Fishing reports

Fishing reports are updated weekly.

Provided by the SC Department of Natural Resources

Fishing report for the week of June 6, 2010:

Sheepshead: Good to very good. Although a lot of small fish, have been numerous around bridges and jetties and are more than willing to take a fiddler crab. Reports of Spanish mackerel schooling up in the mornings around Castle Pinckney, as well as along the tideline just outside the jetties. Folly Beach Pier reports that some whiting and bluefish in the 1-2 pound range have been picked up off the pier, and a few black drum. Occasional kings and Spanish are being caught, and a few sea trout have also been landed.

Fishing report for the week of May 31, 2010:

Spottail Bass: Good to very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that redfish have moved into a summertime pattern and can be caught under docks, along rock piles, and along the flats at low tides. A variety of live and artificial baits will catch fish.

Flounder: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that there have been good reports coming from inlets and around rock piles, and a 6 pound fish was recently weighed in. Mud minnows, finger mullet and live menhaden fished slowly along the bottom will all produce.

Trout: Slow to fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout fishing has been bit and miss, and the fish that have been caught have mainly been large females. The cold winter may have killed more fish than originally anticipated.

Surf report: Spanish mackerel and bluefish have moved inshore. Casting silver spoons into schools of feeding Spanish and bluefish is one of the most exciting ways to catch fish.

Folly Beach Pier: A king mackerel was caught off the pier a few days ago, and some Spanish continue to be landed. Whiting, small bluefish and occasional sea trout have also been caught.

Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that dolphin fishing is very strong in 300-400 feet of water just offshore of the Edisto Banks and as far north as the Outcrop. Several wahoo have also been caught in 150-300 feet of water near the Southwest banks.

Fishing report for the week of May 24, 2010:

Flounder: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that there have been good reports coming from inlets and around rock piles. Mud minnows, finger mullet and live menhaden fished slowly along the bottom will all produce.

Trout: Slow to fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout fishing has been bit and miss, and the fish that have been caught have mainly been large females.

Folly Beach Pier: A king mackerel was caught off the pier a few days ago, and some Spanish continue to be landed. Whiting, small bluefish and occasional sea trout have also been caught.

Fishing report for the week of May 17, 2010:

Sheepshead: Good to very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the sheepshead fishing continues at nearshore reefs, the jetties and around bridge pilings. Fiddler crabs, clam strips and oysters fished with a vertical presentation will all work.

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports spottail bass are starting to be caught under docks and along rock piles, as well as continuing to be found on the shallow coastal flats. Gulp! shrimp, ZMAN streakz spiced up with Pro-Cure scents, and of course live mud minnows are all working.

Trout: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that guides targeting trout have been making consistent catches free-lining DOA shrimp near shell banks in 6-8 feet of water.

Flounder: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that now is the time to start targeting flounder in shallow water inlets. Most catches are coming on live mud minnows Carolina rigged on the bottom.

Fishing report for the week of May 10, 2010:

Sheepshead: Good to very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the sheepshead fishing continues to be hot at nearshore reefs, the jetties and around bridge pilings. Fiddler crabs, clam strips and oysters fished with a vertical presentation will all work.

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that redfish are in a transition period when the large winter schools break up into smaller schools, and the fish are feeding well. Spottail bass are starting to be caught under docks and along rock piles, as well as continuing to be found on the shallow coastal flats. Gulp! shrimp, ZMAN streakz spiced up with Pro-Cure scents, and of course live mud minnows are all working. A few early tailing fish have been spotted. Trout: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that guides targeting trout have been making consistent catches free-lining DOA shrimp near shell banks in 6-8 feet of water.

Flounder: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that now is the time to start targeting flounder in shallow water inlets. Most catches are coming on live mud minnows Carolina rigged on the bottom. Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that good weather last week allowed a lot of anglers to get offshore and some nice wahoo were caught to the south around the Deli area and just offshore of it. Some blackfin tuna have also been caught in the Georgetown Hole area.

