We have been seeing a lot of fresh water coming down the Pascagoula River since Hurricane Gustov passed through last week. Several inches of rain dropped by the hurricane has resulted in the flushing out of our coveted menhaden baitfish. We won't see them again until spring.
Now Ike is passing to our south and elevating the tides even more. With the fresh water in the marshes and Ike's surge already one foot above normal, this morning I decided to take my Dad and go south to the oyster reefs outside the mouth of the river. Even there the water was not ideal; it was brown instead of green, but still plenty salty.
The highlight of the day (maybe year) came about 8 a.m. when my Dad hung into an obviously big fish on a top water lure. The strike was not impressive, but after a few minutes of fighting we netted a trophy speckled trout that weighed 8lbs. 5oz. according to my onboard scales. It's the top right picture in my photo gallery.
Also throwing top water lures we found a few 19 to 20 inch reds. I had one on the hook and noticed at least 3 other reds flanking him as I reeled him to the boat. I played with him a little too long and he fell off the hook. Never got another bite.
