Cold temperatures in early January sent water temperatures as low 38 degrees around Hilton Head. Fortunately cold temperatures did not linger and we experienced no observable fish kills. We’ve even managed some “neat” catches of sea trout on bait as well artificials.
Fishing success often hinges on fishing a “good tide”. The short of this is fishing usually is better on neap tides rather than on tides close to new and full moon.
Bait shrimp around Savannah is difficult to come by during the winter. Several bait shops typically close around New Years reopening in March. Some fishermen will throw cast nets in deep holes to find shrimp. More often fishermen will opt to fish mud minnows. The mud minnow is a small rugged bait that can catch a variety of fish. Artificials can be a good wintertime alternative. Whichever method you enjoy fishing wintertime can be an ideal to get out on the water. There are fewer boats on water and fishing can good when you’re fishing a warming trend.
Those pitching soft plastics longer casts are generally a plus for attracting a skittish red. If you find a give away such a mullet being knocked side ways out of the water working that area might reveal a school of reds bunched together.
Sheepshead and stripers are other wintertime alternatives that can provide some neat fun! The bait of choice for sheepshead is usually purple back fiddler crabs. Fishermen are finding small stripers upriver as well as sea trout and redfish. Redfish and sea trout can be found along the flats bordering the barrier islands.
Wintertime fishing although a tricky time of the year to fish can be productive. Fish the conditions. During the winter probably best to lower your expectation. If fishing is great just looked at this you’re fortunate. Fish are cold blooded and good bite can quickly deteriorate as cold fronts pass through.
I hope this of interest and help!
Thank you very much!
Fish On!
Jack
Capt. Jack McGowan
Coastal River Charters