Fishing report for the week of May 3, 2010:

Sheepshead: Good to very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the sheepshead fishing continues to be hot at nearshore reefs, the jetties and around bridge pilings. Fiddler crabs, clam strips and oysters fished with a vertical presentation will all work.

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that redfish are in a transition period when the large winter schools break up into smaller schools, and the fish are feeding well. Spottail bass are starting to be caught under docks and along rock piles, as well as continuing to be found on the shallow coastal flats. Gulp! shrimp, ZMAN streakz spiced up with Pro-Cure scents, and of course live mud minnows are all working.

Trout: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that guides targeting trout have been making consistent catches free-lining DOA shrimp near shell banks in 6-8 feet of water. Flounder: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that now is the time to start targeting flounder in shallow water inlets. Most catches are coming on live mud minnows Carolina rigged on the bottom.

Fishing report for the week of April 19, 2010:

Spottail Bass: Fair to good. Haddrell’s Point reports that redfish have begun to feed more and more consistently, and they are showing signs of slowly starting to disperse out of their winter time schools. Spottail bass are also starting to be caught under docks and along rock piles, as well as continuing to be found on the shallow coastal flats. Gulp! shrimp, ZMAN streakz spiced up with Pro-Cure scents, and of course live mud minnows are all working.

Trout: Slow to fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that a handful of reports have come in from anglers starting to find some nice sized trout in 6-10 feet of water.

Fishing report for the week of April 12, 2010:

Sheepshead: Good to very good. Haddrell’s Point reports some good catches of sheepshead with fiddler crabs, clam strips and oysters fished with a vertical presentation.

Spottail Bass: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that redfish are still schooled up tight along the shallow coastal flats, but very soon they will begin to scatter throughout the Lowcountry waters. For now Gulp! jerkshad, gold spoons or live mud minnows will all catch fish when you find the schools.

Trout: Slow to fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that things are picking up and a few trout have been caught in 6-12 feet of water along shell rakes with good current flow. ZMAN chatter jigs, Gulp! swimming mullet, and DOA shrimp will all work. Remember to continue to work artificials very slowly as water temperatures are still cold.

Fishing report for the week of April 5, 2010:

Sheepshead: Good to very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that they have been weighing in some monster sheepshead caught inshore. Fiddler crabs, clam strips and oysters fished with a vertical presentation will all work.

Fishing report for the week of March 29, 2010:

Sheepshead: Good to very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that they have been weighing in some monster sheepshead caught inshore, including fish close to 13 pounds. Fiddler crabs, clam strips and oysters fished with a vertical presentation will all work.

Fishing report for the week of March 22, 2010:

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the winter bite for redfish is often feast or famine, with fish schooled up in groups of 25-100 fish but sometimes hard to locate on the flats. Gulp! jerkshad, gold spoons or live mud minnows will all catch fish when you find them.

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are being caught along bridge pilings and rock piles, although many of the biggest fish seem to be moving offshore to spawn at the nearshore reefs. Fiddler crabs, clam strips and oysters fished with a vertical presentation will all work. Black Drum: Good. Haddrell’s Point advises anglers not to overlook a strong black drum bite around the jetties and nearshore reefs. Drum will take almost any live or cut bait, including shrimp, minnows and fiddler crabs.

Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that when the weather breaks boats are heading offshore to do some bottom fishing, and solid catches of large black sea bass are being reported in 60-70 feet of water along areas of good live bottom. Jigs, cut squid and cigar minnows are the best choices. Some nice wahoo have also been caught trolling, and some stray dolphin have even been picked up along a temperature break about 70 miles out from Charleston.

Fishing report for the week of March 15, 2010:

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the winter bite for redfish is often feast or famine, with fish schooled up in groups of 25-100 fish but sometimes hard to locate on the flats. Gulp! jerkshad, gold spoons or live mud minnows will all catch fish when you find them.

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are being caught along bridge pilings and rock piles, although many of the biggest fish seem to be moving offshore to spawn at the near shore reefs. Fiddler crabs, clam strips and oysters fished with a vertical presentation will all work. Black Drum: Good. Haddrell’s Point advises anglers not to overlook a strong black drum bite around the jetties and near shore reefs. Drum will take almost any live or cut bait, including shrimp, minnows and fiddler crabs.

