Hi I fish at Port Neches Park often because it's the closest and safest place for me. However, all I catch are croaker and gafftop. It's getting a little old and I am wondering if there is anything bigger and more exciting lurking under that water and if so, how do I catch it? Please help if you can! I am obsessed with fishing and catching a big one is what fuels that obsession. I am a full time mom of 3 with a husband who has no intrest in the sport so I don't get to go often. Any advice would be wonderful!! Thanks!!

~Painfully Obsessed

What kind of bait are you using? We have launched there and caught fish around the docks/area.

I have been using mostly frozen shrimp but I recently got a cast net and some 4" "Gulp Alive Shrimp". After reading the forums for a few days I think I've been fishing with too small of a hook (size 2). So, I'm going to try a size 5 or 6....with a carolina rig? (am I on the right track?) I'm self taught and have no one to call and ask. Everything I know or want to know comes from the internet!
Also, I'm wondering if I would have a better chance at catching a bigger fish at the sea wall in Pleasure Island or the Umphrey Pier?

Smaller the number, the bigger the hook

I normally use a 2/o kahle hook rigged carolina style. I'll tie about 10-12" of 20# braid for the leader since the oysters/teeth seem to tear up 15# mono pretty quick.

We have been to Pleasure Island several times but never really had any luck. I have talked to others that have had very good luck there, so it should be worth a shot. Dont know anything about Umphrey pier, they just reopened it recently.We have caught anything from dinks to 28"+ reds in the river so dont think that they arent there.

Go down to Luck in a Bucket and get you some live shrimp, croaker,etc. Try some live bait you just might be surprised.

We have only been in Lumberton for about a year now so salty fishing is new to me as well. It has all been trial and error but thanks to a few good people down here I have learned alot and have been doing quit well.

Good luck.