Coastal River Charters – Inshore Fishing Report

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July 05, 2005

We are definitely in a summer pattern. Hot days followed a chance for afternoon thunderstorms on almost any day. Capt. Brian of Miss Judy Charters says if you want to catch trout think deep. Brian says the best bite is in 12 feet and deeper. Most fishermen concentrate on grass line and shell rakes. Brian says there are lots of small fish in the hot shallow water. Salinity might be factor. Lots of rain can make surface water brackish and less favorable. Conditions can change quickly. Ample rain can drive bait fish and the fish that feed on them to saltier water. This was pattern for last week. Several days without large amounts meant that bait fish returned to the sounds. Be prepared for the heat if you fish past 11. Either fish early in the morning or latter in the day. Given the heat and small tides for the coming week for best success try to avoid fishing during the middle of the day. Those who target tarpon, sharks, triple tail and spanish will likely fare better than someone targeting seatrout or redfish during the middle of the day.

There have been several good reports from Salt Pond this week for trout and bass. Lots of small bass as well good numbers of 27 inch redfish caught and released. Despite the holiday weekend (4th of July) fishing pressure was not as heavy as it could have been. Fewer fishermen on the water means more options. If one drop fails to produce you could try something else. Just as important if you’re catching fish you’re not likely to attract other boats. Fishermen anchoring on rips have been catching spanish. Lots of blue fish have in local waters. When fishing a drop and the small fish (trash fish) aren’t biting. There could be large trout or redfish close by!

Fishing for the coming week could be good. It all depends on the storms and being flexible to lean into what’s biting. If seatrout and redfish bite is slow try tarpon, shark, spanish or triple tail. Capt. Eric landed 3 triple tail in the 15 pound rangelast week on one outing. Redfish action was likely slow. Most fishermen believe once shrimp boats show up in the sounds the triple tail bite is over. This likely isn’t engraved in stoned. This is one fish we really don’t know that about. In short if fishing slow try something different. Capt. Vern reported catching keeper size sea bass on some near wrecks. With all the brackish water (and calm conditions) we’ve been having fishing the near shore wrecks is an excellent idea! Large whiting have reported in front of Williamson as well close to the sea buoy. Large schools of menhaden offshore as well as on the north end of Tybee. and in the South Channel. Shelby Myrick said he spotted around 20 tarpon close to the Warsaw sea buoy (in groups of 3's and 4's).

Peach State Reds Initiative

Doug Hayman spoke to a small group of the Savannah CCA last Thursday to talk about the Peach State Reds Initiative. The initiative is a plan to begin a stocking program to determine if stocking redfish in practical on our coast. Most fishermen will whole heartedly agree stocking is desirable. Fishermen will now an opportunity to make history on the coast by participating in a fishing tournament designed to take 24 adult redfish from local waters. The benefits of this ambitious program wont be fully realized for years to come. Nonetheless a successful redfish stocking program will help secure the future of redfish on our coast. The Peach State Reds Initiative is a significant step in the path to determining if stocking is a viable alternative. For any who enjoy the sport of fishing for reds or those who simply interested in securing this fish’s place on this coast I want to encourage you to be part of this cause.

For more information contact: Doug Hayman or Spud Woodward at the Georgia DNR 912.264.7218.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

June 24, 2005

Fishing for most part has been good despite wind and brackish conditions. Best seatrout action has been around the sounds. Often ladyfish and seatrout are found together. Ladyfish are strong pulling that usually jump when hooked. Seatrout on the other hand usually stay down. These fish will take a variety of bait. Mud minnows should not be over looked. Small mullet are a good bait, larger finger mullet is a better bait. Often the biggest fish are caught on fish. Seatrout and ladyfish prefer current often close to grass lines or shell rakes. When hooking a ladyfish the only way to consistently land these fish is to be faster than the fish. Ladyfish often take amazingly fast runs with wild jumps. A great fish on light tackle! Only down side to this fish is the mess it can make your clothing and boat. After playing the fish try giving the fish slack to intentional let the fish escape and you might yourself save some cleaning. This crazy fish is sometimes called the poor man’s tarpon. Ladyfish are currently wide spread throughout the sounds.

Large schools menhaden are nearing beaches. About 20 tarpon were reported this week in Warsaw at the sea buoy. Lots of sharks reported and few tarpon. Tarpon bite should be heating up as large menhaden push in.

