[dropcap]H[/dropcap]appy 4th of July to all our loyal readers and welcome to the newcomers. I hope everyone has a great start to summer with many days to enjoy our vast ecosystem and angling choices along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Hopefully we will finally have a calm sea to enjoy during the month of July. The wade fishing along the Gulfport and Biloxi beachfront has been on fire. The action should continue through this month.
When searching for good spots to try your luck there are a few things to look for. Just about any cover in the water will attract the beautiful spotted sea trout. By cover I mean old piers, especially those which havenât been rebuilt from past storms, any seawalls or areas with rocks extending into the sound. These spots can be swarming with trout, flounder and redfish.
A slow drive down US 90 as the sun burst into the horizon will light up many places to satisfy your appetite for rod bending action. When you locate a spot, I recommend bringing two poles, one for artificial and the other with a popping cork rigged for live shrimp.
Start early. You want to be easing into the water when there is barely enough light to see the crab corks in the distance. This is when the big girls come to dance. I start with a topwater plug, the Skitter Walk or a Zora Spook in a dark color before the sun comes up. This bite usually will only last a short time, then I switch to the live shrimp to put a few more on the stringer. For young anglers just starting to drive, this can make for a very memorable summer. Always bring a friend to enjoy the fish catching fun as well as for safety. Always drag your feet for stingrays and never go past your waist, especially in unfamiliar waters.
Thanks to all our service men and women for continuing to keep us safe,
Capt Mike Adams
www.fortbayoucharters.com.