Shore Thing Fishing Report, 12/14/2022

December 14, 2022

It has been a great week for reef and structure fishing, but you might have to snoop around a bit to find the fish.
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- by Sonny Schindler, Shore Thing Fishing Charters

Jet Gortemoller of Panamá City, FL, with a huge black drum caught near Waveland.

We had another great week on the water, and the trout fishing in the Biloxi Marsh has greatly improved. The winter pattern should be in full swing with more cold fronts on the way, so hopefully the trout will stick around a few more weeks.
 
The majority of the trout we are seeing seem to be holding on oyster reefs on the western side of the marsh. They are either schooled up or nonexistent, so give it five minutes. If no fish show up, MOVE.

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We are still using the live shrimp two feet under the Boat Monkey popping corks. However, when you find the trout, it’s a great time to switch over to the soft plastics and save your live bait. Of the plastic lures, we are fans of Matrix, Vudu, and the oldie but goodie, the H&H sparkle beetle.

Dexter, Jet and Mack Gortemoller with 3 nice reds near Lake Borgne.

 
Your extra live shrimp will come in handy for the big sheepshead and smaller puppy drum we are still seeing. The near-shore reefs and bridges have been the go-to spots for these tasty critters. These fish are holding close to the structures. Get those baits right against the structures.
 
The redfish bite has also been very good this past week. The very low water seems to have pushed a lot of fish out of the deeper, harder-to-reach sections of the marsh. Like the trout, it has been stick and move. If we are not seeing tailing or feeding fish, we keep quietly moving. If there are not minnows, shrimp, or crabs along banks, keep on moving.
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David and Mary Ruth Allen with a nice holiday redfish and speckled trout Caught near Lake Borgne.

 
The fish we are catching have been schooled up, so keep extra rods ready. Sometimes you only get a few minutes before the school scatters. You must be ready for break-offs, tangles or any other issues. Make 'em count!
 
As always, have fun and be safe.

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