“June” it’s a grand word. It not only means the season of picnics and backyard barbecues has arrived, but it also signifies a perfect month of fishing. Last month, the fishing was improving all along the shores and bayous. To the dismay of many Coastal Anglers, we got hit with 3 days of torrential rains, which turned salt water bays into mud holes. By the time this magazine goes to press, the waters should be cleared and salinity rising.
As the bait moves back into the bayous, redfish and speckled trout will surely follow. Each fishing location has its own set of variables. Right now, it’s a matter of being at the right spot at the right time. This sounds simple, but it isn’t. Check the tide charts and the salinity reports before you leave the house.
Before the rains his I was getting reports of large speckled trout being taken on live shrimp and various artificial baits. Speckled trout will move back in as the water clears. Live croakers would be my first choice of baits. If you can’t find croakers, then feel free to use live shrimp as a fallback.
The redfish, too, should be moving back in. In fact, I was just getting reports of the bite picking back up even as I am writing. The redfish were being caught on cut bait–mostly croakers. If the redfish bite is anything like it was last year, one can only hope it’s going to be a smoking hot month. The pier at Ocean Springs would be my starting point.
Sheepshead and black drum are still being taken along structures. While they are not in winter-time numbers, filling up a cooler with them is possible if you can locate them, and they can be taken on frozen shrimp. Fishermen on Biloxi pier have been taking some really nice flounders between 5 and 7 am using live shrimp.
It’s time to load up your coolers, tackle and chair. Head out to a pier and get started fishing. I can promise that you’re going to load up on reds and specks. I can promise that you’re definitely not going to limit out watching summer reruns. I’m Ron and I’m all about fishing.