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July 2024

Charleston Fishing Report – August 2024

By Fishing, Fishing Report

charleston-fishing-report

Our fishery is in full swing with lots of bait and an incredibly diverse mixture of fish to target. During August, it will be key to get out early to beat the heat. You’ll not only be more comfortable fishing in the morning but also more productive. The high temperatures in the afternoon can put species like trout down. You may lose some sleep but launching at first light has plenty of rewards.

Popping corks are very effective this time of year. You can catch so many different types of fish: redfish, trout, flounder, ladyfish, shark etc. I use a weighted popping cork so I can increase the distance of my cast. I run an 18″-24″ fluorocarbon leader from the cork to a size 1 circle hook. When your cork drops under water, reel until you feel the weight of the fish and then lift the rod tip. Mud minnows, shrimp and artificial shrimp all work well as baits.

Topwater is a fantastic option when you are starting early. Try to get to your spot just as it is becoming light. Fish will strike topwater lures based on the commotion they make on the surface and aren’t able to see that the lure isn’t a real struggling baitfish. These lures work well for trout, ladyfish and redfish. Heddon’s Super Spook Jr. lures in chartreuse and black or red and white are the ticket.

This time of year you’ll want to carry your cast net not only for shrimp but also for baitfish like finger mullet and menhaden. Finger mullet under a popping cork are deadly for trout and can’t be torn to bits by little bait stealing fish. Menhaden fished live on the bottom with big circle hooks are great for reds and sharks. Fresh cut menhaden or mullet put out a scent trail that few fish can ignore.

See you on the water!

Fishing Sullivan’s Island

By Fishing, Fishing Report

Fishing-Sullivans-Island

As part of a birthday celebration, Shar and Char joined me for a morning on the water. A lower than forecast tide gave us an extra hour on the flats. Things slowed down and as I picked up a rod to make a move, it whipped over. A few minutes later Shar had a 29″ red in her lap. Happy birthday!

Fishing Folly Beach

By Fishing, Fishing Report

Fishing Folly Beach

Ever have a big fish hit so hard you could barely get the rod out of the holder? Well, Heather learned all about that today. Huge redfish in less than a foot of water inhaled blue crab again and again. Average fish weighed eleven pounds with the biggest at fourteen. Wow!