Spring fishing!

The water temperature is stable in the mid eighties, high pressure is in control, the wind is primarily out of the south-southwest and the fish are locked in to their behavior pattern. Redfish can be caught with live bait or artificial lures and the creeks are full of mullet and shrimp. Casting around crusty docks or oyster banks as well as in the shade under floating docks will produce. Target deep holes as well this time of year where the water is a bit cooler and more stable. Reds are also tailing in the grass during the flood tides which is a good opportunity to throw a fly if that's your thing. Everything is on the menu for specks (sea trout) as well. Fish grass lines, current rips and eddies during the mid to high tides. Structure in the vicinity is a good thing. Moving, clear water is critical. I have said it before and I’ll say it again- Topwater fishing early in the morning is the deal. It’s not so hot out, boat traffic is minimal and it never gets old seeing a red or trout blow up on your lure or fly. This arrangement of conditions will persist for about another six weeks, or until the cool air of fall starts to usher in. Then, the fishing goes from consistent to excellent. This happens when the water temperature begins to drop and the reds and trout start feeding aggressively. They seem to have the understanding that their food source will be around for a limited time so they make hay while they can, so to speak. Mid September through October is prime time, sometimes extending into November.

Fishing has been excellent this summer. Redfish, trout and flounder are all being caught using live bait and artificial lures. Topwater lures in the morning are fun and a great way to beat the heat. Whatever you can catch in the cast net will work for live bait around structure during the lower tides.

The fishing continues to be great in the estuaries surrounding Charleston. Redfish, trout and flounder are being caught using live bait and artificial lures. The top water bite has been good early in the morning.