Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report - 12/11/12

Fishing Report for the Coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina:

Nice tailing redfish depiction by artist Heather Jones

Charleston Inshore Report: Scott Hammond at Haddrell's Point West just returned from his HONEYMOON! That's right, Scott reeled in a keeper, and his customers could not be happier for him and his new wife Ann. CONGRATS!! Besides being greeted by a stack of emails upon returning to work, Scott was inundated with reports that the trout bite is still WIDE OPEN. Water temps have actually been rising a few degrees, but the trout have not missed a beat. Shell rakes and creek mouths in 4 to 7-feet of water are still holding quality fish that are more than willing to inhale a live minnow or shrimp. On the artificial side try a four-inch paddle tail grub or a hard bait like the 17MR mirrolure. Reds are schooling in tight numbers on the shallow mud flats, and while some are reporting the fish to be a little finicky, the best reports were coming from those throwing Gulp shrimp and Zman Paddlerz. Scott relays that of course some good ole cut mullet is hard to beat, just remember to clean up the smell before heading home to the WIFE! Sheepshead are still biting on live fiddlers fished around bridge pilings and rock piles. Smaller sheepies seem to be prevalent right now, with only a few of the big fellas getting hooked up. Remember to catch and release for the future of sport fishing! For all the latest seminar information visit the Internet at Haddrell's Point.

Hilton Head Report: Josh Boyles at Southern Drawl Outfitters reports that the redfishing is like a broken record. The reds are schooled in shallow water, and are beating up on the artificial lures like a street gang. Speckled trout are biting DOA shrimp, Bass assassins and Gulp baits. For all the latest store info visit the Internet at Southern Drawl.

Offshore Report: Scott begins by saying that wind has kept many boats on the hill, but those who made the trip onto the ocean reported good numbers of triggerfish in 70 to 110-feet of water. Some quality grouper are coming from live bottom areas in 85 to 140-feet of water. There are no fresh trolling reports at this time, but water temps indicate that there should be some wahoo and blackfin tuna patrolling along the ledge. High speed trolling for wahoo at dawn is always a good option.

Josh reports that the gulf stream is holding wahoo, blackfin tuna and late season sailfish. Grouper have pushed into water as shallow as 80-feet deep and are chewing well. Try some blue water candy lures to see what color grouper you can bring up from the bottom.

To view past Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Reports click here.