Charleston Fishing Guide

The perfect storm that makes fishing so great in the fall is about to begin. The combination of lower water temperatures, tons of bait and fewer fishermen on the water makes for fantastic conditions. The fact that cooler days will make fishing much more pleasant doesn’t hurt either!

We often mention popping corks in our reports. Why? Because they work so well! Redfish, trout and flounder will all attack bait that’s suspended in the water column ready to be swallowed. I’ll attach a 18”-24” leader from the cork to a size 1 circle hook. When fishing a popping cork, it’s very important to keep the slack out of your line so you can set the hook quickly when the cork drops. I keep my rod tip pointed at the cork and just reel when it drops. You’ll find your hookup rate improves when compared to keeping your rod tip high and trying to set the hook by jerking back on the rod.

It will soon be time to bid farewell to the summer seasonal species who will likely be gone by the end of the month. Meanwhile, sharks are still providing plenty of entertainment. When fishing in deeper waters, it is important to use enough weight to keep your bait pinned to the bottom. Baits that are surfing in the current usually won’t get hit. Instead of using one large 4 or 6oz. weight, I’ll stack 1 or 2oz. weights on my line to get the desired effect. It makes casting easier and provides more flexibility.

One of the benefits of fishing for sharks these days is you’ll occasionally hook into the bull redfish that are beginning to appear. With the mullet run in full swing, these beasts will make their way inshore. Cracked blue crab and fresh cut mullet make great baits. You’ll find these fish on drop offs and ledges in the harbor and inlets. Fishing can be slower than with corks but with redfish measuring into the upper 30” class its well worth your time.

Tailing redfish are associated mostly with summer months but the action certainly continues for the month of September. Little can make a fly fisherman happier than seeing redfish tails flapping away as they root around for food. Spoon flies have been particularly effective and we’ve been using Dupre’s spoon fly quite often. When casting to redfish, remember to lead the fish by several feet, hitting them square on the head will cause them to spook and race away.

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.

After a few cold and slow months, our fishery has turned the corner and the bite is back. The water is full of bait and the fish are on the attack. Whether you are casting lures and popping corks or just fishing bait on the bottom, you are sure to run into something!

When you see the flickers of baitfish on the surface, stop and grab your cast net. Menhaden can be found everywhere and redfish love them. Using a carolina rig, we’ve been fishing with both live and cut menhaden. Make sure to use a heavy enough weight to hold the bait stationary, otherwise your rig will tumble along the bottom until it snags. Try fishing docks and other structure immediately around where you netted your menhaden, you’ll be sure to find plenty of reds!

Trout seemed to have been affected the most by our cold Spring. They are now finally active again. Popping corks remain the most effective way to target them. Mud minnows and shrimp on a size 1 circle hook are the ticket. When little toothy fish make short work of your live bait, switch over to an artificial shrimp and keep on working. If you find one trout, there are sure to be more nearby.

Ladyfish are present and so much fun to catch. They are without a doubt my favorite summertime fish. These lively fish will make your drag zing. Their acrobatic jumps and hard runs make these fish very entertaining. You’ll often catch them in the same spots you target trout. Mud minnows and shrimp under popping corks are the way to go here.

Sharks have returned in droves and the bite has been very strong. Atlantic Sharpnose have been especially prolific and cut bluefish or whiting work well. Bonnetheads have started to come around and chunks of blue crab are the go to bait. Use carolina rigs combined with size 3/0 circle hooks. Put the rod in a holder and wait for it to snap over!

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.

“Wind again?” was a familiar refrain over the past few weeks. Even blustery weather couldn’t hold back warmer water temperatures and the arrival of bait. Seasonal species like spanish mackerel, shark and bluefish were right behind. In spite of the breezy days, anglers have a lot to look forward to over the coming months.

As water clarity slowly improves, redfish are eating artificial plastic lures, especially those that mimic the glass minnows so abundant in our waters. Zman’s 3 ¾” streakz in smokey shad is an excellent choice. I pair this lure with a 1/8oz. jighead. When possible I try to bump this lure along the bottom then pick it up sharply once or twice with a flick of my wrist. Often, the fish will crush it as it pops up.

It’s that time of year for topwater trout action at first light. Heddon’s Super Spook Jr. in their silver mullet color works great but my favorite is the chartreuse and black. Vary retrieve speeds as you work these lures back to the boat. Here’s a lure that you should reel tight to the fish before raising your rod tip. Good luck with that as a violent boil erupts around your lure!

Spanish mackerel and bluefish are beginning to show up especially in the harbor. If you find schools of fish slashing across the surface, throw reflective casting jigs and reel them quickly through the school. Alternatively, if you know fish are present but not up top, try trolling Clark Spoons at different depths and different speeds. Remember to check your leader often as it only takes catching a few of these teethy fish to cut through it.

With the warmer water temperatures, sharks have returned to our waters. You’ll start to see the fins of bonnethead sharks slicing through the water as they seek out prey. Chunks of blue crab or live shrimp both work well on these predators. Fishing for sharks can be a great way to get younger anglers involved as sharks are usually hungry and put up great fights.

See you on the water!

Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and light tackle 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.