Charleston is a great place to be fishing! No matter what type of fish you want to catch, they are all active and biting. While fishing for redfish remains strong, we’ve seen a pickup in the trout bite even with increasingly warmer water temperatures. Seasonal species like spanish mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish and shark are also still available.
Using live bait for redfish can be very effective. However, during this time of year, little fish that will quickly devour your bait can make life difficult. Some days they even make my two favorite live baits, shrimp and blue crab, unfishable. Fortunately, you can solve this problem by just bringing your cast net along. The water is teeming with finger mullet, menhaden, etc. You can rig these baitfish under popping corks or on the bottom. Either way, redfish will find them and it’s hard for a redfish to resist a struggling bait!
The trout bite has markedly improved in just the last few weeks. The number of small and medium size trout is noticeable as compared to earlier this year when you would only find a few large trout. Popping corks are your best bet for trout that will also eagerly eat finger mullet. Try fishing over oyster beds, in creek mouths or around structure. Make sure to reel back the corks at an even pace, letting the bait fall in the water and appear natural.
My favorite summertime fish is definitely the ladyfish. If you haven’t seen one before, it looks like a small skinny tarpon. Just like a tarpon, they put up fantastic fights with acrobatic jumps and fast runs. Often, a fisherman thinks he has hooked a big trout only to see a ladyfish erupt and tailwalk across the water. You’ll find these fish along oyster beds and shell rakes. Live shrimp under a popping cork is very effective.
Fly fishing has been quite good. The best patterns now seem to be shrimp imitations with or without epoxy. Especially at low tide, you’ll be able to see redfish streaking down the banks with their backs out of water as they try to corral live shrimp. Cast your fly in front of a charging redfish and hold on! The shrimp patterns work very well even when you can’t see redfish working the banks.
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.
Moonlight Mixers are back on the Folly Pier, kicking off on August 13th at 7pm. Dance the night away or just enjoy the warm ocean breeze while in good company and listening to the best beach music provided by Jim Bowers and 1340 The Boardwalk.