Despite dirty water this week there several reports of large roe trout around the beach fronts. 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 beach fronts. 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 bait shop 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