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Horn Islands, Pascagoula, Biloxi Bay, Bay St Louis & Heron Bay
Capt. Charles Damiens
October 15, 2007
Gulfport - Saltwater Fishing Report
Ideal isn’t always perfect.
The first cool front makes it way down south, and the moon is in an IDEAL phase. The tide is rising all day from sunup to sunset. Bait is everywhere for the catching or purchase if you can’t throw a net. The reds are slowly moving in along with the school trout and a few of the larger females. The fishing forecast is a 9 on a scale from 1-10. The day is going to be PERFECT!
But the wind! Where did that come from? The usually clear water is dirty. Sight fishing for reds just isn’t going to happen, and trolling the banks is nearly impossible with out using the big motor to maintain position. What now?
It is time to get creative. You have to find the clean water. The points, slews, and other drains you have been productive on in the past, are now the color of milk chocolate. You need to know your waters drainage system which canals are protected from various winds. As well as, which canals water clarity are rarely effected by rain. To accomplish this you need to spend time on the water and learn your area. You have to fish the bad days as well as the good to learn an areas little subtle quirks.
One area I fish, the Pascagoula River, has these protected canals. With a little research on topo maps, nautical charts, as well as internet maps such as Google Earth, you can find the canal systems that are not affected by the mudding of the river. These are prime areas to learn on those days you are out exploring. On the resource you chose to review look for canal systems that are virtually dead end, and don’t make it back into the main river or large lake. This is where you will find clean water on those tough days.
On another estuary, the Back Bay Biloxi, an extensive marsh system does not exist. It is littered with islands and shorelines with countless drains, many which are not navigable. You have to find the clean water pouring into the muddy bay. Most of these are located on the northern shore but not all. Once again refer to the resource of your choice and learn the water flow for the area.
Another quirk about both of these areas is the numerous flats. Find the right flat with a relatively sandy bottom and you have probably found Flounder. The numerous man made reefs as well as the natural oyster reefs can keep you in the fish. Maybe not the sought after Reds and Specks, but definitely all the Flounder, White Trout, Ground Mullet, Croaker, and yes unfotunately Catfish you can catch.
Sometimes being productive requires you to change your techniques and old habits. Sometimes it just requires you to be a little flexible in the type of fish you target. But no matter what sometimes Ideal isn’t Perfect!
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