May 20, 2008

By | May 20, 2008

The bite has been good! As Spring tides abated the bite has picked up. The flounder bite is picking up! Generally Memorial day can be thought of as the time when flounder fishing starts. These fish can be caught on mud minnows, shrimp, finger mullet as well plastics and cut bait. The whiting bite is still very good. Lots of sharks in local waters: black tips, atlantic sharp nose, bonnet heads are providing most of the action. Small blue fish and lady fish are also present. Sea trout during the summer are usually around the front side of the barrier islands. Redfish can be found in areas with favorable conditions. As temperature rises look for redfish holding around docks, in deeper water and where bait is present.

Shrimp will be in short supply for the next few weeks. A few bait shops are importing shrimp from Florida: Yellow Bluff Marina and the Tybee Island Baitshop to name two. Adams baitshop is finding some local white shrimp. These shrimp are large and generally more difficult to keep alive. Nonetheless, large shrimp will catch fish. Artificial shrimp can work well under a popping float. Mud minnows are also a good alternative to shrimp. Brown shrimp will start showing up in a few weeks. Until then anticipate bait to be problematic. Bo Bowen owner of Bandy’s is recovering from lung surgery. Bo’s wife Liz has been running the shop. Keep Bo and Liz in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult period.

Fishermen and boaters should check all safety equipment making sure all items are present, in good working, and up to date. A check list of Georgia and federal requirements can be found at most tackle or marine supply stores. Reading the regulations on boating and safety equipment could spare a ticket and perhaps prevent a worst situation. In short the regulations are for the benefit of all who use the resource. One common infraction is calling up porpoises by slapping the hull of your boat. This activity that can put porpoises closer to humans than intended. Reading the regulations and finding what’s legal and be beneficial.

Tides for the remainder of the month look good. Tides will be springing as we head into June. Spring tides are higher tides than normal. As a general statement tides increasing in size over 8 feet become more difficult to fish. Generally tides in the 9 foot range are thought as spring tides. Wind and strong tide can make fishing difficult. When conditions become rough fish lee shores and try to fish spots with wind and tide working together. Tides for the next couple of weeks look good!

Hope this of help! Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan