Lowcountry Fishing Report - 10/2/2012

Fishing Report for the Coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina:

Kevin Basirico caught this HOSS Red Snapper,
fishing on Lucky Hooker with Capt. Jason DuBose

Charleston Inshore Report: Scott Hammond asks if Anybody want to catch a big "bull" redfish?! If so there is no doubt that the time is NOW!! Reports of 5, 10, 15 and even 20 bull reds per trip have been the norm lately at the jetties, the grillage and even in the surf. This trend is playing out up and down the coast as well, with many trophy photos being generated by recreational anglers that taken as a whole depict what a special redfishery we have in the coastal Lowcountry! The reds are averaging 32 to 38-inches and are eating cut mullet, half a blue crab, live mullet or live menhaden. The trout continue to bite well fishing around creek mouths on the rising tide and along shell rakes during a falling tide. Scott's "No Fail" option remains a live shrimp (or a D.O.A. shrimp) under a popping cork, with soft plastics from Z-man and Gulp beginning to come into play with the onset of fall. Sheepshead reports are more scattered but a good day can still be had fishing fiddlers at the jetties or at bridge pilings. Big flounder continue to drape across the scales, with local anglers weighing 6 to 8-pounders. Use live finger mullet or mud minnows dragged slowly along the bottom near rock piles in shallow water and watch out as the flat-fish pile on your hook! Bait shrimpers are looking for a little rain to freshen up the shrimping, which has dropped off since opening day. In the nearshore waters it's time for the weakfish run, and they are present in ample numbers and looking to eat small 3-inch soft plastics.
For all the latest seminar information visit the Internet at Haddrell's Point.

Josh Boyles at Southern Drawl Outfitters reports that bull reds have ben the main target as of late. BIG redfish in the 20 to 40-pound range are being caught inshore and offshore on cut mullet and menhaden. The slot size reds are also abundant, especially when fly anglers are targeting the flooded marsh bite at high tide. The trout bite down South remains great, so much so that Josh thinks the future trout population is looking good. Lots of people are reporting seeing sheepshead up on the flooded grass falts with the reds, and this is becoming a more and more common sight. Finally, Josh shares that it's not over for the tarpon bite in Port Royal Sound until the fat lady sings, so wet a big bait for the dual threat of catching either a bull red or maybe even a silver king. For more store info visit Southern Drawl Outfitters.

Offshore Report: Josh reports that trolling has been a little spotty, but some wahoo are still being taken. Sailfish are out there too, but bait-balls have been thin. Blackfin tuna are showing up and their presence will add some action for the bluewater enthusiast. Bottom fishing has been great with the grouper bite and the Red Snapper being the best. Also, bottom bumpers are catching vermillion snapper, triggerfish and porgies, fishing over live bottom areas.

Scott shares that anyone who put their offshore boat up for the season is missing out on a nice wahoo run in 150 - 300 feet of water, with a two to five fish average per trip! A few slinger dolphin are showing up as well, making for a mixed bag. A few blackfin tuna are around but sailfish numbers seem to be off somewhat, with two to four shots at a sailfish per trip. Bottomfishing in 75 to 110-feet of water is producing some nice triggers and beeliners. Swordfish are also being caught during overnight trips to the Charelston Bump!

To view past Lowcountry fishing reports click here.