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Hurricane Isaac pummeled the Gulf Coast with winds in excess of 75 miles-per-hour, while dumping more than 20-inches of rain. As locals begin the long slog of drying-out and patching things up, the fishing beat goes on. Captain Sonny Schindler, of Shore Thing Charters in Diamondhead, MS shared his “post-hurricane pattern” with us.

While hurricanes are unwelcomed, Schindler reminds us they’re nature’s way of purging marshes, bringing renewal and rejuvenation to inshore fisheries. Schindler says of the Mississippi and Chandeleur Sounds; “Hurricanes, with their influx of water, flush the marshes of stagnation, replenishing it with clean water, bait (shrimp), and microbes (plankton).”

Once the winds subside, the marshes teem with life, as if awakened by the passing storm. Schindler, “As the tides and winds return to normal, the fish turn-on. They’ve been bounced hard during the storm, displaced by wind and rising water.”

Schindler continued, “While we may have to look a bit for fish, once we’re on them, they’ll feed with reckless abandon.” The Gulf Coast captain opts for artificials post-storm, as live bait is typically unavailable; “Soft plastics, those who mimic shrimp offer the right profile fish are looking for post-storm.”

Schindler slows his presentations as lingering murky water dictates giving fish time to “find” baits. Schindler was quick to point out, “While it may sound odd, the post-storm fishing period can be about as good as it gets.”

For more information on fishing the Gulf Coast contact Capt. Schindler at (228)342-2206 or hit them up at www.shorethingcharters.com.