Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report - 11/12/2013

Fishing Report for the Coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina:

Henry Martin with a bull redfish from the Charleston Jetties

Charleston Inshore: Shane Clevenger from the West Ashley location of The Charleston Angler got in a full weekend of fishing and recounts that this is becoming his favorite time of the year for inshore fishing. This sentiment echoes what almost all of the charter captains are also crowing loudly about - how strong the bite has been lately! Cooler weather makes sight-fishing for bigger schools unbelievable and it's only going to get better. Clevenger was in 5-feet of water and was able to cast towards the 'fat boys' in the school in such a way that he was able to round up the 'pigs' rather than everything else that is mixed into a redfish school of 50 fish ... or more. Throw a Z-man Paddlerz on a 1/8-ounce flutter hook and toss it right outside of the school to avoid spooking them. Want some trout?! There is NO DOUBT that now is the time. Put out a mud minnow under a popping cork rigged on a circle hook for great results. Clevenger's Pro Tip is not to 'set the hook' when the cork goes under, rather reel the line tight and let the circle hook do the work for you. If you want numbers of fish then head t Castle Pinckney and set up shop until the birds start diving like crazy. The bluefish are rummaging around and anglers are having LOTS of action with these small fish that are perfect for kid-fishing. Back in the day, we used to hang at the Castle and one fall we caught lots of immature Jack Crevalle - so get out there and see what's in town! For the latest seminar information visit the Internet at Charleston Angler.

Scott Hammond at Haddrell's Point West has returned from 'hunt-cation' with a 10-point buck bowkill in tow - congrats!! But what about the fishing Scott?! Cool fall temps continue to spark a great trout bite right now and you don't have to worry as much anymore about live bait for trout. Lots of artificials are working including Trout Tricks, DOA shrimp, Zman Paddlerz and Diezel minnowz. Target shell banks and creek mouths in 3 to 7-feet of water, or simply slow troll some grubs along the banks at high water to easily locate the fish. Going after redfish in the shallows the new Savage shrimp is worth a try, but don't overlook a Zman or Gulp jerkshad with some chartreuse on it. 'Pup' drum are being found around docks and are easy to fool with live shrimp or mud minnows. Sheepshead reports continue to be good near the jetties and bridges and a live fiddler crab will be a top bait of choice, though smaller-sized shrimp will also work on sheepies. For the latest seminar information visit the Internet at Haddrell's Point.

Beaufort Report: Craig Lupton at Buck Bass N Beyond says that the fishing is very steady from the last report until now. The tour bite remains good on either tide as long as the water is moving. Mud minnows and shrimp under a cork is best, with some trout falling for DOA Lures, Gulp swimming minnows and Trout Tricks. The numbers of trout are good with an 18-inch speck mixed in only every so often. Reports of redfish up in the grass are winding down as fiddler activity decreases heading into winter. Anglers will locate the reds on mud flats though, and consider free-lining a live bait under a cork. The new Vudu shrimp is doing well, especially with some Pro Cure shrimp flavor on it! This latest color combo is purple with a chartreuse tail - which tells the fish to come and Get It!! This same color combo recently helped a husband and wife team to win the finals of the Lowcountry Redfish Cup that was fished in Beaufort. Nearshore fishing at the wrecks and reefs is good for weakfish, black sea bass, bluefish and redfish using bucktail jigs tipped with Gulp swimming mullet. For more store information visit Buck Bass N Beyond.

Offshore Report: Scott revelas that trolling reports continue to indicate good numbers of blackfin tuna hanging in 40 to 200-feet of water as well as some scattered reports of wahoo. A few dolphin have also been reported from the same water depths. Bottom fishing in 75 to 120-feet keeps producing solid numbers of vermillions and triggers, as well as the 'elusice' black sea bass. Grouper reports seem to have been a little scattered recently, but for the guys that have carried some live pinfish out with them, their dinner plates have been garnished with the finest filets that our live bottom offers! YUM!!

To view past Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Reports click here.