Shore Thing Fishing Report, 4/9/25

April 9, 2025

As the water warms, winter's fish are moving on, and it's time for the stars of the big show to make their appearance!
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- by Sonny Schindler, Shore Thing Fishing Charters

Roseate Spoonbills are nesting in the Louisiana Marsh now | Paul Dovie photo, used with permission

We are getting more into the springtime weather pattern. There are a few negatives to this, but there are plenty of good things happening. The biggest issue of course is spring showers. Every few days big storms roll through, and we hope they don’t bring too much rain to our area. In between, the absolutely beautiful weather has been fun for fishing. Those 70-degree days warm the water and get us one step closer to T-shirt and flip-flop weather.
 

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Big black drum are a lot of fun on near shore reefs and bridges.

 
In the last week or so, the amount of baitfish has increased dramatically. Even in murky water, we can see good schools of rain minnows and mullet. The speckled trout are showing up in better numbers. The 15-inch minimum size limit in Mississippi means there are plenty of undersize fish, but this is an encouraging sign of things to come. I expect the next week or two will bring even more trout our way.
 

Mike, Bill, and Phil had a great day near Bay St. Louis with speckled trout, puppy drum and redfish.

 
The sheepshead appear to be leaving town. We had a great winter with them and look forward to seeing them when the cold weather returns later in the year. Delicious puppy drum have been hanging around nearshore reefs and bridges. I know they are not the prettiest fish, but they are absolutely delicious.
 
If we can get a break from the spring rains and some higher water, the redfish bite should be ready to explode. My favorite scenario is a very high tide that is beginning to fall along the shorelines here in Hancock County.

Speckled trout are starting to push into the area.

 
If you are out in the Louisiana marsh, take a few minutes to notice the amazing birds along the shorelines. Egrets, herons, ibis, pelicans, and Roseate Spoonbills are just a few of the magnificent creatures seen in the marsh right now.
 
As always, play it safe, keep a close eye on the weather, and don’t take any chances. The fishing only gets better in the coming weeks, so wait for those good weather days and make them count.
 

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