Beating The Heat
By this time of year the heat has really settled in so I want to share with you a few tips of beating Bihe heat and increasing your chances of more succestil fishing trips on the water in Charleston!
Especially for catching fish in the shallow creeks of the Lowcountry it is extremely important to start fishing early mornings! Early mornings unfortunately do not start at 9am. By that time the bite could be half over. I really recommend getting on the water by 6am and ideally being at your fishing spot by then. A half of a degree water temperature can make all the difference in the world when fishing shallow bodies of water! What would be even better is if you had a low incoming tide because that ocean water can be slightly cooler, not to mention the water cooled off some when the sun went down the night before! You will still have your good, better, and best days early but the big thing that may change that would be what tide cycle you are on. Despite that, I guarantee you that the bite will be better early and you won’t regret waking up so early! Being that you got an early start you could fish for trout, reds, and flounder in a couple different ways. They are more likely to hit baits higher in the water column, even topwater plugs. A Heddon Super Spook Jr is a great topwater bait for all species really, and offers explosive action. If you haven’t gotten accustomed to working an artificial bait you could use a float rig or bobber with live shrimp, finger mullet, or mud minnows under the float. Drifted down a grass edge or a dock will surely get you bites! Another good guarantee is an artificial shrimp under a popping cork. Take your favorite float and add three feet of twenty pound flourocarbon to it. Then tie on one of your favorite artificial shrimp such as a Z-Man or DOA. This rig popped along the grass line is another sure-fire way to catch fish.
As the sun starts to rise your baits really need to drop. You may notice that the topwater bite slowed or maybe you aren’t catching as many fish on the live bait float rig. This would be a good indication to drop baits in the water column. Id try removing the float from your artificial rig and letting the shrimp sink all the way to the bottom. If worked slow enough, you’ll likely catch trout just as it gets close to or on the bottom. Another method would be using a carolina rig. This is simply an egg weight on your main line, that comes down to a swivel, leader and hook. Same live baits would apply on this rig as well.
I have seen it many times, fishing over a sandbar in 6-8′ of water where I would work a float over the bar and not get bit, but then lay a carolina rig with the same type live bait and get bites. That was the difference of fishing later in the day and still trying to use a float when the temperature got up. Those couple of feet of positioning your bait can make all the difference.
Tarpon, jack crevalle, sharks, and bull reds are another species to transition to as the day gets later and you don’t want to quit fishing! Deeper water fisheries do better in the midst of all this heat!
Many of these species will be found in fifteen plus feet of water and closer to the ocean.
Most anglers are using live or dead bait to target these guys, and they are often targeted in the same areas. Usually if you are tarpon fishing, you are “shark and bull redfishing” too. Requiring bigger gear and tackle, and sometimes boat, you can set yourself up in ambush points such as jetties or sandbars and get ready for a huge fight!
Sailfishing we will go! By now most of the offshore trolling bite has come and gone, but not all! The sailfish bite has been steady through July and we hope it continues, especially for the September/ October fall bite. You will still find some blue marlin and mahi mahi around too!
The ledge area is going to hold a good wahoo and tuna bite as well. This is another time of year where we see anglers focus change from trolling to bottom fishing or sword fishing, and for good reason! So if you are still itching to get in the ocean don’t hesitate to do a combo trolling and sword fishing day! Jigging the deeper water bottom structure can also be another hit!
While we hope the bite is hot for you, we also want you to stay cool and healthy! Hydration really starts a day or two ahead so if you know you’re going to be outside fishing for the full day, start hydrating ahead of time. I always cover up, as to not get sunburn and keep cool. A straw hat can be very helpful as well as wearing Anetik brand clothing. It’s something we carry in the shop and I wear it all the time now! The coolest shirt material out there! Don’t forget to either dip your hat, buff, bandana or anything in the cooler and lay around your neck to keep body temp down!
And if you have to, jump in the water or go for a boat ride and get some air flow!
Stay in touch via social media and checking our website for upcoming events and sales!
Hope you had a great summer and tight lines!
Tight Lines
Capt Mike Able
Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply • Since 1983
843-881-3644 (Mt Pleasant)
843-573-3474 (West Ashley)
