[dropcap]S[/dropcap]eptember should be a drier and slightly cooler month. Big bull redfish and monster speckled trout are on their way into the bays and bayous of the Mississippi and Alabama Coast. The afternoon rains will taper off. These are the things that I hope for, the reality maybe something entirely different. Lately, a few large speckled trout have been taken off structures pier pylons, marker poles and various other debris. Most of the fishermen that I have talked with stated that “having a deep water hole nearby is key.” Trout need to get out of the heat periodically. The bait of choice is live shrimp. My second choice would be small croakers (small ones seem to get harder to find as the season passes).
The big bull reds, as of mid- August, had not moved inland just yet, at least not in huge numbers. By the first of September big bull reds should be moving in closer. Let me make a statement here: I maybe judging redfish all wrong. If so I apologize to my readers. Last year on the piers across Mississippi the numbers of bull redfish taken was “insane.” To expect that kind of action again might be a bit of stretch- here’s to hoping.
Now for some good news. Flounder numbers and sizes are way up across the coast. I have talked with a lot of fishermen that have limited out. Again, its live shrimp that’s making it happen. You got to love the flat fish. He may be ugly but he makes for a fine meal.
In July, I decided that I was going to take a fresh approach to shore fishing. As I have a short attention span sitting on a pier can be difficult for me. So, for the last month once a week I have been wade fishing. Honestly, I have really enjoyed learning to do it.
It’s a very minimalist way to fish. A floating bait bucket, two pieces of rope (one to tie the bait bucket and one for stinger) a small knife tied to your shorts and a pair of needle nose pliers and you’re equipped. Am I setting the fishing world on fire- no. I have caught fish every time, just not always the kinds I wanted. It’s a great way to get some exercise and if you get hot all you have to do is drop down and cool off. Now for the not so good side of this kind of fishing. I never wade out more than a couple of hundred yards and I have taken an amazing number of sharks. The sharks in and of themselves are not a problem but, taking an angry one off a hook while you and him are in the same bath water can be dicey. It’s a fast learning curve here.
I’m Ron and I’m all about fishing.
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