Winter is a tricky time to fish. Good catches earlier in the week are little indication of what to expect. Cold water can drive fish from shallow to deep water. Surface water around 42 degrees usually means slow fishing. When water raises to the low 50’s the bite is usually on. Fishing for the past week has been slow with rain and cold conditions deterring most from fishing. Prior to the inclement conditions there were some good reports of stripers at the flood gates, seatrout in the Savannah River as well as some stag bass catch in front of St. Catherine’s. Harrison’s bait shop and the Landings have able to find some shrimp. Don’t be surprised when you call or go by and they’re out. Mud minnows and artificials are more consistent winter bait. When fishing cold or brackish water many fishermen will put their shrimp in a cooler recirculating the same water. This trick can help bait a live when fishing cold winter conditions. Striper bite has been on and off. In general stripers are either present or they’re not. Should be some good striper ahead! As conditions warm expect the redfish action to heat up. Seatrout action likewise will pick up as temperatures raise. Winter is a favorite time to target sheepshead. There have been nice ones caught in Wilmington.

Negative tides throughout the week means tides are lower than average. Plan your fishing according allow an extra hour for a one foot negative tide. Look for more favorable redfish and sheepshead tides from St. Valentine’s day 02-14-05 through the week.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan