"Red" Hot Summer Fishing

That pretty much sums it up.  That time of year when it gets hot and so does the fishing!  Redfish, flounder and trout have been unbelievable.  I don't recall the Redfish bite ever being this strong.  I'm not sure if its because of the bait that are everywhere or just a nice healthy population.  If you catch the tide right and you can't catch 10-40 of them something is wrong.  Whether its a shrimp, mullet under a cork, a top water plug or just the "go to gulp", they will hit it.  Mr. Redfish seems to be hungriest on low incoming tides or around high tide up in the grass.
 
Tip of the week.  When using cut bait, mullet or menhaden, use the head first.  They are more likely to eat it than the body.
 
Keep your lines tight,
 
Captain Steve


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Redfish:
Redfish are caught year round, on variety of tackle, and bait. Depending on the tide and the time of year. These fish range from a size of 1-50lbs. Favorite foods: Shrimp, mullet, mud minnows, crabs. We also use several types of artificial.

Flounder:
Flounder are one of my favorite fish to catch; they provide a unique challenge to any angler. They average about 1-10lbs. Favorite foods: Mullet, mud minnows and a few types of artificial.

Sea Trout:
Sea trout are easily caught in the spring and fall. However, they can be caught year round. Trout are caught with live shrimp under a popping cork, as well as a handful of lures. Trout grow up to 10lbs. Your average catch is a few pounds.

Cobia:
Cobia start invading the Broad River in April, depending on the water temperature. These fish are highly sought after because of their fight as well as their tablefare. Cobias are traveling from the lower Keys to up north they stop half way of there journey here in Beaufort to spawn in the Broad River. They get to be around 100lbs. Average catch is going to be around 30lbs. therefore making this a good fighting fish. They like to eat live-bait, squid or just about anything if they are hungry.

Spanish Mackerel:
Spanish mackerel are an easily targeted species during the summer months. usually during a cobia trip we will free line a live bait off the boat, which will usually produce a Spanish, as well as trolling the sound with spoons.

Sharks
Sharks usually range 2-3 feet, however they grow to be several hundred lbs. there are many species including most popular the black tip also hammer head and similar bonnet head, and many more. Shark fishing is best April-October.

Tarpon:
Tarpon fishing in the lowcountry is not as popular as many other fisheries however don't be fooled these silver kings invade these waters usually around June depending on water temperature and hang out until September. These fish usually concentrate in deeper waters, when you hook up better hold on, and have eaten your wheaties.

Fishing Report:

Spring Fever

While April is a great month of the year to fish; it’s still a transition month. The trout haven’t really shown up yet, with the exception of few here and there, usually around docks, drops in the water depth and points. If you do find them they will probably be a good size. As the water temperature warms up, (usually good and warm by May) and brings in the bait fish, the trout and other local species will get very active.

Everyone who knows fishing in SC knows that Cobia will move into the Port Royal and St. Helena sounds as the water temperature rises to about 67° . I always look forward to seeing the parking lot of boats in the Broad river at the Hwy. 170 bridge at this time. It makes for great entertainment and incredible fishing. It brings out anglers of all levels of experience, from the seasoned pro to the extreme novices. I actually saw two boats sink last year.

Now, to get to my favorite, Mr. Redfish…. The Redfish bite is hot. The slowly rising water temperature has brought them out of their lethargic stage and they are hungry and biting. They are schooling up in the shallowest of waters. As soon as more baitfish move in and flipper has more of a dining selection, they will break into smaller schools and even a little deeper water.

Book your Cobia fishing trip now, the month of May fills up quick and I’d hate to see you miss out on the biggest fish (and one of the tastiest) of your life.

Keep your lines tight.

Capt. Steve