[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ugust is one of the more fun months of the year in the Biloxi Marsh, and along the MS Gulf Coast . Everyone knows it is the hottest month of the year, but the fishing can be even hotter. Leave as early as you safely can or fish later in the evenings for the best trout bites. If you find yourself fishing the sweltering midday hours, find the deepest water you can, with either structure, oyster bottoms or both. Large live baits(croaker, shrimp, mullet and pogies) on Carolina rigs will generate the most strikes. Tight lined soft plastics, like the Matrix Vortex or the Savage 3D shrimp can get it done as well. The school trout should be lingering under diving birds from Isle au Pitre to 9 Mile Bay. A good popping cork like the Boat Monkey Cork will allow long casts for faster moving schools.
As long as the horse flies play nice, the red fishing in the marsh can be great. You can take advantage of the hard south winds(high water) and fish deep in the shallow bays. Watch for schools of mullet along the shore lines, the reds will not be far from them. Again, the Boat Monkey popping corks are extremely loud and allow the farther casts you will need on windy days.
The near shore reefs along the MS Gulf Coast will be dynamite for early morning action on big trout, reds, sheepshead, white trout, black drum and more! Since they are all so close, you can take advantage of the short runs and cooler mornings. Focus your cast on the points and breaks of moving water. If you find bait(rain minnows, mullet, pogies) held up on these points, stay put your in the right place. Bring plenty of tackle, as these reefs have plenty of snags. Popping corks, top water, suspending baits, tight lined plastics, and Carolina rigs will all work.
The two things we really enjoy in August have to be the insane triple fishing and the wide open shark bite. Fishing the deeper channels or large schools of bait around Cat Island, we find sharks in the triple digit club! A beefed up Carolina rig with wire leader will keep them on the line. The triple tail will be in full force with the warm salty water in the MS and Chandelier Sound. Watch for anything on the surface on the water to hold the tasty hard fighting triple tail. Keep a few live shrimp in the well for the ride home, most of them will be on the surface during the mid day heat. Get down wind or current and cast ahead of the fish. Just get a live shrimp with in a foot of the triple tail, and you can watch them eat!
Heaven forbid a Tropical Storm or Hurricane comes near the MS Gulf Coast. If one does, after you get your family, friends and pets squared away, have a game plan to care for your boat and tackle. Most insurance companies will not pay if you do not move them a safe distance from the water FYI. More than ever with the heat, storms and numerous boaters in August, HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE.
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