Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report - 2/6/2013

Fishing Report for the Coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina:

Rat redfish sparkles in the wintertime sun rays

Charleston Inshore Report: Bart Manley at the Summerville location of The Charleston Angler shares that water temps are hovering in the middle 50's in early February. Redfish are being found in both large schools and small pods feeding on the low tide flats. High winds, eerily similar to March weather, have made finding these fish a challenge so anglers have to wait to pick and choose calm days. The best lure for redfish presently is mud minnows fished just off the bottom on light tackle rigs. An artificial bait that is working on reds is the 4-inch Z-man 10X-scented paddlerz in smoky shad color, which has also been known to catch a trout or two. The sheepshead bite is starting to pick up with the best baits being oysters and fiddlers. For all the latest seminar information visit the Internet at Charleston Angler.

Scott Hammond at Haddrell's Point West remains steady as she goes with reports of sheepshead biting at the jetties. But lately the best bite has come from inshore waters at bridge pilings and docks that have lots of barnacle growth, the kind of thing that invites a toothy sheepshead to take a crunchy munchy bite. Fiddlers crabs will always be a go to bait for convict fish but oysters and live shrimp are also working right now. Redfish are still in their winter schools, but their case of lockjaw may have broken with reports of 10 to 20-redfish per trip. The trout are still producing into February with one key being more finesse style baits that can be worked SLOWLY in the water column. Baits like Trout Tricks, finesses shads, stick baits, Zman streakz and DOA shrimp are all good choices this time of year when fishing around oyster points and creek mouths. For the latest seminar information visit the Internet at Haddrell's Point.

Josh Boyles at Southern Drawl Outfitters in Hilton Head reports a steady redfish bite. Most of the fish have seen a lot of fishing pressure at low tide, so some of the best success right now comes on rising tides when they seem to be eating better. The trout bite has been a little slow thanks to the latest cold spell. Flounder have begun to move back inshore in the South Lowcountry, and while anglers are somewhat surprised by this early push, the good ole' mud minnow is the bait of choice. For more store information visit the Internet at Southern Drawl.

Offshore Report: Scott knows some offshore anglers who brought back great reports of wahoo after their last trip. Most of that action came from high-speed trolling in 150 to 250-feet of water. At the nearshore reefs in 30 to 60-feet of water, anglers are doing well with black drum and sheepshead using fiddlers. Be prepared to battle back the black sea bass on your quest for some keeper species though.

Bart relays that the weather has kept boats in the slips for the most part. Boats that have slipped out to the bluewater share that trolling reports are beginning to tick upward, especially where it concerns the wahoo bite. Check out Bart's bait station when stocking up before the offshore action hits full tilt.

To view past Lowcountry saltwater fishing reports click here.