Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report - 12/10/2013

Fishing Report for the Coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina:

18-inch trout pushed out for effect!

Scott Hammond at Haddrell's Point West is an astute observer and states the the weather could not be any more inconsistent these days. Despite the whiplash weather that has left many anglers with a head cold, Scott reports that the fishing action has remained constant. Sheepshead are shomping on fidder crabs, clams and live shrimp at the jetties, bridge pilings, and all heavy structure located near deep water channels. Redfish have begun to school up in large numbers on the shallow tidal flats now that water temps have dropped down into the 50's, with live minnows and Zman scented Ultra Shrimp being go-to baits. Trout are being found on shell rakes and grass edges near high tide and will eagerly take soft plastics this time of year. Employ trolling tactics to locate the specks then stop and slowly work your bait along the bottom. Scott's rule of thumb is that if you can find two trout in any spot, then are are likely more in that vicinity. For the latest in seminar information visit the Internet at Haddrell's Point.

Shane Clevenger at the West Ashley location of The Charleston Angler made a video recently of SCDNR releasing 3000 stripers into the Upper Ashley River. Striper Video.

Craig Lupton from Buck Bass and Beyond in Beaufort shares that the fishing report is like a broken record. The trout bite is still off the chain with lots of nice fish being caught on live bait and artificials. Soft plastic grubs in electric chicken still seems to be the biggest producer. One customer landed a five-pound speck and then lost it's twin right at the side of the boat. Those trout are famous for their mouth that is easy to tear. Fishing reports have been strong for both trout and redfish in the Combahee River and anglers should move upriver in order to target deeper holes with structure. Redfsih are being caught on the flats with soft plastic jerk baits on weighted flutter hooks in natural colors. The Broad River is producing many reports of schoolie reds, and black drum are being caught on cut mullet and Carolina rigs at the Bridge pilings. Craig's Pro Tip is not to overlook the cobia that are hanging out at the Betsy Ross wreck just this week. Also, black sea bass and weakfish are biting too. Try using a Gulp swimming mullet on an SPRO jig, and remember to trim the hair just up to the hook bend. For more store information visit the Internet at Buck,Bass N Beyond.

Offshore Report: Scott reports flat conditions have allowed some boats to slip out of their respective marinas and into the deep blue sea. There have been several good reports of boats high-speed trolling for wahoo in 150 to 200-feet of water. Some blackfin tuna are out there too and they are falling for cedar plugs rigged with skirted ballyhoo. Bottom fishing in 70 to 90-feet of water is yielding solid reports of triggerfish and large sea bass, as well as some decent grouper reports using live baits and butterfly jigs.

To view past Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Reports click here.