This is the time of year fishermen have waited for. The only downside is the season seems to slip by too quickly. Cool temperatures can mean a good bite.
Water temperatures in local have dropped to around 66 degrees. We’re still seeing some signs of summer with some sharks around as well pinfish and yellow tails (little fish). That said on a recent fishing trip putting a pinfish on a larger rod produced a couple of large red drums (stag bass) as well as a black trip shark.
The puppy drum (redfish) bite has been stronger than the sea trout bite. Although as the temperature continues to drop the sea trout will be heating up. Right now little fish can still be a nuisance while fishing for reds and sea trout. Bait shrimpers on most days are catching good qualities of shrimp but shrimpers are saying if they catch 10 quarts or 100 their supply is quickly bought out. When bait shrimpers haven’t been able to find shrimp. Throwing a cast net be effective in catching a couple of quarts. The downside to throwing a cast net is a muddy boat. Generally, the best cast netting is on the lower tide stages. Sometimes I’m asked about how to throw a cast net. The simple answer is to check some youtube videos. They are a great source of information on throwing a cast net as well as other fishing how-to information.
A fall pattern is bait will move back into the heads (back) of the creeks. These spots can be good for shrimping or fishing. On windy days fish creeks, lee shores and spots out of the wind. As this writing reds can be found around the barrier islands as well as in the creeks and rivers. Shrimp are favorite fall bait but don’t overlook soft plastics. You can cover plenty of water-pitching plastics. The trick is to allow your bait to bounce or bump the bottom.
A few words Georgia’s redfish regulations. The ideal is no regulations but unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in. Our regulators believe the status quo is good. There has been a groundswell asking for more conservation. From my perspective, it seems we can do better. Some creeks are fish hard and schools of small reds are fish down and practically out. On most days when we keep reds, we’re only keeping a few not limits. The Georgia redfish limit is only comparable to Louisiana. We’re not Louisiana. The irony is a more conservative approach will likely mean more quality fish for more fishermen. In short, more fishermen will likely be catching more fish more often. The science is out there proving this statement. Regardless of the approach of our regulators, we’ll be able to adjust. I’ve said if I’m keeping 10 or more redfish that’s not a good day. Keeping a few fish to eat is fine. Keeping limits on redfish is another matter. Redfish have to survive the first five years in our backwaters before venturing offshore for the next 45 years. Regulators are believing that 40% make to be spawners. In a lot of waters, this is not the case. Going light on the resource only makes sense. I’m sure there are those who agree and disagree. No one likes to be told they are wrong. Change will come. I definitely understand those who believe the limits are good. To ask a fisherman if he would like a higher or lower limit the answer will be most often higher. This is how our limits are established so do yourself and kids are favor keep only a few you want to eat fresh and release the rest. It will likely mean a better fishery for the future.
It looks like our fall is shaping nicely. Waterways that were packed with fishermen are beginning to thin out as more activities are possible. Last weekend boat ramps that have been packed with trucks and trailers are seeing much fewer. Water temperature is dropping and the inshore bite is heating up! As conditions cool down the sea trout were likely to be heating up. Also as water temperatures drop sheepshead will batch up in local creeks and rivers before moving offshore for their fall/winter spawning run. During the fall afternoon fishing can be as productive as the morning. When fishing in the morning bite dress warmly. Sometimes the afternoons can be just as productive as the morning and more comfortable. Fish (if possible) moving water. High water is often good for sea trout. Lower tide stages for reds.
In the last couple of years, we’ve seen a return of strippers in the Savannah River system. The stripper fishing in our waters went from excellent to almost non-existent. Conservation changes to the fishery is likely the reason for their return. Most of the fish we’ve seen are less than 3 pounds with only a few over 27 inches (legal size). So far we’ve caught probably a couple of dozen (3 lb.) fish. This is a fun fish on a fly, soft plastic or fly. Likely we will be on a good stripper bite this fall/winter.
I apologize for my wordiness, I hope this is of interest and help.
Thank you very much!
Fish On!
Jack
