How we started

Hey guys, my name is Chris McDougald,  I'm the owner and founder of BackBone Charters, located on Saint Simons Island, GA. . I was born and raised in Marietta, GA, and although I am not an islander by blood, I am by heart. 

In 2006, I headed south down to the Valdosta, GA to attend college and while I majored mostly in extracurricular activities, while there I found my way to some salt water on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I learned the ins and outs of the Gulf Coast, Big Bend area ,and the northern coast  of Florida.

 I have explored the waters of the Golden Isles under the instruction of many local fishing experts. With their knowledge, and years of experience, dating back to 1870, I was able to get a strong base understanding of how and where I wanted to operate my charter business.

Through what I like to call “research” (what my wife calls a playing on the water), I have been able to learned a lot about  our golden coast, how to fish the waters, where to fish the waters and what to fish with. The Golden Isles are beautiful, and I am blessed to call it home, and even more blessed to have some of the biggest, best fish right in my backyard! 

If we aren’t laughing, we aren’t having a good time, and that’s the motto on my boat. I am a firm believer in being educated, being resourceful and being careful, all three of which are the most important components to operating a boat in the most fun, and safe manner. 

I hope that you and your friends, family, clients and more will jump on board and spend the day rippin’ lips!

Hey guys , my name is Idus Bush, I'm a Certified USCG Captain. I was born in Dothan, Alabama and raised in Georgia. Ive been working on the waters in the golden isles for 4 years. I'm a certified USCG Captain with OUPV near coastal, Ordinary Seaman. Im currently working on my 200 ton Masters. On my time off I enjoy the mountains ,hiking ,fishing ad helping others see and enjoy our beautiful coast.