It was a very nice morning on the Gulf. I always love the sunrises and this one wasn't disappointing. There were a few clouds out there and some cirrus scattered about. Enough to delay the heat a while and I was glad. I'd gone fishing; the need to feel something on the line getting me moving before it was fully light. And the early light was FINE.
The hoped-for glassy water didn't take place, as the wind had some East in it, which puts ripples on the bay out front. What did take place was a huge shoal of menhaden waiting to ride the tide to the open Gulf. The predators were scarce though, and the millions of fish happily flipped the water like they do and splashed to their hearts content, moving around the little bay. Now in range and soon after moved too far out. And then back again. I had something big look at the lure and turn away. Eventually I got a good bite and the drag protested. The fish came off though and I wondered what it was. Didn't feel like a redfish I thought.
I had fished the spoon on top, so I let it sink and fished near the bottom. It takes a lot of experience to get all you can get out of a spoon, but they're deadly. I caught a decent white trout. And then made a cast alongside the pilings and nabbed a fat speck who fought to tangle things in the pilings. Returned directly to the water. Feeling the heat of the rising sun, I pulled the plug and walked back up the bluff, the need fulfilled. Dolphins were inside the bar feeding as I left. I had to go to Biloxi for a water tank and got a tiny sprinkle from those clouds. Tiny drops that made me think someone had hit the windshield washer along the interstate. It only lasted about ½ mile.
I was readying the Compac for a couple hour sail when I noticed the mullets scattering abot our little cove. I tossed the casting net and pulled in a couple dozen 6-8"rs. I put a circle hook in the back of an 8"r, tossed it out, and went back to readying the boat when the bait runner reel started screaming. It was a big red drum. From the size of it's tail, I'd guess 30"+. I fought it for maybe 90 seconds when the 20lb braid snapped. It was by far the largest drum I've ever hooked into.
Those Red Fish will get your heart going!