The flounder bite has been good! The best action has in creeks close to the sounds. These fish will take cut bait as well live. When possible fish big bait for all inshore fishing. There’s a point when a bait can be too large but for the most part fish the largest bait possible. For most fishing fish fresh baits.

When wind subsides fishing should be good. Look for clean water with good drift and you’ll likely catch fish.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

May 25, 2005

Despite dirty water this week there several reports of large roe trout around the beachfronts. My suggestion is practice catch and release. These fish are the producers of future fish. Most of these fish are being caught on live shrimp. The tsunami black mullet has been a favorite as well. Looks like another good year for flounder. Several nice flounder catches have been reported early in the Spring. Usually the best flounder is later in the summer. It’s likely is yet to come! Lots of small pogies (menhaden) showing up in the rivers. Bill Bowers reported seeing some large pogies on the beachfronts. As of yet no tarpon sighting or hook ups reported in local waters. Tarpon are already in just south of Savannah. It should be any day! Cobia action has heated up as water temperature bounced up. Joe Thomas reported seeing some nice spanish in the Wilmington River. Lots of lady fish around the sounds. These fish can provide plenty of fun on light tackle. They typically jump and are very fast! Lady fish aren’t too particular when it comes to bait. A lot of water that hold redfish and seatrout are holding lady fish. Redfish action has been consistent. Dirty water and strong have made fishing more difficult this week. Nonetheless the bite has been good (seatrout ,redfish and flounder). Local baitshop still don’t a consistent supply of bait. Don Adams is trucking in Florida shrimp. Florida shrimp are expensive. With a little luck local shrimp will be available shortly. Until then expect an inconsistent supply and the bait to be pricey. With all of the rain we during the Spring shrimpers and crabbers should have a good year. Abundant shrimp and crabs is good because it means there is more for redfish and seatrout to forage on, salinity levels are in balance and likely the next crop of shirmp and crabs will be plentiful (barring disease and environmental factors). Fishing will likely be improving as we move into the weekend and into next week. Tides are subsiding and water should becomes cleaner. Last week the best fishing was at the top and bottom of the tide when the water was the cleanest. When tides fall below 7.4 expect the better bite to be areas where you find a “good” drift, not too fast, not too strong.

Hope this of help!

Capt. Jack McGowan

May 10, 2005

Both Don Adams and Capt. George Bowen of Bandy’s are struggling to find shrimp. Mrs. Bowen said George was wearing himself out on the river. Shrimp have been difficult to find and when bait shrimpers have been successful the catch is relatively small compared to demand. Thank goodness brown shrimp will start appearing during the latter part of May and the first of June, hence the nickname for these small brown shrimp “junies”. Artificials can work well! The biggest factor when pitching any artificial is confidence. In general opt for clear colors when the water is clear. In murky water look for something that will penetrate. In dark water pitch darker patterns. Finger mullet and mud minnows are great live bait in lieu of shrimp Don Adams said he’s expecting another load of Florida shirmp for the coming week. This bait is a little more expensive; on the other hand, these are hardy shrimp. You better call ahead if your day of fishing is hinging on your visit to the baitshop. Most of our fish have been caught on artificials. Having a clear, a dark and chartreuse will cover most any situation.

Last Week
Tides looked good for fishing. Nonetheless wind and rain made conditions challenging. Windy conditions limited the choices of fishing areas. Rain water runoffs made conditions muddy and almost impossible for fish to feed. There will nice seatrout, flounder and redfish caught when favorable conditions were found. A few large roe trout were caught close to sounds as well as on some near shore wrecks. The whiting bite has likely peaked. More and more sharks are showing up: bonnet heads, sharp nose and others as temperatures heat up. Anticipate the shark bite to heat up! Cobia action has been slow due to cooler than normal water temperature. As conditions quickly warm up anticipate a strong bite to follow!

Coming Week
Relatively small tides means fishermen can fish most of their favorite drops throughout the tide. These can be excellent tides to target flounder. It seems a little early to think of flounder but they’re biting! Try bouncing a large mud minnow on bottom and you’ll likely entice this flat fish. Take your time on the hook set because they’re notoriously slow in committing on the bite.! Fishing will likely be steadily improving a water conditions improve!

