[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ell, summer is here and the cool nights and days are gone. We are in the full summer fishing pattern now. As the day warms, Speckled trout can be found in deeper water around structure, such as the Mobile Bay gas rigs and reefs and wrecks in Mississippi Sound. I use a slip cork rig when fishing around this type structure. Fish with the bait suspended off the bottom 2 to 3 feet, or in the lower third of the water column.
The Gulf beach side of the Island and around Sand Island will hold fish in the holes and drop offs. Live shrimp under a popping cork in water 3 to 6 feet deep are a good bet for now early before the sun gets too high and the water warms; tight lining or free lining a live croaker on the bottom in deeper water will work well too. Shrimp are easier to find now at the local bait shops and from the bait boat anchored in Billy Goat Hole.
Also, early morning, just at daylight and late afternoon right at dusk, the top water bite for speckled trout is a fun way to catch them either wading or fishing from the boat. I prefer to wade and use MirrOlure top water baits like the Top Dog and She Dog series and the Yozuri top water baits like the Sashimi Floating 3D Pencil baits.
I prefer the mullet imitations, silver sides, dark back, either green or black, but the bone, chartreuse, pink and white with a red head will work well too. When you are wading you can cover much more area. Mix it up a bit and have fun, enjoy your time on the water. When you are fishing around the deep holes on the Gulf side as well as around the oyster beds be ready for those redfish and flounder they are there too.
Call me, let’s go fishing !
Until next time, tight lines, and good fishing to you,
Capt. Charlie Gray
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