Charlie Garretson said fishing around the man-made structures off Horn Island has proven the wisdom of hearty fishing line, while choosing the right bait for the job can mean the difference between going home empty handed and filling the boat.
Trout line
Garretson offered, “I have settled on the Sufix Elite fishing line for my trout fishing in Gulf waters,” he said. “Why? This line has proven to me it has superior strength and toughness.
“As you fish natural and man-made fishing structure in the Gulf, you’ll quickly learn that it has a high abrasion factor, especially around those discarded piles of raw edged concrete that can chew up an inferior line in just a few casts.”
Sufix Elite is a micro-resin monofilament line that is smooth and durable.
The Elite line comes in five colors for different uses. Garretson said he uses the lo-vis green that he describes as moss green.
Trout bait
“Naturally, just like with rods, reels, and line, there are umpteen kinds, types, brands and colors of baits to use on speckled trout,” Garretson said. “And everybody has their favorites, as well.”
However, this avid angler prefers to use a homegrown bait manufactured in Hattiesburg unde the name Marsh Works InShore Tackle.
“The Marsh Works bait I use is the Shorty Jig Head with a 3-inch Bayou Thumber in white and chartreuse and other colors,” Garretson said.
The Marsh Works Bayou Thumbers are live-action baits designed to make a realistic commotion in the water while tracking true as it is reeled in.
“These are tough baits that do not break down after catching just a few fish,” Garretsons said. “I always carry enough of these for a good day of fishing, but I do find they last longer than other kinds of trout baits.”
He also turns to Marsh Works for his cork.
“I also use their Chugger Popping Cork, which is designed to make noise to draw the fish in,” he said. “I change up colors on the cork, but I like the red or orange for its visibility out on the water.”
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