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

May 02, 2005

Last week was definitely a seatrout week! There were several catches of around 10 fish. Ronny Reed had the largest catch with a 100 fish on Wednesday. Don't worry Ronny was catching and releasing. Seatrout action has been good but not consistent. Many things can effect the bite: wind and tide stage to name two. The bottom line is one large catch doesn't mean that kind of catch can be easily duplicated. Timing is everything! Seatrout are in the creeks and rivers. The bite will likely remain strong until these fish venture to the beach fronts. DOA gold 1/4 oz. shrimp have been effective on both redfish and seatrout. We landed one four trout a DOA shrimp. We've caught trout this week on mud minnows, soft plastics and live and dead shrimp. Live shrimp is likely the bait of choice if you can find some.

Whiting
John Bruke has written this is likely a record year for whiting! There are plenty of these small, tasty fish in the sounds! These fish are biting aggressively. Characteristically these fish will bump a bait followed by a light bite. Last weekend the fish we caught were inhaling the bait! The whiting strategy is simple fish bottom rigs around the sandbars or in rivers not far from the sounds and you'll likely have plenty of bites!

Sharks
Small sharks are on the move! When fishing for whiting gets a little old hat try fishing larger pieces of cut bait for sharks. These fish can definitely test your equipment. If you want to land a few sharks a steel leader is good idea. I usually use about 12" leader with only a 30 pound leader. You'll be amazed at the fish you can catch on it! When the big boys arrive I'll fish a 90 pound steel leader. Any fish that goes through a 90 pound leader is likely a monster!

So Long to King Arthur
The king has died. Arthur Brannon was know to many around the river as King Arthur or simply as Arthur. Arthur's lairs could be spotted on small hammocks around Savannah. For most Arthur was just eccentric river rat who resembled father time. For others Arthur was a skilled cast net maker who totally enjoyed life . Arthur charged much less than his product was worth. Arthur could be seen from time to time riding his bicycle replete with a couple of 5 gallon buckets, probably loaded with a net or two. His stamina was remarkable but more remarkable was his spirit. He loved a good party, he loved being around people and I believed he loved Jesus. Some who did not know Arthur were scared of him. Those of us whose path crossed with his knew he was a gentle spirit making his way back home as he traveled the *"king's highway". He once told me that someone called him crazy because he choose to live his life on the river, under the stars and not straddle by work as we know it. Arthur said to me who do think is crazy me or one calling me crazy. Free spirits like Arthur who remind us of simpler less complicated world. Thank God for Arthur may he sit with Jesus on the bank of river.

*This was small path that meandered through the woods in Bonaventure cemetery to one of Arthur's liars. Arthur appropriately named his trail the King's highway after himself.

Apr 25, 2005

The dominate factor has been wind. Late season cold fronts colliding with warm fronts have produced strong winds and unseasonably cool conditions. Prior to, during and after the windy conditions there were nice catches of both seatrout and redfish. Large roe trout are in creeks! Not much bait is available from local baitshop. Consequently most of fish are being caught on platics. DOA shrimps and Bass Assasins have been effective for both seatrout and redfish.

The tide for the coming week ( beginning Apr. 25) are small, more aptly suited for redfish. Seatrout prefer current. Nonetheless it's still possible for good seatrout catches on small tides. As water temperature heats up the water will become cloudier making conditions easier to fish. Expect large trout to be on the move to the beach fronts as their spawn begins. Conditions continue to improve as rain water dissipates into the ocean. Redfish are returning to their old haunts. This is an excellent time of the year to see tailing redfish. These fish are focusing on one of their favorites "crabs". It's possible sometimes to see several redfish going after the same crab. When redfish are focusing on crabs I like to throw a soft bait very close. These fish can be so focused on foraging that they fail to see almost anything else. On these occasions throw close!

