Coastal River Charters

Conditions over the weekend looked good; however, fishermen who targeted redfish reported seeing fish but had difficulty getting these fish to eat. Surface water temperature was around 54 degrees. Water temperature was likely not the main reason for a slow bite. The water on most mud flats was clear with little current (due to small tides). Little current means noise is factor. Ideally fish into the current. The current helps to dissipate the noise as well as trigger a bite. Most fishermen like to fish when conditions are calm and there is little current. Conditions might look great, you might have fish all around your boat but getting them to eat is another thing. Down size your baits: 3 inch plastics will work fine. When fishing shallow water during calm conditions lures that are smaller and softer are the one you want to fish. Put up the noisy lures (spoons, those with spinner blades, larger bait as well hard lures) until you’re fishing deeper water and water with some current. When fishing cold clear water think in terms of finesse fishing and you’ll likely do better. Conditions literally changes daily. Right now we’re in a winter pattern. The bite will likely pick up as the temperature continues to warm and tides increase.

Several fishermen have reported being check by the DNR in recent days. This is a good thing. It means those who might be tempted to violate fishing regulations might think twice. Winter time is when there’s typically not many boaters on water. Although fishing slows those up to mischief recognize this also as time to illegally harvest lethargic fish. If you’re stopped by the DNR be thankful they’re there!

Lastly a few words about conservation. As more and more people come to the coast the future of our fishery is catch and release. Keep a few if you choose and release the rest!

Hope this report is helpful! Capt. Jack McGowan

February is usually the month when we begin to see the first signs of Springs. The days are getting longer and milder. This isn’t to say winter is over. In February we can see many mild Spring like days. This year has been no exception with several days in the upper 60′s. The trick from the fisherman’s perspective is to fish the mild days. When surface water readings have been in the mid 40′s warming to the mid 50′s fishing can be good. When the surface water has remained in the 40′s fishing is difficult. Many fishermen are saying this been a very good year for stripers! Dr. Bowers said he’s catching five of six in an outing that are ranging from 25 to 50 pounds. These are massive fish! While fish like aren’t common several fishermen have gotten in on action. Capt. Brain from Miss Judy’s Charters reports large fish spitting up shrimp. This means white shrimp have to date survive the winter and stripers are foraging on them. Other baits can work and will work but shrimp be the preferred bait! Local bait shops might or might not have bait so call ahead. A new bait shop has opened on highway 17 in Pooler (Larry’s) (where the old welding shop was located). Dr. Bowers says they’re selling fiddler crabs, shiners and Florida shrimp. Too bad they’re not closer to the water but atleast we have another alternative for finding bait in the winter.

Redfish can be along the mudflat as the tide seeps out of the grass. Seatrout action has slowed but stripers have heated up!

Small tides all week mean gentle currents. Those targeting stripers could fish throughout a tide. Cut bait can work as well. A favorite striper lure is the redfin that Chuck sells at Cranman’s.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

Winter is a tricky time to fish. Good catches earlier in the week are little indication of what to expect. Cold water can drive fish from shallow to deep water. Surface water around 42 degrees usually means slow fishing. When water raises to the low 50′s the bite is usually on. Fishing for the past week has been slow with rain and cold conditions deterring most from fishing. Prior to the inclement conditions there were some good reports of stripers at the flood gates, seatrout in the Savannah River as well as some stag bass catch in front of St. Catherine’s. Harrison’s bait shop and the Landings have able to find some shrimp. Don’t be surprised when you call or go by and they’re out. Mud minnows and artificials are more consistent winter bait. When fishing cold or brackish water many fishermen will put their shrimp in a cooler recirculating the same water. This trick can help bait a live when fishing cold winter conditions. Striper bite has been on and off. In general stripers are either present or they’re not. Should be some good striper ahead! As conditions warm expect the redfish action to heat up. Seatrout action likewise will pick up as temperatures raise. Winter is a favorite time to target sheepshead. There have been nice ones caught in Wilmington.

Negative tides throughout the week means tides are lower than average. Plan your fishing according allow an extra hour for a one foot negative tide. Look for more favorable redfish and sheepshead tides from St. Valentine’s day 02-14-05 through the week.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan