Shore Thing Fishing Report, 5/3/2023

May 3, 2023

Neotropical bird migration took its place next to fishing this week as a main attraction in Mississippi coastal waters.

- by Sonny Schindler, Shore Thing Fishing Charters ​ 

Chris Russell from Tennessee, with a huge marsh trout.

As we say goodbye to April and hello to May, big things should be happening in the coming days and weeks. The speckled trout have begun their push inland, and I know everyone is excited about that.
 
Our boats have been seeing more fish every day, but like always, the wind and the rain are our biggest concern. Our boats have had to adjust their schedules according to the weather to get people out on the water. 

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Pink Roseate Spoonbills, a Snowy Egret (foreground), a Great Egret (white, background) and a Tricolored Heron from the Louisiana Marsh birding photography trip with Shore Thing Charters. Photo: Ken Groue

 
Several of our guides enjoyed the migration fallout. Birds migrating from South and Central America stopped at Cat Island for resting and refueling before heading inland. It was an unbelievable experience. Our native birds alone are simply amazing; the neotropical migrants only added to the wonderful trips to watch our feathered friends.
 

Harold “Pokey” Black with a keeper redfish near the barrier islands.

 
The Louisiana marsh has been producing a few speckled trout on calmer days. The Bay has been our haven from the winds, but it has still been very fishy. A few of our boats have already seen tripletail, and while that is not unusual, we hope it’s a sign of big things to come for the summer.
 

A tired Ruby-throated Hummingbird enjoying a safe spot to rest. Hummingbirds would normally stay well away from humans.

 
If you have not gotten your boat and tackle ready, prepare to wait in lines. This pretty weather we’ve been having has filled all the repair shops, for the most part. The live bait shops are stocked daily with live shrimp and minnows. That is a very much-appreciated treat. The bait shops, boat launches, and fishing areas are likely to start having big crowds, so please be patient with other boaters and lend a hand when you can.

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