[dropcap]S[/dropcap]pring took its sweet time bringing warm temps to the Gulf waters. As I write May’s forecast the water is topping out close to 70. With stable air temps the fish should start making their move. From Hwy 90 to Popps Ferry, Back Bay is holding redfish on hard bottoms next to the marsh is-lands. Live or dead shrimp fished under an Odd Ball Cork and a chartreuse Gulp swimming mullet fished on 1/4 oz Davids Custom Tackle jighead (Made right here on the MS Gulf Coast by David Sanders). The Gulp will also raise some flounders that are slowly pushing into Back Bay.
Look for Mid-May to heat up for the elusive spotted sea trout. For those that like to wade this should be prime time for catching hefty specks. Any area with old pilings around is a good place to start, from Biloxi Harbor to Gulfport Harbor, there are plenty of great areas to try. The barrier islands will also be surrounded by trout on the many grass beds located from Horn to Cat. Live shrimp under an Odd Ball Cork or croakers free lined will entice some nice slabs to grace the ice chest.
It’s been a cold winter so please be patient and courteous when angling along the coast.