Fishing report for the week of March 8, 2010:

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that winter redfish are schooled up in large numbers. Gulp! shrimp or jerkshads are always effective, but lately a lot of anglers have gone to ZMAN swim baits and are putting a smear of Pro-Cure bait scent on them. The Pro-Cure will stick amazingly well to soft plastics and lasts for dozens of casts before another application is needed.

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that good numbers of sheepshead are being caught around bridges and rocks piles near inlets or deep water. Soon good numbers of sheepshead should also be found at nearshore reefs. Fiddler crabs are available at Haddrell’s Point.

Fishing report for the week of March 1, 2010:

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that winter redfish are schooled up in large numbers. Gulp! shrimp or jerkshads are always effective, but lately a lot of anglers have gone to ZMAN swim baits and are putting a smear of Pro-Cure bait scent on them. The Pro-Cure will stick amazingly well to soft plastics and lasts for dozens of casts before another application is needed.

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that good numbers of sheepshead are being caught around bridges and rocks piles near inlets or deep water. Soon good numbers of sheepshead should also be found at near shore reefs. Fiddler crabs are available at Haddrell’s Point.

Fishing report for the week of February 15, 2010:

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that good numbers of sheepshead are being caught around bridges and rocks piles near inlets or deep water. Soon good numbers of sheepshead should also be found at nearshore reefs. Fiddler crabs are available at Haddrell’s Point.

Fishing report for the week of February 8, 2010:

Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the current warming trend has put the redfish in a feeding frenzy. Fish are schooled up on the flats in groups of 50-75 fish and will take a fly, Gulp! jerk shad or Gulp! shrimp.

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are staged up around heavy structure in deep water near inlets. Fiddle crabs, oysters or clam strips fished vertically will all work.

Trout: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that the majority of the trout appear to have made it through the cold spell, and a few fish are even feeding again around deeper creek mouths and ledges. Free line DOA shrimp up current and then twitch them along the bottom, or slow roll Zman Curly Streakz along the bottom in the same areas.

* Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that on a couple of recent nice days offshore boats made it out to the Ledge and did some high speed trolling for wahoo, catching several good fish in the 30-60 pound range. Black sea bass and triggerfish have also been caught consistently in 50-75 feet of water on squid, cigar minnows and bucktail jigs.

Fishing report for the week of February 1, 2010

Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the current warming trend has put the redfish in a feeding frenzy. Fish are schooled up on the flats in groups of 50-75 fish and will take a fly, Gulp! jerk shad or Gulp! shrimp.

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are staged up around heavy structure in deep water near inlets. Fiddle crabs, oysters or clam strips fished vertically will all work.

Fishing report for the week of January 25, 2010

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that redfish are schooled up tight on shallow mud flats at lower tides. Gulp! jerkshad, mud minnows and crab imitation baits will all catch fish if a very slow presentation is used.

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are still available inshore, but anglers should look a bit deeper. Fiddle crabs, oysters, live shrimp or clam strips fished vertically against any heavy structure near deep water will work.

Trout: Slow to fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that they are concerned about water temperatures but it appears that most trout have made it through last weekend.

Fishing report for the week of January 18, 2010

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are still available inshore but anglers should look a bit deeper. Fiddle crabs, oysters, live shrimp or clam strips fished vertically against any heavy structure near deep water will work.

Trout: Slow to fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that they are concerned about water temperatures. Before it got very cold the trout that were being caught were caught in deeper water (10-14 feet) along ledges, deep holes near creek mouths and other deep water structure. Trout will eat DOA Shrimp, Gulp! swimming mullet and Zman Streakz presented very slowly.

Fishing report for the week of January 11, 2010

Sheepshead: Fair. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are congregated and feeding heavily near inlets and deep water as they fatten up in preparation for heading offshore during the winter. Fiddle crabs, live shrimp or clam strips fished vertically against any heavy structure near deep water will all work.

Spottail Bass: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that plenty of redfish are schooled up beside rock piles and at creek mouths, and at low tide good schools of “teenager” sized fish are feeding on the shallow flats. Live shrimp, minnows or Gulp! will all catch fish.

