Inshore Fishing Report Mar 17, 2004

By | March 17, 2004

What’s biting on the eve of St. Patrick’s day. Redfish! Redfish can be found along the barrier islands. This is a winter pattern although redfish will remain in these areas until bait pushes into the creeks. These fish will range in size from 14 to 30 inches. Fish areas close to sounds and that have shelly bottoms. Floats such as low country lightings work well when fishing in shallow water and around shell rakes. Two approaches when fishing for redfish are one, anchor and wait for the fish to come to you; second fish from a boat at drift or with a trolling motor. The most common method is anchor up and wait for the fish.

Most of the areas close to sound look alike look for anything unusual and fish deep. Points and pockets are always favorite places to fish as well gullies, shell rakes and thin grass. Fishing a live or dead bait close to bottom will often produce results. The bite might be fast or at slower pace every day is little different. Give each area you’re fishing plenty of time to produce. When you’re satisfied that area isn’t going to produce then move to another likely spot and you’ll catch fish. Favorite redfish baits are live shrimp, mud minnows, finger mullet, menhaden as well dead bait. Dead bait must be fresh. Old dead bait can catch catfish not redfish. Redfish action has pretty consistent during the past week. Fishing should improve as water warms and bait moves in. White shrimp are available in some local bait shops (Adams – but might you want to call ahead). There have been several catches of seatrout reported. Large seatrout are on the move and be caught in the creeks with live shrimp.

Starting on the 18th we’ll have a negative tide on low through the 24th. The highs are less than 8 feet. Should be good tides for redfish and sheepshead. The seatrout bite should be picking up.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan