Shore Thing Fishing Report, 2/15/2023

February 15, 2023

Fresh water coming from the Pearl River is slowing the fishing action considerably... but there is always something interesting to see on the water.

- by Sonny Schindler, Shore Thing Fishing Charters 

Black Skimmer feeds by dragging its lower mandible through the water, trolling for fish. | Shoofly file photo by Dena Temple

The fresh water coming in from the Pearl River has been brutal. We are having to either go far south or far east from Bay Saint Louis to get to salty water. Some days it pushes in with the incoming tide, but for the most part the near-shore fishing has been a little tough. ​ 
We do have several days of south winds coming, and I’m hopeful it will bring in the good stuff. 

This Fishing Report 
​is supported by

​We are still seeing some redfish down in the marsh and plenty of freshwater catfish. These suckers are very tasty and are a nice fall back when the other saltwater species are not cooperating. We have found a few spots that are holding white trout in deeper water, but they are sensitive to the freshwater, also.

Shoofly file photo | Shore Thing Fishing Charters

 
We have had boats running some birding trips, and I am very happy to report that the birds are everywhere. Shorebirds, pelicans, ducks, and some exotics are a welcome treat when the fishing gets slow. 

Both Great and Snowy Egrets (Snowy shown above) are commonly found in the salt marshes. | Shoofly file photo

You have to take what you can get until the river stabilizes, and definitely don’t be afraid to run this time of year if the weather is nice. It will get right; these things just take a little time.

A happy young man with a big black drum near the Louisiana Marsh. Photo courtesy Shore Thing Fishing Charters

---

Enjoy this feature? ​