First of all Bayou Black is a large area which consist of many miles of canals that hold fish. Another concern besides the possibility of long rides, although there are closer places to fish, is the Intracoastal Canal runs right through the area. It is the so called main street of the area whose water can become quite rough on windy days and the presence of large tug boats pushing big wakes can be scary.

There are ways to get around without having to run the Intracoastal too far once you know the area. So depending on the size and stability of your boat you need to make some good decision on where to go. My best advice is to get with someone who knows the area well and study the area on Google Earth. A GPS will surely help you get around and back. One good area is the Turtle Bayou field, to reach it you have to travel about one mile on the Intracoastal to get to the pipeline canal that will get you into the area. There is an area you can get to without crossing or riding the Intracoastal that is not much of a boat ride. That is the Shell canals which are just east and south of Bob's. Find some clear water and you should find some fish. There are many dead end canals that produce but as the summer heats up, the water can become stagnate and the fish leave. It all depends on the movement of the water and the rainfall.

For artificial baits it's hard to beat tube jigs in blue and white or black and chartreuse. Shiners or minnows are great early in the season and plastics later as it will be almost impossible to buy shiners in summer. Sometimes small beetle spins or Road Runners also work real good.

One more time, the best advice is to find someone that fishes the area and is willing to show you around, the second is to go at it yourself trying one canal at the time until you get to know them. As I stated before, it's a large area and it's best to concentrate on learning it a piece at the time and slowly expand to other areas.

On another note, the area you are currently fishing has some great fishing. Bayou Boeuf and the area around it has an awful amount of fish. I wish it were a little closer for me to pull to. Pulling to Cannon's landing which is 15 minutes away has me spoiled.

Good luck, good fishing, and be sure to keep that 4 year old safe.
"gene"