Home to a unique saltwater ecosystem, fishing in the South Carolina Lowcountry is year-round. We have the opportunity to catch game fish 365 days a year, weather permitting.
Fish with an Expert
Fall is our “no-brainer” season, if there is such a thing in fishing.
The estuary is packed with mullet and shrimp and the fish are feeding up for the cold weather. Redfish, trout and flounder are our main targets, with our biggest number days coming in October, November and early December.
In the fall, we are “drop” fishing.
Drops are specific sites, like current moving around a particular shell bed point. We have numerous drops for all tide situations and, as we have fairly extreme tides – moving seven to eight feet of water in six to seven hours – we are constantly on the move, as the depth changes.
Generally, we are fishing live bait, like shrimp, under popping corks. Popping corks, when fished properly, simulate the sound of fish feeding and tend to draw fish to the bait. They are especially deadly on seatrout and redfish.
This also is a great time of the year to cast artificials.
My favorites are soft plastic imitations and I really like the Norton Sand Eel Jrs., in pearl, glow or clear. The cleaner the water, the clearer the baits you should throw. Dirtier water calls for brighter baits like chartreuse. Mirrolures also work well this time of year, especially for Trout.
If lots of bites are your thing, then fall is your season.
Another opportunity, given good weather and winds, is our nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs. They are loaded this time of year with black sea bass, weakfish, black drum, redfish, and sheepshead. Four hours of non-stop bites on top of a wreck will make you sleep good at night.
Written by Capt. Rick Percy.