M_S_2015_04_

50 Mississippi Sportsman^ | April 2015

“T

he (barrier) islands usually provide

enough protection in any wind that I

can make it across the sound, anchor

on the north side and walk across the

islands to the surf on the south side.”

And there are true gator trout swimming in those waters.

“In 2012, in April, I caught the biggest speck of my life on the

south side of West Ship on a grub under a popping corn just

after sunrise. I released her because she was healthy and full

of eggs, but I think she’d have gone 10 pounds, easy,” Thomas

said. “That same day, I caught two more I know would be over 8

(pounds). I keep only smaller ones for food, but that day I went

home without one for dinner because I couldn’t catch one.

“I caught three fish — all over 8 (pounds) — and I call it the

best wade trip I ever had.”

Thomas also likes to wade the front beaches from Gulfport

west to Pass Christian, as well as just south of Waveland.

“In April, I just want to go, and when I don’t have the time to

go the islands, I will carry my stuff down to the beaches, park

along Highway 90 and walk over to the water,” he said. “I have

a few favorite spots that I have very little competition with, so

that means I usually avoid the artificial reefs. They produce

fish, but I’m not just out there for the fishing but for the entire

experience, and I prefer solitude or just the company of my

brother or another friend.

“Last year (2014), I did good in this one stretch between Long

Beach and Pass Christian, where I found a little trough that had

Baitfish bonanza

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Locating a steady supply of baitfish like bay anchovy,

can produce a steady supply of speckled trout. That’s

author Bobby Cleveland (right) and Keith Partridge of

Terry with their hands full of specks.

Pam Cleveland

continued from page 45