Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report - 7/8/2014

Fishing Report for the Coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina:

A nice Jack Crevalle can test your tackle

Inshore:  Scott Hammond at Haddrell's Point West shares that this summer heat continues to bring a smoking hot topwater bite early in the mornings on trout and reds. Try a Super Spook Jr around creek mouths and submerged shell rakes at daybreak for some explosive surface strikes and quality fish. Live shrimp and live minnows fished under a popping float is still a “cannot fail” option when fished around rock piles and submerged structure right now, producing anything from nice flounder to big redfish. Spanish and bluefish are schooling in very good numbers around the mouth of the jetties as well as in the harbor early in the mornings and late in the evenings. A 3/4oz casting jig or #00 clarkspoon in silver are hard to beat for these schools of feeding fish. The summer flounder bite is still better than average right now, with good sized flatties coming from the inlets along the barrier islands as well as rock piles in the inshore rivers using live mullet, live minnows, or a Gulp Jerkshad. For the latest seminar information, and sales like the YETI and Bubba blade combo Visit the internet at Haddrell's Point.

Also, lots of 'regulars' a re showing up in July including big Jack Crevalle, especially in the southern waters of South Carolina. Use a plug that makes a splashy presentation when the sickle fins of the big jacks become visible on top of the water. Stout tackle is recommended in order to even up the equation in what is always a battle royale.

Offshore: Scott knows that while the spring dolphin bite has tapered off per usual now that it is july, the summer sailfish bite is starting to hit its stride with quite a few boats releasing 4 or 5 sails per day and getting 6-8 “shots” per trip. Some wahoo and a few blackfin continue to be found along the ledge, and out in the deep blue boats are still getting good numbers of opportunities at the man in the blue suit. Bottom fishing in 75-130ft has been producing great numbers of b-liners, triggers, etc as well as some large grouper for those dropping roscoe jigs and live baits.

In Charleston, remember to catch two big fishing tournaments this weekend - the Charleston Coastal Anglers inshore tourney is Saturday at the James Island Yacht Club. And the annual MegaDock Governor's Cup event runs Thursday, Friday and Satruday at the City Marina downtown.

To view past Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing reports click here.