As always practice catch and release when possible! Kept a few and release the rest! As the coast becomes more populated, fishing becomes more popular and equipment and know how improves going light on the fish only make sense.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

Apr 13, 2005

The dominate condition for past couple of weeks has been low salinity and wind. Many areas that traditionally hold fish at this time of year are producing few if any fish. When fishermen are able to find clean, saltier water these have been areas which are producing fish. Conventional wisdom says fish the sounds during periods of low salinity. Although this statement appears correct the best bites have come from the rivers. Some fishermen are doing well on artificials. Others are catching fish on mud minnows. Some are claiming shrimp is the only bait which will produce fish. You can likely catch fish on any of these baits. Capt. Stan reports some seatrout have been catch off the Tybee Pier as well as some sharks. The whiting bite has been strong but like any fishing if one area isn't producing fish try another. Generally you'll find these fish are location specific at various tide stages. My terminal tackle preference is an 1 ? ounce pan sinker, small spro swivel, roughly a 12 inch leader of 25 pound mono and Eagle Claw 085 #1 hook. Whiting are pretty easy to catch. Resist the urge to set the hook when they bump your bait. Usually they'll follow a bump with a bite. Like most fishing most fish are missed because fishermen are too quick rather than too slow. In general the faster the bite the quicker the hook set. For the most part in whiting fishing if you're missing most of the fish try the putting your rod in a rod holder and letting the fish hook itself. The whiting are biting! Like any fishing keep what you want to eat and release the rest. A whiting that swallows the hook will not likely survive. To test the fish you can put it in your live well, chances are if the fish doesn't go belly up in a few minuets it's all right.

We've caught some nice redfish on all stages of the tide. The trick is to find saltier, clean water. Several flounder have been caught this week as well as some nice seatrout. Live shrimp has been difficult to come by. Both Adams and Bandys have struggled in finding shrimp. Best bet have a back up plan in lieu of live shrimp. Mud minnows are plentiful. Finger mullet are in the creeks.

Conditions will likely remain tough until the water becomes saltier. As temperatures and salinity raises fishing should improve. Tides for the coming week look aptly suited for redfish or sheephead. Small tides mean a slow drift. Fishermen who catch fish will likely have to hunt the fish. Small tides will make make most mud flats accessible at low water creating favorable conditions for those pitching artificials or a fly.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

Mar 27, 2005

Fishing has been on and off during the last week. On the other hand despite an indifferent fishing lots of bait is showing up in feeder creeks. Tons of bait will likely mean good fishing when wind and rain abates. Despite less than ideal conditions there were some reports of redfish and seatrout caught. Good catches were five to ten fish Shrimp is available at Adams Bait shop. Nonetheless shrimp can be difficult to find this of the year so you might want to call ahead.

The Lowly Whiting
The lowly whiting is a pretty nice fish and definitely a sign of Spring. Some of the first whiting caught were reported last week. The numbers are small but these fish are starting to move! Lots of rain can keep bait fish from entering the sounds. As rains abates expect bait to push in. Large schools of small menhaden were present in the Wilmington River. Twice we hooked into a flounder while bottom fishing the river. Bait fish and whiting will bring in sharks as well lots of other fish.

Seatrout activity is picking up! Chuck at Cransman said there have been good catches in the Vernon River on speck rigs! Every fishermen has his favorite color so ask Chuck what's hot. Fishermen have been catching seatrout on tsunami black/silver mullets. Action in the Savannah River has been slow with not many fishermen venturing in that direction due to poor water conditions.

Tides for the coming week look good for redfish and sheepshead!

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

Mar 16, 2005

Fishing this week by all accounts has been tough! Strong winds and negative combined to make conditions difficult for those targeting redfish. Despite unfriendly conditions some fish were caught in local waters. Most if not all of the fish caught were caught on some kind of bait. Opportunities were few and far between for those pitching plastics. Best results were had by those sitting on a drop and fishing bait (shrimp or mud minnows) and waiting. The best catch reported was only five redfish. Tough conditions! Don't despair better conditions are just around the corner. The tides for the coming week are in the 6 to 7 foot range with above average height on the low water.

Sheepshead
Fish with my friend Bill Jerrill from Yellow Bluff Tuesday the 15th for "high tide" sheepshead. This is a little strang for me. Usually I think of inshore sheepshead as primarily a low tide activity. Bill proved we could effectively target sheepshead on high water with good results. Tides in the 6 foot range lend to sheepshead fishing throughout the tide. If the wind blows get a bucket of fiddler crabs and fish structure. The inshore sheepshead are little smaller than the offshore fish. Nonetheless we caught some nice fish, the largest around four to five pounds. Bill says the offshore fish are the spawners and he doesn't like to keep them. We kept the largest fish of our outing. On days with poor drifts fishing for sheepshead can produce some nice tugs as well nice fish. It's not the most dramatic fishing but it can produce. Look for structure and vertically fish next to it allowing your crab to go almost to the bottom. A nice alternative when the fishing slow!

Redfish
The Redfish Tour Open Tournament was held at the Bahia Bleu Sunday March 13th. The tournament was scheduled for Saturday but postponed due to wind. Capt. Stan Allen's boat finished in first place, Capt. Matt Starling boat was second and Capt Ray. Crawely boat finished in third place. Those fishing in the tournament fair like the rest of us. Fishing was tough. The good news tides and conditions will be improving. The next redfish tour event in Savannah is October 14th/15th. This is a fun event designed for friends and families! Bait fishing is allowed.

Savannah River Striper Forum
Georgia Department of Natural Resources presented and interesting and informative forum on the Savannah River Stripers Tuesday, March 8th at the Mighty Eight. The DNR stated stripers near Savannah are facing major stresses by widening and deepening of the river, river alterations and the tide gates Despite pressure on this fish it appears to be in good shape by all counts. Local stripers populations might be at higher numbers than in their hey day in the 70s. This resurgence is due in part to a 16 year moratorium and careful management including stocking. At present the DNR proposal is to allow fishermen to take two, 27" stripers and larger. According to the DNR this proposed limit present the best choice.. The fish should have an opportunity to spawn allowing for a possible viable self sustaining stock. The presentation lasted about 15 or 20 minuets for about 20 years of work. Georgia fishermen account for 97% of those fishing. Georgia has done the work and it's anticipated that South Carolina will follow Georgia lead in adopting the same limit.

Looks like good news for this fish, the fisherman and those who might on occasion want to take a couple of fish!

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

Feb 22, 2005

Conditions over the weekend looked good; however, fishermen who targeted redfish reported seeing fish but had difficulty getting these fish to eat. Surface water temperature was around 54 degrees. Water temperature was likely not the main reason for a slow bite. The water on most mud flats was clear with little current (due to small tides). Little current means noise is factor. Ideally fish into the current. The current helps to dissipate the noise as well as trigger a bite. Most fishermen like to fish when conditions are calm and there is little current. Conditions might look great, you might have fish all around your boat but getting them to eat is another thing. Down size your baits: 3 inch plastics will work fine. When fishing shallow water during calm conditions lures that are smaller and softer are the one you want to fish. Put up the noisy lures (spoons, those with spinner blades, larger bait as well hard lures) until you're fishing deeper water and water with some current. When fishing cold clear water think in terms of finesse fishing and you'll likely do better. Conditions literally changes daily. Right now we're in a winter pattern. The bite will likely pick up as the temperature continues to warm and tides increase.

Several fishermen have reported being check by the DNR in recent days. This is a good thing. It means those who might be tempted to violate fishing regulations might think twice. Winter time is when there's typically not many boaters on water. Although fishing slows those up to mischief recognize this also as time to illegally harvest lethargic fish. If you're stopped by the DNR be thankful they're there!

Lastly a few words about conservation. As more and more people come to the coast the future of our fishery is catch and release. Keep a few if you choose and release the rest!

Hope this report is helpful! Capt. Jack McGowan

Feb 15, 2005

February is usually the month when we begin to see the first signs of Springs. The days are getting longer and milder. This isn't to say winter is over. In February we can see many mild Spring like days. This year has been no exception with several days in the upper 60's. The trick from the fisherman's perspective is to fish the mild days. When surface water readings have been in the mid 40's warming to the mid 50's fishing can be good. When the surface water has remained in the 40's fishing is difficult. Many fishermen are saying this been a very good year for stripers! Dr. Bowers said he's catching five of six in an outing that are ranging from 25 to 50 pounds. These are massive fish! While fish like aren't common several fishermen have gotten in on action. Capt. Brain from Miss Judy's Charters reports large fish spttting up shrimp. This means white shrimp have to date survive the winter and stripers are foraging on them. Other baits can work and will work but shrimp be the preferred bait! Local bait shops might or might not have bait so call ahead. A new bait shop has opened on highway 17 in Pooler (Larry's) (where the old welding shop was located). Dr. Bowers says they're selling fiddler crabs, shiners and Florida shrimp. Too bad they're not closer to the water but atleast we have another alternative for finding bait in the winter.

Redfish can be along the mudflat as the tide seeps out of the grass. Seatrout action has slowed but stripers have heated up!

