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Horn Islands, Pascagoula, Biloxi Bay, Bay St Louis & Heron Bay
Capt. Charles Damiens
December 23, 2007
Gulfport - Saltwater Fishing Report
Just a slow scenic troll to limit out!
A few weather fronts have moved in and pushed the fish deep. Reds can be found schooling around the ponds but trolling miles of banks is required to find your limit. Usually small pods can be found at the mouths of most cuts and bayous, but the truly nice fish have been cruising the banks between the cuts. The North side of Back Bay is the place to start, as well as the marsh area around the Tchoutacabouffa River. The Pascagoula River Ponds and Lakes have been productive as well especially if you can find bait in the water.
Trolling has been the order of the day for Speckle Trout. A nice slow cruise can put a limit in the boat in no time at all, as well as a few bonus Reds. The best locations for me are in Back Bay Biloxi. The Bernard’s Bayou and Kramer’s Lake area, as well as the Tchoutacabouffa River, and Biloxi River are very productive right now. But my favorite run is between Goat Island and the Power lines by the VA. This is a very long troll but is most productive this time of year. Fish the southern side of the channel just before the drop off and you will be pleased with the results.
My favorite technique is a diving lure that can maintain an 10-12 foot depth with a ¼ oz lead head trailing about 24-36 inches. I use an artificial Squid about 3 ½ inches long on the lead head, and get about half as many fish on the Squid as I do the diving lure. Many people use lead line, and I have too on occasion, but for me the best bet is to use a diving minnow pattern that will get you 2-3 feet off of the bottom for the particular depth you are fishing. Trolling speed is very important 2 miles per hour is preferred but 1.8-2.4 will do. When there is a change in the tide you can achieve these speeds with just the current, using the trolling motor to maintain you course and position in relation to the bank and the edge of the drop off.
This is some very laid back fishing and not for everyone. But it is great for these cold days when the fish are deep. Keep a rod on the ready because you will see many cruising Reds in casting distance just waiting to slam the lure you present to them. So just sit back enjoy the scenery, company, and conversation. Because the work begins at the Dock cleaning you “Catch of the Day”
Everyone have a Merry Christmas!
Capt. Charles Damiens
Hooked Charters
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