Lynn Meffert from Columbia, SC holds a speckled trout (Provided)
Fall has arrived, bringing cooler weather and shorter days. But don’t put your rods and reels away just yet, because the best fishing of the year is here! Fishermen will continue to find success with live bait, but artificial lures should become increasingly effective. Make time to get out on the water—you’re sure to enjoy it!
Redfish have been happily eating live and cut bait fished on the bottom. Mullet are especially abundant and can be easily netted. We’ll rig the bait on a size 3/0 circle hook paired with enough weight to hold the rig firmly on the bottom. You can use this setup on docks as well as on the flats. Leave your rod in the holder and wait for the reel to start screaming as the fish hook themselves.
Artificial lures have started to produce great results for trout, and the traditional paddle tail design has been highly effective. I’ll use a 1/4-ounce Trout Eye jighead and tie a loop knot to give the lure even more action. Vary your retrieve rate as you try different spots for pockets of fish. To make your lure even more attractive, try adding a piece of shrimp to the hook. You can use live or frozen shrimp—it’ll put a scent on your lure that fish find hard to resist.
With colder water temperatures, redfish are starting to form larger schools, which make for superb sight fishing on low tides. On clear days, you can spot these redfish roving in circles with their golden backs flashing in the sun. Use patience when approaching the schools, and when you cast, aim for the edges to avoid spooking the fish. Jerk shad artificial lures rigged on size 3/0 flutter hooks are ideal for this technique.
See you on the water!
Since 2009, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing providing light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
