Winter fishing report
By Captain Geoff Bennett
Winter is officially here, but that doesn’t mean that fishing is no longer an option. During these colder months, Redfish are a predominate species. Being cold blooded, these fish become sluggish and tend to eat less. Their focus turns to the retention of
There are still fish to be caught in the epicenter of winter.
warmth and staying away from their main predator, the bottlenose dolphin. To protect themselves they form large schools, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, and move onto shallow flats as a means of protection. For fishermen, the challenge becomes less about finding redfish and more about how to stealthily approach them and convince them to eat.
When approaching easily-spooked fish, being quiet and patient is very important. A slamming hatch or hastily tossed anchor can scare the school and send them fleeing for cover. Schools of redfish tend to move around in a general area, so often the best tactic is to anchor and wait for the fish to come to you. When selecting what type of lure to throw, consider the splash and the noise it will generate when it hits the water. A slim profile artificial plastic lure like a jerk shad might be a better choice than a large spoon or spinner bait.
The trout haven’t migrated away, they are just dormant until warmer water returns. You can still catch them, but it will become increasingly more difficult. Look for deeper holes or pockets of water. Your best bet is to fish paddletail plastic grubs on weighted jig heads. The most productive colors can vary, so be sure to check with your local tackle shops. You’ll need to be able to get your lure down and in front of their noses. The key is to retrieve your lure very, very slowly. Trout become lethargic in cold weather and anglers need to fish accordingly.
Sheepshead, sometimes referred to as “convict” fish because of their black stripes, have begun their seasonal migration offshore, although there will still be some stragglers around. You’ll want to target these fish around barnacle-covered pilings or docks. Fiddler crabs and pieces of oyster have been working well. Suspend your bait vertically next to pieces of structure using a small sinker weight set a short distance above your hook. The bite of these fish can be difficult to detect. Given their fight and taste, though, anglers find them well worth the challenge.
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 324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
