With a perfect storm of conditions in place, anglers can be certain inshore fishing will really pick up this month. A combination of lots of bait, cooler water temperatures and much less traffic on the water should make for fantastic fishing. While most people will turn their focus to football and hunting, fishermen who save some time for wetting a line will be well rewarded.
Redfish on the flats have been finicky and for the most part are spooked by artificial lures. That being said they are actively feeding but the right tactic requires some patience. We’ve been setting up the boat a good ways from the schools and waiting for the redfish to return to us. Putting out chunks of blue crab has been very effective. Use size 3/0 circle hooks and make sure the hook point comes out nice and clean to ensure a good hook set. It’s best to leave the rod in a holder and only pick it up once the drag starts singing.
Trout and popping corks remain a perfect match. Trout are feeding more aggressively and in greater numbers. Even better, we’re starting to catch multiple fish in the two to three pound range along with lots of smaller fish. We’ve been using mud minnows as bait almost exclusively as shrimp just get shredded by bait stealers. Try throwing artificial shrimp instead and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how well this works.
Fly fishing can be challenging during this time of year with water clarity sometimes minimal. At low tide, however, you will sometimes have no problem seeing the redfish as they charge down the bank feeding on shrimp. Poppers worked across the surface to imitate fleeing shrimp can draw explosive strikes and you can literally watch the reds slash toward the fly with their backs out of water. It can be so hard to do when fishing these flies but always strip set the hook when a fish hits before raising your rod tip.
See you on the water!
Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing light tackle and fly fishing charters. Clients choose from a full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
