Other Fishing Opportunities at South Pass

EDITOR'S NOTE: Recently, I took part in a phenomenal fishing expedition on the "Baby Grand" out of the Grand Casino in Gulfport, Mississippi. We left the casino at 6 a.m. After a 3 1/2-hour-boat ride, we set up our equipment about 90 miles from shore at the mouth of the Mississippi River, also known as South Pass. That afternoon in 350-foot water, we caught two blue marlin. Today I'll talk with Eric Gill, first mate aboard the "Baby Grand" who has his captain's license for a 100-ton Master. A first mate for 12 years, Gill has spent the last six years on the "Baby Grand." Gill will discuss our catch and give you tips on how you, too, can have a successful blue-marlin trip.

QUESTION: Besides the blue marlin we caught, what other fish are anglers catching at South Pass?

ANSWER: Like you said, the blue marlins are big here, but like other fishermen I've also caught wahoo and dolphin recently. Right now, the water is a bit hot on the surface, which means the tuna will stay deeper. However, you can catch them at daylight and at dark as well as barracudas around the rigs.

QUESTION: What bait do you use to catch dolphin and wahoo?

ANSWER: Dolphins prefer smaller baits such as a small buckshot jig, but they do hit the bigger baits as well. They like the natural bait -- the ballyhoo -- as do the wahoo, which also prefer meat baits. Too, I keep some live eels in the well for cobia, if I see them.

For more information on fishing for blue marlin aboard the "Baby Grand" out of the Grand Casino in Gulfport, Mississippi, contact Matt Reed at (800) WIN-7777, extension 1989. To learn more about other saltwater species along Mississippi's Gulf Coast, call (800) WARMEST.

Tomorrow: Life As A First Mate And Other Fishing Tips