• All the areas discussed in the main story will hold about 3 to 4 feet of water on normal tide days. These spots are best fished on just such days, between the fronts. Hard winter fronts can drain the marsh and make water levels perilously low, so fish elsewhere at those times.
• Live bait isn’t vitally important. In fact, Capt. Casey Kieff carries it as more of an insurance policy than a necessity. Soft plastics are usually all you’ll need for trout, but you should consider downsizing. The “big bait-big fish” philosophy works in spring through summer and fall, but smaller baits usually outperform big ones during the winter.
• The technique for fishing this area is pretty basic: anchor, drift or troll within casting distance of the bank. Reds are on the shoreline and will hit market bait, live bait, Gulp!, soft plastics, spinners and spoons. Toss out into the lagoons for specks. Soft plastics like shrimp imitation lures, Vudus, DOAs, TKOs, etc. have been especially productive, but beetles and other smaller size plastics will work. Whatever color you toss, a chartreuse or pink tail will add to its productivity.
• A recent development are the “mother boats” anchored in Phillip’s Canal north of Brick Lagoon and outside the Biloxi Wildlife Management area. Operated by Southern Way Charters out of Long Beach, Miss., the Southern Way and the Southern Cross will be fixtures all winter, offering overnight accommodations and food for both anglers and duck hunters.
The boats cycle in and out between their home port, the marsh and (in the spring and fall) the Chandeleur chain, so call 601-299-0726 for their schedule and more information, rates, availability, etc.