Trout: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout fishing has slowed but fish can be found in 6-10 feet of water along small ledges and structure that redirects current flow. Throw DOA Shrimp, Gulp! Jerk Shads, and ZMAN Streakz and work the baits very slowly as temperatures drop.

* Folly Beach Pier: Whiting and croaker being taken on shrimp.

Fishing report for the week of January 4, 2010

Sheepshead: Excellent. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are congregated and feeding heavily near inlets and deep water as they fatten up in preparation for heading offshore during the winter. Fiddler crabs, live shrimp or clam strips fished vertically against any heavy structure near deep water will all work.

Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that plenty of redfish are schooled up beside rock piles and at creek mouths, and at low tide good schools of “teenager” sized fish are feeding on the shallow flats. Live shrimp, minnows or Gulp! will all catch fish.

Trout: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout fishing has slowed but fish can be found in 6-10 feet of water along small ledges and structure that redirects current flow. Throw DOA Shrimp, Gulp! Jerk Shads, and ZMAN Streakz and work the baits very slowly as temperatures drop.

* Folly Beach Pier: Whiting and croaker being taken on shrimp.

Fishing report for the week of December 28, 2009

Sheepshead: Excellent. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are congregated and feeding heavily near inlets and deep water as they fatten up in preparation for heading offshore during the winter. Fiddle crabs, live shrimp or clam strips fished vertically against any heavy structure near deep water will all work.

Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that plenty of redfish are schooled up beside rock piles and at creek mouths, and at low tide good schools of “teenager” sized fish are feeding on the shallow flats. Live shrimp, minnows or Gulp! will all catch fish.

Trout: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout fishing has slowed but fish can be found in 6-10 feet of water along small ledges and structure that redirects current flow. Throw DOA Shrimp, Gulp! Jerk Shads, and ZMAN Streakz and work the baits very slowly as temperatures drop.

* Folly Beach Pier: A few whiting and rays are being caught.

Fishing report for the week of December 14, 2009

Sheepshead: Good.nHaddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are congregated and feeding heavily near inlets and deep water as they fatten up in preparation for heading offshore during the winter. Fiddle crabs, live shrimp or clam strips fished vertically against any heavy structure near deep water will all work.

Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that plenty of redfish are schooled up beside rock piles and at creek mouths, and at low tide good schools of “teenager” sized fish are feeding on the shallow flats. Live shrimp, minnows or Gulp! will all catch fish.

Trout: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout fishing has slowed in the last week, probably because of the full moon and dirty water from the extreme tides. Fish can be found in 6-10 feet of water along small ledges and structure that redirects current flow. Throw DOA Shrimp, Gulp! Jerk Shads, and ZMAN Streakz and work the baits very slowly as temperatures drop.

* Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that big wahoo and blackfin tuna have been caught around the ledge in 250 feet of water. Bottomfish are closer inshore than expected this early in the winter, and gag grouper, triggerfish, large black sea bass and even some nice red snapper around being caught in as little as 50 feet of water on cigar minnows and butterfly jigs.

Fishing report for the week of November 23, 2009

Trout: Excellent. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout action is “on fire” and early in the morning fishing with topwater lures like Super Spook Juniors or Bomber Pop N Minnows is catching both quality fish and good numbers. After the sun gets up fishing DOA shrimp under a rattling cork will work. Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; on higher tides there is still good tailing action in the spartina grass. Throw spoons or Gulp! jerk shad to tailing redfish. There are also good numbers of schooling spottails being caught around docks and oyster beds/ rock piles with water moving over them.

Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are biting well as they stage inshore before making the move offshore for winter. Fish fiddler crabs vertically on a Carolina rig around structure.

Flounder: Fair to good. Haddrell’s Point reports that flounder fishing is “spotty” with cooling temperatures. Fish live mud minnows or finger mullet on the bottom around the mouths of feeder creeks on the outgoing tide.

* Folly Beach Pier: The pier reports that whiting, trout, and some red drum have been caught in the last week.

* Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that a brisk Northeast wind has kept many boats at the docks but in 400 feet of water sailfish are still being sighted and caught. Some big wahoo are also around in 150-450 feet of water.

Fishing report for the week of November 9, 2009

Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; on higher tides there is still good tailing action in the spartina grass. Throw spoons or Gulp! jerk shad to tailing redfish. There are also good numbers of schooling spottails being caught around docks and oyster beds/ rock piles with water moving over them. Sheepshead: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that sheepshead are biting well as they stage inshore before making the move offshore for winter. Fish fiddler crabs vertically on a Carolina rig around structure.

* Folly Beach Pier: The pier reports that whiting, trout, and some red drum have been caught in the last week.

Fishing report for the week of November 2, 2009

* Folly Beach Pier: The pier reports that whiting, trout, and some red drum have been caught in the last week.

Fishing report for the week of October 26, 2009

Trout: Good. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout action continues to be good, particularly using live shrimp fished under a rattling float. Also fish topwaters lures like the Zman Chatterbait around live oyster bars with moving water early and late. The Heddon Super Spook Jr. and Mirrolure Top Pups are both working. The next cold front should really make the trout turn on.

Spottail Bass: Good. Spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; on higher tides there is good tailing action in the spartina grass. Throw Gulp! to tailing redfish. There are also good numbers of schooling spottails being caught around docks and oyster beds/ rock piles with water moving over them.

Flounder: Fair to good. Flounder fishing is off and on with the best results coming in Breach Inlet and the Folly area. For bigger fish target deep structure and for numbers of flounder fish around creek mouths. Mud minnows, finger mullet and live menhaden Carolina rigged on the bottom will all work.

* Folly Beach Pier: The pier reports that king mackerel catches are strong off the pier and lots of whiting are being caught. A few bluefish and trout are also around.

Fishing report for the week of October 19, 2009

* Folly Beach Pier: The pier reports that king mackerel catches are strong off the pier and lots of whiting are being caught. A few bluefish and trout are also around.

Fishing report for the week of October 12, 2009

Spottail Bass: Good. Spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; on higher tides there is good tailing action in the spartina grass. Throw Gulp! to tailing redfish.

* Folly Beach Pier: Before the water clarity declined king mackerel were hot and Spanish mackerel up to 7 pounds had been taken on Gotcha Plugs. Bluefish in the one pound range were relatively thick and trout up to 3 pounds were being caught on live shrimp.

Fishing report for the week of October 5, 2009

Flounder: Fair to good. Flounder fishing is off and on with the best results coming in Breach Inlet and the Folly area. Mud minnows, finger mullet and live menhaden Carolina rigged on the bottom will all work.

* Folly Beach Pier: King mackerel were hot and Spanish mackerel up to 7 pounds had been taken on Gotcha Plugs. Bluefish in the one pound range were relatively thick and trout up to 3 pounds were being caught on live shrimp.

Fishing report for the week of September 28, 2009

Trout: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout action continues to be very strong, particularly using live shrimp fished under a rattling float. Also fish topwaters lures around live oyster bars with moving water early and late. The Heddon Super Spook Jr. and Mirrolure Top Pups are both working.

Flounder: Good. Flounder fishing is still good, and last week an 11 pound 8 ounce monster was weighed in at Haddrell’s Point. For bigger fish target deep structure and for numbers of flounder fish around creek mouths. Mud minnows, finger mullet and live menhaden Carolina rigged on the bottom will all work.

* Folly Beach Pier: Seven king mackerel were caught last weekend and several more were landed during the week, and Spanish mackerel up to 7 pounds have been taken on Gotcha Plugs. Bluefish in the one pound range are relatively thick and trout up to 3 pounds are being caught on live shrimp. Spadefish, whiting, black drum and sheepshead are also around.

Fishing report for the week of September 21, 2009

Flounder: Good. Flounder fishing is still good, and this week an 11 pound 8 ounce monster was weighed in at Haddrell’s Point. Mud minnows, finger mullet and live menhaden Carolina rigged on the bottom will all work.

