The bite so far this Spring has been anything but typical. Lots of wind. Bait shrimpers still aren’t able to find shrimp. That said its possible to catch some nice fish pitching plastics as well on a dead bait. Whiting are running. Once whiting begin to show up anything can happen. Usually the bite for other fish (reds, sea trout and flounder) will be picking up.
As wind from passing fronts subside anticipate the bite to be picking up. Those fishing for whiting are using carolina rigs with a small piece of shrimp or cut bait. The whiting bite looks good. As conditions warm and winds subside the bite for other fish will likely be picking up. Pitching old favorites such as Bass Assassin electric chicken has been effective on trout and reds. With challenging conditions most of the fish being caught are on lee shores or in the heads of creeks. Each year is a little different. This is definitely an interesting Spring. We’re catching some nice fish but this is definitely a challenging Spring. When winds are up fish lee shores and head of creeks. On challenging days a simple carolina might be the rig that catches fish.
As conditions stabilize and bait fish and shrimp push in local waters our bite will be improving. For now lower expectations. Fish the conditions look for bait, bird, clean water, a suitable current (not too strong, not too weak). The biggest things is just have a good time whether you’re catching a lot or a few When conditions are challenging you might have to work hard for a few.
I hope this brief report is of interest and help!
Fish On!
Capt. Jack McGowan
Coastal River Charters
