Spring has arrived on the coast! With spring we’re seeing water temperatures quickly raising. We are already seeing small bonnethead sharks (around 27 inches) showing up. These small sharks will give a good tug and seem to have endless energy in the cool coastal waters. Bonnetheads are the first shark to arrive and last to leave. So far the numbers are low with about three to six taking a hook on a whiting outing.

Speaking of whiting their numbers appear good! When whiting arrive on the coast other fish follow. In recent days we hooked up and brought a bull shark (around fifty pounds) to the side of the boat. In coming days and weeks anticipate more action in the sounds!

Despite most of the seatrout action happening a little south of Savannah we’ve caught some seatrout on live shrimp and mud minnows. The action was good but like the bait (shrimp) seatrout appear to be scattered. When you find a school its possible to have plenty of action.

Redfish likewise have been scattered. Fishermen who are catching some reds have been slow fishing bait and waiting it out for the bite. Its possible to put together a nice catch if you in the time. As water temperature warms bait and fish will become more active and fishermen will likely find more active fish.

Inshore sheepshead action has been a little slow with the best inshore drops close to the sound or ocean.. Late winter inshore sheepshead were larger. Most of the inshore sheepshead we are seeing are around 10 to 11 inches.

The best bite close to Savannah for now is whiting but anticipate that to change as temperatures warm seatrout and redfish will get more attention. Recently we’ve caught a few flounders on the incoming tide in creeks with on mud minnows on the bottom. While the flounder bite is not hot flounders are showing up!

I hope this fishing report is of interest and help! I hope to see you on the water! Keep what you want to eat and release the rest!

Fish On! Capt. Jack McGowan, Coastal River Charters
www.coastalrivercharters.com