Coastal River Charters

Fishing has been up and down. Those fishing over the Thanksgiving holiday period found some of the most challenging fishing of the year due largely to spring tides. Typically spring tides can be challenging but not daunting. Prior to the spring tides the bite was good. Even in windy conditions several boats caught stripers fishing lee shores. There was a good seatrout bite on the top of the tide as well as a good redfish action pitching soft plastics and live or dead bait. Several fishermen have reported nice catches of sheepshead both inshore as well offshore. A common complaint of those fishing sheepshead is the large number of small sea bass. These juvenile fish are showing up inshore as well as offshore.

Prior to the spring tide the bite was good! Almost any stretch of marsh could be holding a thick school of redfish! These fish are move in search of an easy shrimp meals as they fatten up for winter. When the bite is on, the bite can be aggressive. Catching one fish or two fish can trigger a feeding frenzy. When this happens its almost too easy. On the contrary when the bite is off getting a bite can seem impossible. On days when the bite is on just enjoy it. Keep what you want to eat and release the rest. Spring tides, dolphins, fishing pressure, seasonal changes are just some of the reasons why fish be plentiful one day and gone the next. That said, as one friend says they are biting somewhere. Typically fish with sturdy structures like sheepshead and redfish are more resilient to changes in weather. One veteran fisherman said reds will bite every other day. Perhaps, Another friend has stated give those fish a rest. Going back day after day to same school will deplete the school and eventually push the school to friendlier waters. This seems to be true as a guide I like to find fish in multiple locations.

Despite some of the most of difficult tides of the year, over the holiday season, we’re very likely to have some very good if not excellent fishing before the end of the year . Large tides and dirty water means fish haven’t been actively feeding. As tides abate fishing will likely be good! The reds taken in recent days have had empty stomachs or loaded with crabs and small shrimp. When conditions improves reds will likely have their feed bags on.

Look like of good tides in the coming days!

Fish On!

Capt. Jack McGowan

Fishing has been good! However, conditions on the coast can rapidly change. Spring tides, large tide associated with last weeks full moon, coupled with a persistent northeast wind have generated some of the largest tides of the year. This has meant challenging conditions. It’s possible to catch some nice fish. Some fishermen are venturing into the salt marsh in search of reds. A more conventional approach is to fish a live shrimp under a bobber near grassy areas with oyster encrusted bottoms on an outgoing tide for red fish. Options and opportunities on windy days are limited. If the windward side is too rough then your best bet is fish lee shores. In poor conditions fish one fish at time. Gearing back your expectations and just enjoy the awesomeness of nature. Who knows you might set on a dandy school of reds!

Seatrout are starting to bite! If October is the month for red fish then November is the month for sea trout! As temperature drop seatrout and redfish are on the move in search of tasty shrimp morels before the cold of winter. Trolling soft plastics can be effective. This technique allows fishermen to cover water to locate fish. Once you catch a fish double back, troll the same area. If you get another then set up. You’ll likely be fishing close to a small gully, feeder creek or submerged structure. This is a tried and true technique that one veteran fisherman recently reminded me of. If you don’t like slow trolling then using a trolling motor a fisherman can pitch along bank. My preference for pitching is when the probability for success is high. Favorite patterns are jerk worms, flukes and imitation shrimp. Fishermen will have an endless testament of colors and styles. The main thing to keep in mind is seatrout are sight feeders. Chartreuse, pearl white with salt and pepper flekes and christmas tree are classics colors. In low light plastic that glow are effective as well the brightest colors in dirty water. Despite water temperature in the low 60’s there are still lots of bait steelers. Trolling or pitching could be effective. When trolling a simple curl tail works well. When pitching jigs an 1/8 or 1/4 ounce are the most preferred.

The red fish bite has been pretty consistent! In recent years red fish are receiving more attention. Absolutely, stay with the limits. Keep only what you want to eat and release the rest. When it comes to measuring a fish pinch the tail of your red fish. Count on fish measuring considerably longer with a pinched tail. A suitable rule of thumb when comes to keeping fish keep only those fish that are clearly legal. A fish that is barely legal will shrink a little once its on ice.

Conservation Notes…..Gary Caputi of RFA Recreational Fishing Alliance will speak on the Magnuson Stevens Act, Saturday November 5th at Tubby’s Tank House in Thunderbolt at 2pm. What does this have to with an inshore fishing report? The answer is a lot! Fish closures offshore will stress inshore fisheries which could result in closures. If you can make it, please plan on attending. For more information on the meeting contact the Savannah chairman Bob Black 912.223.2986.

As soon northeast winds subside and the wedge of ocean water recedes fishing will likely be hot! Fish will be hungry in search of easy of meals as they fatten up for winter. Northeasters typically blow for a week. Seems like we’ve had lots of wind. Fishing this fall has been hot at times and will likely be hot as soon as favorable conditions returns. For now just enjoy the challenge!

Hope this of interest and help! Fish On! Capt. Jack McGowan