Hunt or Fish? Good weather makes it a Toss Up!

Youth angler sporting a fishing visor, shades, 5-gallon bucket
and a GRIN tied to the allure of saltwater fishing 

The cool weather that has graced the Lowcountry at the end of September and the beginning of October is not totally a surprise, given the cool and wet summer the area experienced. However, there is no guarantee that hot and dry weather won’t return in 2013, so it’s a great time to take advantage of the current conditions. Wonderful weather has outdoor enthusiasts in a quandary though about what to do, Hunt or Fish? 

Big game hunting for whitetail deer is a way of life for many in Colleton County, and the recent weather change has provided lots of comfortable time in the deer stand. As the wet conditions fared off, so did the swarm of mosquitoes that dominated the early deer season. Reports of deer harvest success remained fairly slow, that is until the cool snap hit around September 21, and the Pre-Rut began. All of a sudden the big bucks went on the move, in many cases chasing does with vigor. Any increase in deer movement improves a hunter’s chance for success, whether targeting a buck, or taking advantage of the doe harvest season that began on September 15. Almost right on cue with the cool snap, the majestic live oaks of the Lowcountry began to drop their acorn crop. Presently these fresh live oak acorns are acting as a deer magnet! To view past blog entries about big bucks click here.

Owen Bridge of Walterboro with an 8-point buck from 9/29

Of course, some say that there is no better time of year than the fall to practice some saltwater fishing. Anglers refer to this month as ‘Red’ October since the redfish bite switches on as they clean up the last of the live bait offerings before they head out for winter. While anglers can catch redfish on artificial lures in winter, right now is when the reds are fattening up, making the bite and the fight a bit more memorable. To view past blog entries about Lowcountry Redfish Cup click here.

To read my feature story in the newspaper click Colletonian.

To view the latest Lowcountry saltwater fishing report click here.