Ready for a day on the water that'll have you hooked? Captain James Hanson's 8-hour inshore trip with Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters is the real deal. We're talking prime fishing grounds in St. Bernard, Louisiana, where the fish are always biting and the scenery's straight out of a postcard. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this private charter for four is your ticket to some serious rod-bending action.
Picture this: You and three buddies, out on the calm waters of St. Bernard, with nothing but blue skies above and fish-filled waters below. Captain James knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after inshore species in the Gulf - we're talking black drum, sheepshead, speckled trout, and the crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish. The boat's stocked with top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat. And don't worry about cramped quarters - there's plenty of room for four to fish comfortably all day long.
On this trip, you'll get schooled in the art of inshore fishing. Captain James is a pro at reading the water and finding those honey holes where the fish are stacked up. You might start the day throwing soft plastics for specks around oyster reefs, then switch to live bait to entice some bull reds. When the tide's right, you could find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows - it's a rush like no other. And let's not forget about those hard-fighting black drum and the elusive sheepshead (we call 'em convict fish 'round here). The Captain's got all the tricks up his sleeve, from knowing just where to position the boat to showing you how to work that bait just right. By the end of the day, you'll be reeling 'em in like a local.
Black Drum: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing. They can grow up to 50 pounds or more, and when they hit, you'll know it. Black drum love to hang around structure, and they'll test your arms and your drag. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch 'em year-round in St. Bernard. And here's a little secret - the smaller ones, what we call "puppy drum," are some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Sheepshead: Don't let those stripes and teeth fool you - sheepshead are more than just a pretty face. These crafty fish are notorious bait stealers, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They love to hang around pilings and bridges, using those chompers to crush crabs and barnacles. Catching a big sheepshead is a badge of honor for any angler, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Spring is prime time for sheepshead, but with Captain James, you've got a shot at them all year.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in Louisiana. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight on light tackle. Specks love to school up, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, often creating surface commotion as they chase bait. Fall and spring are peak seasons, but in St. Bernard, the speckled trout fishing is solid year-round.
Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what dreams are made of. These copper-colored beauties are known for their strength and their distinctive spot near the tail. In St. Bernard, you've got a shot at everything from slot-sized reds perfect for the table to big bull reds that'll make your drag scream. The thrill of sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is hard to beat. They're around all year, but fall is when they really turn on, chasing shrimp and mullet in the marshes.
Folks, this ain't just another fishing trip - it's a full-day adventure that'll have you itching to come back for more. Captain James doesn't just take you fishing; he shows you the ropes and shares the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years on these waters. You'll learn new techniques, discover hidden spots, and probably pick up a few fish tales to tell back home. And let's be real - there's something special about being out on the water with your crew, surrounded by the beauty of St. Bernard's marshes and bayous. It's not just about the fish you catch (though there'll be plenty of those); it's about the memories you make and the stories you'll be telling for years to come.
Listen up, anglers - if you're looking for a top-notch inshore fishing experience in St. Bernard, this is it. Captain James Hanson and Backwoods Bay Fishing Charters are serving up an 8-hour slice of fishing heaven, and you don't want to miss out. Whether you're aiming to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to bend some rods with your buddies, this trip's got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and Captain James is standing by to show you the best that St. Bernard has to offer. Don't let this one get away - book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. Tight lines, folks!
Black drum are the big bruisers of the inshore scene, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but sometimes topping 90. You'll find them lurking around oyster beds and mudflats in 1-4 feet of water. These guys love to crunch on shellfish, so live or cut crab is your best bet. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Drum put up a stubborn fight and make that signature croaking sound. For table fare, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds - the big ones get tough. My go-to trick is using a heavy sinker to keep your bait pinned on the bottom where these bottom-feeders hang out. Watch for subtle taps - drum are notorious bait stealers.
Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters. Most run 5-15 pounds, but bull reds over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for that trademark spot near the tail. You'll find them tailing in super skinny water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Reds put up a brutal fight, especially in shallow water. They'll eat just about anything, but live bait like mullet or cut crab is hard to beat. For artificials, gold spoons are my go-to. Here's a local tip - look for pushed-up mud or nervous bait to find feeding reds. The meat is excellent, but check regulations since they're carefully managed. Nothing beats sight-casting to a school of big bulls.
Speckled trout are a favorite target around here, usually in the 1-5 pound range. Look for them over grass flats and around oyster reefs in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Specks put up a good fight and those delicate mouths make for some exciting topwater action. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat, but artificial lures like soft plastics work great too. One local trick - cast parallel to the grass lines where trout like to ambush bait. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for a fish fry. Just remember to release the big spawners over 20 inches if you can.
Sheepshead are the convicts of the coast with those distinctive black stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, perfect eating size. You'll spot them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, reefs. Early spring is the ticket when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are prized for their sweet, white meat, but cleaning them is a chore with those tough scales. They're notorious bait thieves, so you gotta set the hook fast. My local tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. Once you see those human-like teeth crunching away, you know you're in for some fun catching these crafty fighters.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki 4 stroke
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250