Mt. Pleasant Pier Fishing Forecast
Jerry Black with his 9-pound, 14-ounce sheepshead
Alex iliria shows off his 13-pound sheepshead
The weather this winter started out rather warm but has been somewhat unpredictable recently, so it’s anybody’s guess what February has in store for us. Even with the inconsistent performance by Mother Nature, there have been some nice catches at the pier this past month, and there should be some quality catches again in February. Anglers will be able to continue targeting the local sheepshead population with fresh mussels being most effective. Fiddler crabs and oysters have also provided some nice catches.
In addition to the sheeps, you may find red drum schools prowling the large flat adjacent to the pier. These schools can be tempted with a variety of live or cut bait. As long as the mild temperatures hold out, there will be trout to be caught as well. Lately anglers have had success targeting trout during the last 2 hours of the outgoing tide and the first 2 hours of the incoming tide when the water first starts to spill back onto the flat. Come visit the pier shop to find a variety of artificial baits that have been proven to work. Pier employees will be able to point you in the right direction and share some local knowledge that might give you an edge to catch a trophy.
Throughout the month of February, be sure to weigh in your sheepshead for the Winter Sheepshead Challenge. There is no cost to enter, other than the daily fishing fee, and the biggest sheep caught from the pier will win a $50 gift card. The contest ends February 28. The current leader stands at 9 pounds, but we typically see some big ones caught in February. In fact, the pier record of 13 pounds was set during a previous February by Alex iliria. Good luck to everyone!
Chris Pounder, Manager Mount Pleasant Pier
www.charlestoncountyparks.com
(843) 762-9946