Fishing report for the week of September 14, 2009

Trout: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that topwater trout action continues to be very strong, especially around live oyster bars with moving water early and late. The Heddon Super Spook Jr. and Mirrolure Top Pups are both working. Live shrimp under a rattling float, DOA shrimp or live mullet will also work.

Spottail Bass: Good. Spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; look around creek mouths with oyster rakes and around docks. Early in the morning throwing Super Spook Juniors around oyster rakes is likely to result in some explosive strikes. Breeder reds have moved into the jetties and deepwater channels. Use large live or cut baits on a stout Carolina rig.

Flounder: Good. Flounder fishing is still good around feeder creek mouths and heavy structure. Fish Carolina rigged live mullet or mud minnows.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing off the pier continues to be strong. Trout up to 2 and a half pounds and whiting are both biting very well and Spanish mackerel, black drum and sheepshead are also around. No flounder have been reported caught off the pier.

* Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that the wahoo bite is excellent and boats are catching multiple fish up to 70 pounds. Fish in 140-250 feet; high speed trolling is working. Sailfish season has yet to peak but the bite continues to be very good in 250 -400 feet of water straight east and slightly to the south of Charleston. Pull multiple dredges and small ballyhoo with circle hooks. A few dolphin mostly in the 5-20 pound range continue to hang around.

Fishing report for the week of September 7, 2009

Trout: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that top-water trout action continues to be very strong, especially around live oyster bars with moving water early and late. The Heddon Super Spook Jr. and Mirrolure Top Pups are both working.

Flounder: Good. Flounder fishing is still good around feeder creek mouths and heavy structure. Look a little bit deeper this late in the summer and fish Carolina rigged live mullet or mud minnows.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing off the pier continues to be strong. Trout up to 2 and a half pounds and whiting are both biting very well and Spanish mackerel, black drum and sheepshead are also around.

Fishing report for the week of August 31, 2009

Trout: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that trout action continues to be strong, especially around live oyster bars, and good sized fish are being caught. Live shrimp under a rattling cork are the best bait but DOA shrimp or live mullet will also work.

Spottail Bass: Good. Spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; look around creek mouths with oyster rakes. Early in the morning throwing Super Spook Juniors around oyster rakes is likely to result in some explosive strikes. Breeder reds have moved into the jetties and deepwater channels. Use large live or cut baits on a stout Carolina rig.

Flounder: Good. Flounder fishing is getting better and better; fish inshore structure or creeks mouths when tides are low but moving. Live minnows, mullet or white Gulp! jerk shad will all work.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing off the pier has been strong. One angler caught 10 trout between 2 and 3 pounds on Saturday and a 5 pound Spanish Mackerel was caught recently. Spot, whiting and small bluefish are all around, too. No kings were caught last week but they are up to 28 for the season.

* Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that offshore fishing has been on the upswing for the last week or two and boats are getting multiple shots at sailfish each day. Look in 250 -400 feet of water straight east and slightly to the south of Charleston. Pull multiple dredges and small ballyhoo with circle hooks. The wahoo bite has also been very good and the store weighed in a 76 pound fish that came from 120 feet of water. Fish from 110 feet of water out to and around the 180 foot ledge. Pull medium to large ballyhoo behind dark colored Iland lures. Dolphin fishing has also improved in the last week although most fish have been small.

Fishing report for the week of August 24, 2009

Spottail Bass: Good. Spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; look around creek mouths with oyster rakes.

Flounder: Good. Flounder fishing is getting better and better; fish inshore structure or creeks mouths when tides are low but moving. Live minnows, mullet or white Gulp! jerk shad will all work.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing off the pier has been strong. A 5 pound Spanish Mackerel was caught recently. Spot, whiting and small bluefish are all around, too.

Fishing report for the week of August 17, 2009

Tarpon: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that tarpon are in the Lowcountry in very good numbers and are being caught in all of the inlets up and down the coast. Anchor in 4 to 10 feet of water and fish between slews or sandbars funneling into the inlets. Use 60 to 80 pound fluorocarbon leaders and large live mullet or menhaden on the bottom.

