The fall fishing season is already showing great promise. Photo By Geoff Bennett

by Captain Geoff Bennett

It is a great time to be fishing in Charleston. The air is cool and crisp at first light, and later warms up comfortably into the 70s. True to form, fishing continues to rapidly improve, and we will shortly be in the midst of the celebrated fall bite.

At Charleston Charter Fishing, we put more big redfish in the boat this past September than any other month this year. What worked so well was recommended in last month’s report: artificial lures. Jerk shad lures rigged on flutter hooks really did the trick. Darker colors, especially blue hues, significantly outperformed lighter colors. The flutter hooks have a weight on their shank that imparts additional action when you are working it in the water. Try using a loop knot for even more motion. As redfish begin to school up on the flats, you’ll want to make sure you have these ready in your tackle box.

Trout will also really begin to come into their own this month. Cooler weather and its corresponding lower water temperature will really turn the trout on. You’ll find the water teeming with shrimp and trout will happily be devouring them. Fishing live shrimp under a popping cork is very effective when worked along grass banks, over shell beds and in creek mouths. Artificial shrimp also work, and you should try D.O.A’s 3″ plastic shrimp. I am currently using these lures in clear with different colors of glitter.

As mentioned before, redfish are starting to form larger schools on the flats. Instead of traveling in small packs or even alone, these fish can now be found in groups of 30-50. This makes for excellent flyfishing by providing great sight casting opportunities. You’ll want to get out around low tide for the best conditions. Darker flies are working well right now and we are using patterns that have some flash in them.

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.

Share on Facebook

Good morning or good afternoon.

September has been a quiet month, so far. We are still seeing some tourists which are good for business. Unfortunately the tourist trade is almost a necessity. Our local businesses collect Hospitality and Accommodations taxes, which in turn, adds revenues to the city and is used as an offset for property taxes. We receive most of the funds back from the State but not all. We as locals should support all of the businesses on Folly. They are part of our City too.

Does anyone remember the “Faith Chapel”  most recently located at 406 East Arctic? Those young enough to remember will have to think long and hard about this one. According to an article I received from Ms. Mabel B. Pace, the Faith Chapel was the first Church of any type to locate on Folly Island. Two books written about Folly have incorrect information regarding other churches being the first on the Island.

Speaking of history, I am always looking for old photos and news articles about Folly. I would like to “build”  a pictorial history along with the news articles and place them in our library at City Hall. Bet you didn’t know we had a City Hall Library?

October, to me, is the one of best months on the beach. No people, no dogs, no trash, just you, the birds, the surf and your thoughts.

We are progressing nicely through Council discussion with the Re-write. Please join us some morning. Right now we are meeting on Wednesday mornings at 0900 in Council Chambers.

Have a great Folly Day!

Share on Facebook