I want to wish everyone a happy new year. There is no better time than January to sight fish for redfish on the flats in and around the Charleston area.
We are in the heart of winter here so the water can be cold but very clear. Inshore fishing will mostly consist of sight fishing for redfish. However, if we have some mild weather.
There should still be a decent trout bite as well. There are several things you can look for to help you catch fish this month. The redfish are in large schools of 100-200 fish per school.
These fish will be found in shallow warmer water, and since the water is so clear, you will be able to see the fish very well.
I typically look for calm, warm days in January when the tide is low in the mid morning or early afternoon. This allows for the dark mud flats to warm up in the sun for a few hours.
The warmer water draws the redfish to the very shallow areas and also puts them in the mood to eat something. Small plastic lures or flies work very well.
There is very little bait in the water this time of the year so redfish will eat a wide variety of artificial lures.
One important thing to remember is the large schools of fish can spook easily, so be very quiet when approaching the school and make long casts to the fish so as not to spook them.
If you give them room to move around they will stay happy and continue to eat your offering. Another important thing to remember is that cold water will slow the fish down.
You want to work your bait or fly very slowly to give the fish time to eat it. They will not run down bait like they did in the fall because the water temperature has them moving more slowly.
If you think you are fishing slowly, slow down more. Follow these tips and you will find some excellent and exciting sight fishing.
The trout bite will depend on just exactly how cold it gets. However if the water stays above fifty degrees you should have some luck.
I like to fish deep holes ten to fifteen feet deep. You will need to fish very slow to get lure down to the bottom. I like using DOA shrimp if the current isn’t too strong.
Another favorite is to use a ¼ oz gig and grub. Bounce this on the bottom and wait for light bites.
Another old time trick is to slow troll grubs just off the bottom until you get a bite. Then go back and fish area slower.
My favorite way to trout fish is with a light fly rod 5wt – 7wt rod is some fun when you find the trout. Getting the fly to the depth of the fish is the key.
If they are suspended a floating line works well with clouser minnow fly. Sometimes you need sinking lines to get to the bottom.
Wow 2020 is here! This starts my twenty fifth year fishing in Charleston. A lot has changed and there are WAY more people on the water. However, Charleston area still offers excellent fishing.
A great way to spend the day on the water is to book one of the area’s great guides.
Having fished in Charleston for almost twenty three years, I am extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this area.
As owner and operator of Shore Thang Charters, I would love to share my expertise with you on the water.
Captain Mark Phelps / Shore Thang Charters
843-475-1274
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