Trout: Very good. Trout action is very strong right now and numbers of fish are very good. Fish feeder creek mouths with heavy structure in 3-8 feet of water. Live shrimp under a rattling cork are the best bait but DOA shrimp will also work.

Spottail Bass: Good to very good. Spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; look around creek mouths with oyster rakes. Breeder reds have moved into the jetties and deepwater channels. Use large live or cut baits on a stout Carolina rig.

Flounder: Good to very good. Flounder fishing is getting better and better; fish areas like the Charleston Battery, Sullivan’s Island rocks, or other inshore structure when tides are low but moving. Live minnows, mullet or white Gulp! jerk shad will all work.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing has slowed off the pier in the last week and the best catch has been occasional whiting. No king mackerel have been reported caught.

* Nearshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that Spanish mackerel are feeding well just off the beaches. Look for diving birds and the Spanish will be under them. Use a Clark’s Spoons rigged behind a half ounce trolling sinker to cast for feeding fish. King mackerel are also around from the beaches out to 100 feet of water; trolling large live baits will result in the best action but pulling drone spoons and small ballyhoo in 60-90 feet of water will also yield steady action from smaller fish.

Fishing report for the week of August 10, 2009

Tarpon: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that tarpon are in the Lowcountry in very good numbers and are being caught in all of the inlets up and down the coast. Anchor in 4 to 10 feet of water and fish between slews or sandbars funneling into the inlets. Use 60 to 80 pound
fluorocarbon leaders and large live mullet or menhaden on the bottom.

Flounder: Good to very good. Flounder fishing is getting
better and better; fish areas like the Charleston Battery, Sullivan’s Island rocks, or other inshore structure when tides are low but moving. Live minnows, mullet or white Gulp! jerk shad will all work.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing has slowed off the pier in the last week and the best catch has been occasional whiting. No king mackerel have been reported caught.

Week report starting August 3, 2009

Trout: Very good. Trout action is very strong right now and numbers of fish are very good. Fish feeder creek mouths with heavy structure in 3-8 feet of water.

Spottail Bass: Good to very good. Spottail bass are scattered throughout inshore estuaries; look around creek mouths with oyster rakes. Use large live or cut baits on a stout Carolina rig.

Flounder: Good to very good. Live minnows, mullet or white Gulp! Jerk shad will also work.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing has slowed off the pier in the last week and the best catch has been occasional whiting. No king mackerel have been reported caught.

Week report starting July 13, 2009

Tarpon: Very good. Tarpon have arrived in the Lowcountry in very good numbers and are being caught in all of the inlets up and down the coast. Anchor in 4 to 10 feet of water and fish between slews or sandbars funneling into the inlets.

Trout: Very good. For the first couple of hours in the morning there has been good topwater action fishing around oyster shell rakes with moving water - Super Spooks are the bait of choice.

Spottail Bass: Good to very good. The redfish bite is strong around creek mouths with oyster rakes. There are also good numbers of spottails ganged up around docks and rock piles; they will take live or cut bait.

Flounder: Good to very good. As water temperatures rise the flounder bite continues to get hotter. Fish in shallow inlets, around rocks piles and at the mouths of feeder creeks and use live minnows, menhaden or finger mullet on Carolina rigs.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing is strong off the pier and good numbers of Spanish mackerel are being caught, including a pier record 7 pound 11 ounce fish a couple of weeks ago. Some kings are also being caught, including a 32 pound fish last week. Small pompano, some whiting and nice black drum are also being caught, including several 6-8 pound fish in the last week.

Week report starting July 2, 2009

Trout: Very good. For the first couple of hours in the morning there has been good topwater action fishing around oyster shell rakes with moving water. When the sun gets higher fishing Carolina rigged live or cut menhaden or live shrimp around structure in 4-8 feet is working for trout as well and spottails and flounder. At night there is also good action around lighted docks.

Spottail Bass: Good to very good. The redfish bite is strong around creek mouths with oyster rakes. There are also good numbers of spottails ganged up around docks during the heat of the day; they will take cut mullet or menhaden.

