By Joey Crawford
The fishing forecast in Charleston during May is habitually swell, just like our waves! Bait fish are back in full force and so are the anglers. Whether you’re a pier regular or a newcomer, Folly Pier has a spot for you to cast and try your luck in our big pond, the Atlantic Ocean. The surf fish are active, hungry and looking for shrimp, mud minnows and mullet. Last month’s catches consisted of whiting and drum, but now spotted sea trout and Florida pompano will begin to make an appearance. Both are predators of other smaller fish and crustaceans. Trout tend to feed in the morning, while pompano can be caught throughout the day. Sheepshead will start to return to the surf as well, but be sure to use fiddlers or clams to lure them.
Walk a few steps down the pier to the diamond and enter the king mackerel area. It’s prime season for Southeast mackerel fishing, and we’re looking forward towards some delicious catches. Mackerel enjoy water temperatures above 67 degrees and use streaks of murky water for cover when looking for prey. However, if the surf temperatures get too high, they will head offshore toward the deeper ocean. Thus, May is one of the best months to pier fish for mackerel because of these specific water temperatures.
Look for some fun events this month on the pier. Our Weekly Summer Fishing Challenge begins Saturday, May 3. Have a pier staff member weigh your catch, and if it ends up being the best fish of the week, you win a t-shirt and a chance for a free gift card. Plus, get your picture taken and you could end up in the next Coastal Angler Magazine! Be sure to also check out our Summer Kick-Off Tournament Saturday, May 17 from 6:00am – 2:00pm where you’ll have the chance to win fishing prizes in six different categories. Rental rods and bait are always available in the pier gift and tackle shop.
Joey Crawford
Folly Beach Fishing Pier
jcrawford@ccprc.com