Small tides all week mean gentle currents. Those targeting stripers could fish throughout a tide. Cut bait can work as well. A favorite striper lure is the redfin that Chuck sells at Cranman's.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

Feb 08, 2005

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

Jan 19, 2005

We currently experiencing colder weather than had in recent weeks. Nonetheless even as cold set in there have been good reports of seatrout in the Savannah River as well as around Isle of Hope. Most of the seatrout action has been on jigs. A recent favorite is the 4inch tsunami black mullet pitched under a float or by itself. As the cold persists the seatrout action will slow. Schooling redfish can be found along mud flats. Schooling redfish can give fly fishermen and those pitching jerk worms plenty of opportunities to catch fish in cold water. In cold water redfish will hold sometimes until a boat is almost on top of them. .Fish that aren't moving can be difficult to spot, fish slowly in cold clear water. Striper action has been good in the Savannah River, at the Flood Gates as well at the Houlihan bridge. Most of the fly action has been on deep sinker fly lines and flies that push a lot water: sar-mul-mac mullet and whistlers are favorites. Fish structure and moving water for stripers. Currents in the Savannah can be treacherous. Opportunities, when the water isn't moving too fast, to target these fish are usually a couple of hours or less . Best tides are either are one hour either side of the high or low tide. Fishermen desiring top water action for stripers need to be fishing at first or last light. Best action this year has been in the main Savannah River not its tributaries. Many believe the Back River is silting in due to the flood gates. Most of the silting is upriver of the flood gates and though to be changing the water flow and consequently the river is not holding fish like it once did. Others have said the lack of stripers in the Back Rive might be due fresh discharges and ample amounts of rain which deterred the shrimp and hence deterred the stripers.

When seas lay near shore action for action sheepshead has been good. Capt. Bing Phillips has said this earliest sheepshead bite he remember! Capt. Bing says to use a conventional anchor around pallet balls and a mitte mike around metal. Sheepshead action has been good with fish over eight not uncommon.

The CCAGA Coastal Conservation of Georgia is moving ahead with the strongest and largest board it has fielded in recent years. The Peach State Reds Initiative is an ambitious program between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the CCA, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the University of Georgia as well many are coming on board to take the initial steps in a stocking program in Georgia. As Capt. Wendell Harper said if we ever have an emergency or disaster the system will be in place to aid the recovery of this fishery. When asked what is the CCA is doing the Peach State Reds Initiative as well as the fin fish study are of major significance to the inshore fisherman. Support your local CCA chapter!

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan

Jan 06, 2005

The New Year is upon us! Those who fished over the holiday season were met with cold conditions and surface water reaching as low as 44 degrees. The cold meant fish were driven to deep water in search of more favorable conditions. Suspending fish are difficult to catch. As conditions warmed redfish could be found on mud flats.

Conditions for the past week have more like spring like than winter. Unseasonably mild conditions and gentle winds gave fishermen opportunities to pursue near shore wrecks for sheepshead and sea bass with good success. Warming conditions also brought up seatrout and redfish. Capt. Ray Crawely stated he saw nice schools (10 or so fish in a school) and caught some nice reds arounds local mud flats. Generally the best tide to target these fish is when the water is out of the grass. Dead low tide is usually the toughest time to catch redfish. Once these fish feel a little current they will more likely to eat. Favorite winter baits are a variety of dead baits, plastics and mud minnows. Sheepshead actions has been steady with good action around the jetties and near shore wrecks. Most of these fish are taken on fiddler crabs but will take other baits such as oysters and shrimp. Some fisherman have been known to boil oyster to toughen them up so the sheepshead can't steal them so easily. My thought is fish fiddler crabs and eat the oyster! Mild conditions will likely mean the bite will likely improve. Stripers which have been suspending will come up and should be more active as well!

Tides are building on Sunday the 9th to 8.2ft and rising. Tides will be below 8ft on Wednesday the 13th. Expect the better fishing from Wednesday through the weekend. Big tides can make bottom fishing more difficult as well as dirty water and produce drifts that are faster and less than ideal to fish. Best tides are usually those less than 8.3ft.

With all of this great weather fishermen should wet a line for some winter fishing! No live shrimp doesn't mean no fishing. Fish more plastics. Plastics can out produce bait on many days. For those desiring to fish bait mud minnows will work just fine!

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan