Shore Thing Fishing Report, 4/30/2025

April 30, 2025

As baitfish work their way back into our area and the weather continues to cooperate, we anticipate one of the best spring fishing seasons in recent memory.
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- by Sonny Schindler, Shore Thing Fishing Charters

A big speckled trout for Scott Grimes from Nashville, Tenn., which he caught south of Bay St. Louis on a live minnow under a popping cork.

I’m not sure if we are still in spring or we have skipped right into summertime! I’m only half-kidding, but the midday temperatures have been pretty warm. The nice, cool mornings right now provide a good start and some great fishing.

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2 bull reds caught out of Pass Christian Harbor with Capt. Keith Crawford.

 
Although the water has been relatively dirty on the western side, the speckled trout bite has been steady. Farther to the west, we see great catches of redfish along with some healthy specks. This is due in part to the bait pushing in. Even in less than perfect conditions, we see pogies, rain minnows, mullet, and the first few waves of shrimp closer to shore. If the spillway stays closed, this should make for some incredible fishing in the coming days and weeks. We even had a few bull sharks stealing our fish out at Cat Island last week. I’m trying not to get too excited, but things are lining up for some incredible spring bites.
 

Kirk Edrington with a sow trout from his trip to the Louisiana Marsh south of Bay St. Louis.

 
Over the past few days, we’ve noticed debris from the high river floating out in the Mississippi and Chandelier Sounds. I’m not talking about small branches or limbs. We see huge logs and massive trees floating around out there. I would be very careful if you’re traveling in low light. On the other hand, if that big debris stays in open water, they may attract the tripletail that should be arriving in the coming days and weeks.
 

Margot Schindler with 2 redfish she tagged and released near Lake Borgne.

 
Even in the murky water, we’re finding fish all over the place – Lake Borgne, the barrier islands, the Bay of St. Louis, and the Louisiana marsh. Try to find calm weather and make the most of it. The bait shops have been working overtime to try and keep live bait, so please show those folks some love if you are fortunate enough to get some live bait. It should keep getting better, and we hope we will enjoy one of the best springs we’ve had in a long time.
 

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