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| Blue marlin release on March 30 |
Offshore fishing update…Spring is here and so are the offshore pelagic fish!
SCDNR wanted to share with all of you that we had our first reported billfish release of 2013 last Saturday (March 30th) by the Georgetown fishing vessel Earl E Bird. Owner Earle Atkinson wanted to take advantage of the great weather, so he took his son and a few friends fishing for the day. Captain Ed Keelin said the water was cold and green, but the bait fish were everywhere. They were high speed trolling for wahoo and tuna in 68 degree water on the northeast side of the Georgetown Hole in about 150 feet of water when they hooked the Blue Marlin. Ed estimated the fish at 275 pounds, and it was caught by first time offshore fisherman Dalton Collins, a friend of Earle IV. The fish stuck a J hook combo bait with a ballyhoo paired with a green and white Sea Witch, custom made by Captain Ed. In addition to the blue marlin, the fishing trip also yielded 8 blackfin tuna and 2 wahoo.
Remember to report your release billfish caught in SC waters throughout the 2013 fishing season. Anglers will receive a SCDNR Billfish Release Certificate. To report billfish releases or request billfish release cards, just drop me a line, 843-953-9365, or email dukesa@dnr.sc.gov.
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| Teenager dolphin caught on March 30 |
Inshore: Bart Manley from the Summerville location of The Charleston Anglers shares that the water temps have increased to around almost 60 degrees, and redfish have been breaking out of their schools and become more active. Anglers who like using live bait should throw out some cut mullet, and mud minnows. The trout bite has been steady and should improve greatly this month as the water temp increases. ZMan Minnowz in Houdini on a 1/8 oz jig head has been working great for all inshore fish. Also, using DOA shrimp in natural colors under a popping cork will start to become a very effective technique on the outer edge of the grass. For all the latest seminar information visit the internet at Charleston Angler.
Offshore
The mahi bite has picked up and will most likely continue throughout the month especially with the water temps being higher than normal this time of year. The best reports have been with the wahoo bite. Reports of good catches in good numbers are coming in. Continue to focus on the moon phases using dark colors. Trolling at slower speeds, an Ilander/ballyhoo combo still works well.
To view past Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Reports click here.
Fishing is such an enjoyable hobby.
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