The grass flats on the west end of Cat Island contain some areas well suited for wading for specks. Photo courtesy of Capt. Robert L. Brodie.

In July, south Mississippi anglers commonly apply adjectives like "sultry," "sun-baked," "steamy," "sweltering," "muggy" and "scorching" to conditions during this span of summer -- yet, uninviting as weather described in this way might seem to many, saltwater anglers still venture out into the Magnolia State's marine environs in search of the ever-popular speckled trout.

Although summer's heat and humidity can make fishing for specks a challenge at times, it's evident from the catches brought back to boat ramps day in and day out that many of Mississippi's coastal anglers have learned how to catch trout during extremely warm weather.

To be successful, you've first got to identify some of the diverse sites that these spotted beauties prefer to visit. That done, you next have to select areas within those sites on which to concentrate your efforts, taking into consideration such factors as water depth, wind, moon phase, tides, time of day or night, and bait availability.

As is the case with most coastal saltwater species, speckled trout haunt oyster bars, rock jetties, grassbeds, wrecked boats, tidal flats adjacent to deep water, gullies, and mouths of bayous -- any structure, in other words, that breaks up the contour of the bottom.

When tide, wind, and water temperature are favorable at these sites, trout feed on croakers, pinfish, spots, small mullet, anchovies, menhaden, and shrimp. Of course, many of these prime speck haunts lie close to deep water that serve the trout as sanctuaries when the tide gets extremely low, or water temps become uncomfortable, or larger predators like sharks, porpoises, and jack crevalle move in.

BARRIER ISLANDS AND BIG TROUT
If it's big specks you're searching for in July, look no farther that Mississippi's chain of barrier islands for rod-bending action. Famed for pristine, sun-bleached shores, Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship, and Cat islands are all part of the federally managed Gulf Islands National Seashore. The waters around these offshore gems attract and hold specks --especially those of better-than-average size.

Look for the seatrout in grassbeds, gullies, and around major points --keeping in mind that in July, you have to hit the water at precise times in order to score with these spotted island-prowlers. One of those prime times at which to catch island specks is early in the morning, when the fish come in to feed on a rising tide. Since summer high tides occur in the morning, trout venture close to the beaches during those hours to seek the mullet, pinfish and bull minnows swept in towards shore.

Another opportunity presents itself just after the sun goes down and nearshore shallows cool a bit, making the skinny water more comfortable for plus-sized trout. At this time specks start feeding on the plentiful forage species also drawn in by the cooler water.

HOW TO FISH
This is a great time for tossing noisy topwater baits to active fish. For example: Lures either incorporating rattles or designed to produce a walk-the-dog action are ideal for prowling island trout.