipping the scales at over 100 pounds. The ones you'll be targeting are more in the "puppy drum" range—perfect for the dinner table and still plenty strong enough to give your arms a workout.
Last but not least, we've got the sheepshead. These striped convicts are the ultimate structure-huggers, using their human-like teeth to crunch crabs and barnacles off pilings and rocks. Catching sheepshead is all about finesse and timing—you've got to set the hook the instant you feel the bite, or they'll steal your bait and leave you scratching your head. But when you hook one, get ready for a stubborn, head-shaking fight all the way to the net.
There's something special about fishing the waters of St. Bernard that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the marsh, painting the sky in colors you didn't even know existed. Or perhaps it's the moment when your line goes tight, and you realize you're connected to something big, wild, and unpredictable. But ask any regular, and they'll tell you it's the hospitality and know-how of guides like Captain James that make all the difference. He's not just there to put you on fish—he's there to share his passion for the water, teach you something new, and make sure you have a day you'll never forget. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fresh fish for dinner.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best bottom fishing Louisiana has to offer, now's the time to lock in your date with Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters. Whether you're a local looking for a new honey hole or an out-of-towner wanting to see what all the fuss is about, this trip is your ticket to a day full of tight lines and big smiles. Captain James knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to share that knowledge with you. So grab your sunscreen, your favorite fishing hat, and maybe a cold drink or two—adventure is calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't let this chance slip away—book your St. Bernard bottom fishing trip today and get ready to make some memories that'll last a lifetime. The only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner!
Black drum are real crowd-pleasers out here. These bruisers usually run 5-30 pounds but can get up to 90. You'll find 'em in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds. They love crushed crabs and clams. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Drum put up a great fight on light tackle, and the smaller ones make excellent table fare. Just watch out for the big ones - they can be tough and not as tasty. A local trick: use a slow-moving bucktail jig right on the bottom. These drum make a distinctive croaking sound, so keep your ears open too. Overall, they're a fun, hard-fighting fish that'll keep you on your toes.
Redfish are the stars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature tail spot typically run 3-12 pounds inshore, but can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Reds put up a bulldog fight, often making screaming runs when hooked. They'll eat just about anything, but love crabs, shrimp, and mullet. Use gold spoons, soft plastics, or topwater lures for exciting strikes. Fall is prime time when big schools invade the flats. Look for their tails waving as they root for food in shallow water. Local tip: on windy days, focus on lee shorelines where bait gets pushed up. Redfish are great eating too, with a sweet, mild flavor. It's hard to beat a day chasing these copper ghosts.
Speckled trout, or specs as we call 'em, are a favorite inshore target. These silver beauties usually run 14-24 inches and love hanging in grassy flats and shallow waters. They're most active at night or early morning, especially around moving tides. Specs put up a great fight on light tackle, with acrobatic jumps and quick runs. They're also excellent eating - mild and flaky. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures like topwater plugs or soft plastics work great too. Look for them around points, drop-offs, or anywhere bait is concentrated. Fall and spring are prime seasons when they're feeding heavily. One local trick: on calm days, look for "nervous water" - that's often specks busting bait on the surface. Cast right into the commotion for explosive strikes.
Sheepshead are a unique catch around here. These striped "convict fish" typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structure - docks, bridges, reefs, you name it. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Spring's the best time to target them when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook-set. Use light tackle and natural baits like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Get as close to the structure as you can - they rarely venture far from cover. The fight's sporty, and the meat is sweet and delicious. Pro tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. It's a challenge, but landing a big sheepshead is super rewarding.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki 4 stroke
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250