Tarpon: Good. Tarpon are arriving in the Lowcountry and being caught in areas like Bull’s Bay, the jetties, Deveaux Bank and of course in inlets such as Stono Inlet. Anchor in 4 to 10 feet of water and fish between slews or sandbars funneling into the inlets. Use 60 to 80 pound fluorocarbon leaders and large live mullet or menhaden on the bottom.

Flounder: Good. As water temperatures rise the flounder bite continues to get hotter. Fish around the edges of rock piles in the inlets and along the edges of sand flats near creek mouths, and use live minnows or finger
mullet on Carolina rigs. As the summer moves along fish will move further back into the creeks.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing has slowed but a few whiting, pompano and black drum are still being caught off the piers.

* Nearshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that cobia continue to hang around buoys in the shipping channel and nearshore reefs; fish live menhaden or throw artificial or live eels.

* Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that the dolphin bite has slowed in the last few weeks but they can still be caught from 100 feet out to 400 feet of water. White marlin and sailfish have started to arrive in good numbers in the last two weeks; white marlin are in 250 to 800 feet of water but sailfish can be found as shallow as 100 feet. Small ballyhoo trolled behind squitches, Zman Chuggers, or naked will work. There are also some blue marlin around. King mackerel are arriving in full force and can be found from 40 feet out to 110 feet of water. For larger fish slow troll a live menhaden or blue runner around live bottom areas.

Week report starting June 26, 2009

Haddrell’s Point reports that action is hot around the Charleston jetties.

Trout: Very good. For the first couple of hours in the morning there has been good topwater action fishing around oyster shell rakes with moving water. When the sun gets higher fishing Carolina rigged live or cut menhaden or live shrimp around structure in 4-8 feet is working for trout as well and spottails and flounder. Spottail Bass: Good to very good. The redfish bite is strong around creek mouths with oyster rakes.

Flounder: Good. As water temperatures rise the flounder bite continues to get hotter. Fish around the edges of rock piles in the inlets and along the edges of sand flats near creek mouths, and use live minnows or finger mullet on Carolina rigs. As the summer moves along fish will move further back into the creeks.

* Folly Beach Pier: Fishing has slowed but a few whiting, pompano and black drum are still being caught off the piers.

Week report starting June 22, 2009

Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the redfish bite is strong around docks and around creek mouths with oyster rakes. Fish live shrimp or menhaden under corks.

Trout: Good. Large trout are being caught on live bait (menhaden, shrimp and finger mullet) fished around shell rakes in 3-6 feet of water. Numbers are still down but the fish being caught are generally large.

Flounder: Good. As water temperatures rise, the flounder bite continues to get hotter. Fish around the edges of rock piles in the inlets and along the edges of sand flats near creek mouths, and use live minnows or finger mullet on Carolina rigs. As the summer moves along, fish will move further back into the creeks.

* Folly Beach Pier: A few trout, flounder, sheepshead and spottail bass have been caught, but the best fishing continues to be for whiting and black drum.

* Offshore: Haddrell’s Point reports that the dolphin bite is red hot and should stay that way for several more weeks. Fish are all over but trolling temperatures breaks in 200-600 feet of water with Sea Witches, small chugger heads and naked ballyhoo as a good bet. Wahoo can also be found around the 180 foot ledge with medium to large ballyhoo behind 9 inch land lures or the Zman NeedlerZ.

Week report starting June 15, 2009

Spottail Bass: Very good. Haddrell’s Point reports that the redfish bite is strong around docks and around creek mouths with oyster rakes. Fish live shrimp or menhaden under corks. Trout: Good. Large trout are being caught on live bait (menhaden, shrimp and finger mullet) fished around shell rakes in 3-6 feet of water. Numbers are still down but the fish being caught are generally large.

Folly Beach Pier: A few trout, flounder, sheepshead and spottail bass have been caught but the best fishing continues to be for whiting and black drum.

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Fishing report for the week of August 10, 2009

Week report starting August 3, 2009

Week report starting July 13, 2009

Week report starting July 2, 2009

Week report starting June 26, 2009

Week report starting June 22, 2009

Week report starting June 15, 2009