[dropcap]A[/dropcap]pril is the start to some hot inshore fishing action. I always look forward to the cool mornings and warm afternoons of spring. Fishing in the Mobile Bay Area should kick off when the water temperatures start to get into the mid 60’s.
I always start looking for Speckled Trout in the shallows adjacent to deeper water. Look for flats with good drop offs, water movement and oyster shells. When in transit from spot to spot keep a keen eye open for signs of Trout. Look for Trout slicks, bait movement and water clarity. Trout slicks are the number one way that I find big schools of fish in the spring. Drift fishing is my favorite technique for the spring. Making long drifts and being quiet with your boat movements are key ways to increase your success rate in the spring. Sometimes fish will only bite when you are wade fishing, but being aware of how much noise you are making on a flat will put you further ahead of the game.
A popping cork and live shrimp is probably the most effective way to catch a Trout in the spring. Sometime live bait can be hard to come by depending on the year so at times we are limited to artificial lures. I like to use a shrimp imitation like a Vudu Shrimp under a popping cork with Pro-Cure shrimp scented gel. Mullet imitations such as topwater lures or suspending hard baits are another great way to target bigger fish in a spring time pattern.
The Redfish should start to show up at the mouth of the Mobile Bay this month and are usually plentiful along the beach in large schools at times. Sheepshead fishing should also remain good around the gas rigs through the end of April. Spring is here so get out and GO FISHING!
Captain Richard Rutland