Sure Thing Fishing Report, 7/16/25

July 16, 2025

Fantastic action awaits the coastal angler this week, both inshore and offshore, but keep an eye to the skies: summer storms are nothing to ignore.
​
​- by Sonny Schindler, Shore Thing Fishing Charters

Sidonie, Ansel, and Quinn Villere with a bull red they caught and released in the Louisiana Marsh with Capt. Josh Ellis.

The inshore and offshore fishing is amazing, due in part to the lighter winds and clean water. The baitfish are all over the coast. We see pogies, mullet, and rain minnows from the harbors all the way to the fishing grounds.
 
While the water to the west has been dirtier, we are still catching good numbers of redfish, flounder, and trout around the nearshore reefs. However, if we can get a small break from the rains, it should get even better toward Lake Borgne.
 ​

This Fishing Report 
​is supported by

A Warsaw grouper caught far south with Capt. Alex McIngvale on the offshore boat.

 
We have not fished inside St. Louis Bay this week. The calmer seas allowed our inshore boats to run farther south toward the barrier islands and Louisiana Marsh. Fishing for speckled trout and white trout has been stellar. Early mornig has definitely been more productive for speckled trout. We are focusing on either shell bottoms or grass flats. Find the bait, and the fish should be there. We also watch for diving gulls and terns over shallow water with grass or shell bottoms. Moving water also helps.
 

William and Bill Pittman from Gulfport with two of the many speckled trout they caught south of Pass Christian.

 
White trout have been found in deeper water from 10-20 feet. We throw soft plastics on heavier lead head jigs to get what we need on those tasty white trout. We save a handful of the smaller white trout for the big fish: sharks, Jack Crevalle, and bull reds are out in full force. We see them on the surface and around schools of pogies and ladyfish.
 

The Kettler and Maybury kiddos from Austin, TX, with a big bull shark they caught and released south of Bay St. Louis.

 
Our offshore boat is still doing well on red snappers in federal waters. Mangrove snappers are keeping them busy as well. On days when the current is sluggish they see some nice grouper, too. Big baits equal big fish offshore.
 
Finally, a weather note: These summer squalls are no joke. Please be careful when these storms pop up, and don’t take any chances.
 

---

Enjoy this feature?