Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report - 8/9/2016

Fishing Report for the Coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina:

Winner's plaque and 2016 wood trophy,
from the Chas. Harbor Tarpon Release Tourney

Inshore Report: Scott Hammond at Haddrell's Point West shares that while it might be the dog days of summer right now, there is still plenty of opportunity for anglers! A wide-open bite for bull reds is happening at the jetties and the grillage. Use live menhaden, cut mullet, or a broken blue crab as a no fail bait. Tie on a whole mullet and see if the sharks will bite, and keep an eye out for the elusive tarpon, since the Silver King can be found in our waters in August and September.

Sheepshead are producing some strong reports at the jetties and at bridge pilings. Fish with fiddlers or live shrimp in 8 to 20-feet of water for sheepies. And remember to set the hook just before they bite!! For all early risers, Scott has an arsenal of topwater baits in the store for the daybreak bite that you have to see to believe. Baits such as Super Spook Jr. or an IMA Skimmer are working as 'walk the dog' type lures that make the trout slash and strike with vigor. To view the latest seminar information visit the Internet at Haddrell's Point.

Offshore Report: Scott says to Smoke 'Em if you Got 'Em - meaning the smoker kings are out there right now. The recent James Island king mackerel tourney was won by a 53-pound Kingfish, and plenty in the 30-pound smoker range were weighed in. Fish for kings from the nearshore on out to 70 or 90-feet of water, depending on where the bait is found. Bottom fishing in 80 to 140-feet has been excellent for some huge vermillion snapper, triggers, sea bass and a few good grouper using Savage Gear Squish jigs. Trolling from 140 to 400-feet of water is still producing a few scattered wahoo, and the sailfish bite is starting to take off.

To view past Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Reports click here.