Spring Trout Kickoff

 It is late February in the marshes of south Louisiana. The air is getting warmer, Cold fronts are less frequent, water levels rise, and the water temperature gets to the 60's and 70's. Like a fine pot of gumbo, all the ingredients start to come together for spring's main coarse- fantastic speckled trout fishing in the marshes of St. Bernard, Louisiana.

   We know the ingredients, but how do we put it all together? Well, there are several things that come into play that need to be figured out first. What are trout eating? Why are they eating it? Where are they eating it? How do fisherman need to take advantage? These are all great questions to explore. we will take them one at a time below and hopefully aid you in filling boxes full of beautiful Louisiana speckled trout.

 Truth is, this time of the year trout don't have access to their favorite food, Live Shrimp. Just a few days ago, I was at Campo's Marina in Shell Beach. The guys had done a few drags with the shrimp boat for some days in a row. Which only paid off with 15-30 shrimp. That goes to show you that the trout candy just isn't there right now. So, what are they eating? Small bait fish is the main course of their diet now. In the marsh, that means finger mullet, croakers, and river shad. All of these are plentiful for the trout. However, you can only find them in certain areas this time of the year, and only take advantage under certain conditions. What are those you ask. Well, let's dive into that next.

 Find the bait and find the fish. We have all been told this one time or another. Truth be told, mullet, croakers, and river shad all are different creatures and behave differently.  Mullet love tidelines, and so do river shad, but not just any tide line. They are most attracted to tide lines in the interior bays of the marsh this time of the year. Which just so happens to be where the trout want to be as the water warms and gets higher. Not all bays are created equal though. Bays with good water movement close to deeper water are best. Aquatic submerged vegetation also plays its part. Fishing over submerged vegetation can be very rewarding. Not only does it give bait fish a place to bunker down, but it also gives speckled trout a place to stage up for an ambush on any bait near the surface following the tide. Croakers on the other hand like deeper water, and that's where those deep water spots near flats on interior bays come into play. A good example of this happens all over Delacroix this time of the year. Four Horse, Lake John, and other flats along the twin pipelines are great examples of both shallow bay flats that are near those deep holes. So, now that we know where and why the fish are there, how do catch them?

 Fishing the interior bays can be tricky. The tried and true method is to find a tide line and drift it. Trout won't be ganged up as much this time of the year. In other words, anchoring is not your friend. Drift with the current lines and throw a popping cork with the appropriate length leader and a smaller profile plastic. I recommend something on a 1/8 oz jighead. When someone catches a trout, put the powerpoles down or spotlock with the trolling motor. Give it 8-10 cast in different directions. If you don't catch another fish, continue the drift. If you do catch a trout, start the cast count over for another 8-10 cast. Topwater can also be effective while drifting in the early mornings and during overcast days. Jerkbaits and twitch baits also have their place this time of year. As for those deep holes, throw a plastic on a 3/8 oz jighead. You will also want current while jigging. The current will be pushing bait through. Fishing no current is like going to a buffet that only has one item. It's just not the best idea, and the trout won't eat there. 

 Good luck to all of you this early spring. Hope you put this to good use and fill those fish boxes with those beautiful and tasty Louisiana speckled trout. Go make some fishing memories in the marshes of southern Louisiana. If you are looking for a Louisiana fishing trip give me a call at 985-277-9277 or visit my website www.saltyfrogcharter.com

Tight Lines

Capt Shawn Mitchell