Shore Thing Fishing Report - 5/19/22

May 19, 2022

What makes shrimp jump? The answer makes fishermen up and down the Gulf very, very happy...

- by Sonny Schindler, Shore Thing Fishing Charters

(l-r) Missy Breathe-Altese,-Annette Carter and Whitney Eastman-Miller show off a big bull red from their May 14 outing.

It seems that big push of shrimp we’ve been waiting on is finally coming through. The last couple of trips we have had shrimp jumping all around the boat. Underneath these unlucky critters have been speckled trout, white trout and bull reds!!!
 
Once you find this scenario, it really doesn’t seem to matter what you throw at them. 
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My last trip, we had one angler casting live croakers, one angler throwing a double hook artificial set up with two white baits, and another angler casting a Boat Monkey popping cork with an artificial shrimp. ALL were getting hit every cast!!!
 
When our anglers get their fill on trout, we have been able to target the large bull reds, either in the same schools of shrimp or in deeper passes. My favorite bait is a 5 to 6-inch live white trout. I use a #9 wire leader in case the sharks show up. A big 8/0 circle hook helps keep the smaller fish off the hook. If the tide is moving quickly, I prefer a one-ounce barrel weight. If there is no current, keep the weight off and free-line them.
 
The heat is getting to be an issue, so bring plenty of water and sports drinks. Be sure to eat a snack now and then, too. This spring, fishing is some of the best we’ll see all year. Please be respectful of other anglers. If someone looks like they need assistance, please offer it.
 
As always, have fun and be safe.

A good day with Captain Kenny Shiyou.

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