Archive for June, 2010

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.