Fishing last month was very good and we expect that to continue into July. While little wind made for some hot days, it also provided glassy calm waters. It let us sight cast to schools of large redfish all day long and made for some very productive charters!

July and August will bring a number of significant high tides in the evening. Because of these tides, redfish are able to get access to flats and areas otherwise untouched. Redfish will eagerly chase bait up onto these flats but most importantly feed on small crabs and other crustaceans. This produces very exciting fishing as anglers can see the backs and tails of redfish as they put their noses in the mud to forage for crabs. As a result, these tides are called “tailing tides”. Sight casting to these redfish and getting one to eat is a true rush. When fish take your lure or fly in such shallow water, the strikes are explosive and you can see your fish take off winding its way through the grass. Although you may spend a long time stalking a fish and positioning yourself for just the right cast, landing that hard-earned redfish is very rewarding.

Spinning tackle or fly rods can be used to take advantage of this type of fishing. If you are using a spinning rod, consider tossing Gulp! 2” peeler crabs on a circle hook. Molting and New Penny have proven to be successful colors. You’ll most likely need to put a small split shot above the crab so you can cast it some distance. With the water so shallow, a delicate presentation is often needed and it is an environment where the softer presentation of a fly can be a real advantage.  The Dupre’s spoon fly in gold or root beer can really be the ticket here. Crab pattern flies are also effective but make sure to use patterns that have some weight so the fly can get to the bottom and on the nose of a redfish.

With these warmer temperatures, the trout bite has been best early in the morning, especially at first light. Try working topwater lures over oyster beds and along grass banks. Heddon’s Super Spook Jr. in their silver mullet color works great. The rattle in these lures is very attractive to fish and can be found in many other topwater lures. Try working the lure back to the boat at an even pace and be sure to vary speeds. Often fish will follow the lure but only hit it if you let it pause for a few seconds. In addition to being effective, these lures allow an angler to cover a lot of water. Don’t be surprised if you draw some massive redfish strikes as well!

I’ll be presenting a “Tailing Reds Seminar” at Haddrell’s Point in West Ashley on August 3^rd at 6pm. Please call the store at 843-573-3474 to RSVP. I hope to see you there!

Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.

It’s a great time to be fishing here in Charleston. The usual suspects, redfish and trout, are now complimented by a host of seasonal species including spanish mackerel, ladyfish and sharks. Combined with warmer temperatures, the fishing conditions are now excellent.

We have been catching a good number of redfish over the last month including some of the biggest so far this year. Redfish will take artificial plastic lures mimicking small bait fish and have been keying in on darker colors. Recently, the most successful lures are either black with gold flakes or blue. I’m still fishing almost all my artificials on flutter hooks because they give the lure such good action. As always, keep changing colors until you find one that works.

Flyfishing for reds has been best at low tide when sight fishing conditions are optimal. Fly patterns with lots of flash are working well, especially in the colors of copper or green.  I also like flies with weedguards as plant life in the water increases. During the big high tides in the evening, we have been able to get up into the grass and cast to tailing redfish. The Dupree’s spoon fly is just the ticket for that setting.

Over the last two weeks, the trout bite has really improved. We’ve started catching a decent number of midsize trout whereas before we were only finding a few big trout that were ready to breed. Fishing mud minnows on jigheads can be quite effective and lets you get your bait in front of trout in deeper pockets. I use 1/8 oz. jigheads. You can use bigger jigheads but make sure their size is not significantly bigger than the bait.

Spanish mackerel are plentiful and can be best found at first light. If you find schools of fish busting bait on the surface, throw reflective casting jigs and reel them quickly through the school. Alternatively, if you know fish are present but not up top, try trolling Clark Spoons at different depths and different speeds. Bonnethead sharks are abundant as well and will readily take bait fished on the bottom, especially cracked blue crab.

See you on the water!

Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.