December and on thru the winter, the fishing in Charleston is all about the water temperature at the pier.
As long as the water temp stays above the magic 60 degree mark, fishing will remain productive.
The trout and redfish bite will remain solid around the pier, but the fish will become more sluggish as the water cools.
Live bait will work best for these fish, but artificial jigs will produce if fished with a slower retrieve.
Mud minnows will be an easily accessible live bait option as finger mullet and shrimp become harder to find during the winter.
The winter sheepshead started showing up in November and typically hang around until February or March
Some of the most popular artificials include the shrimp varieties from Zman, Vudu, and Billy Bay along with the slim swim and trout trick paddle tails from Zman.
The River Watch Café and Gift Shop on the pier has several varieties and jig heads to choose from.
The winter sheepshead started showing up in November and typically hang around until February or March.
As the water cools many pier anglers shift from fiddler crabs to fresh mussels when targeting large sheeps.
One way to reduce having your bait picked is to make a small hole in the shell and hide the hook inside for the best chance of landing one when the shell gets crushed.
Owner size 2 and 4 mosquito hooks are commonly used by pier anglers as are Gamakatsu 1’s and 2’s.
Other migratory species such as bluefish will be well on their way south, but schools migrating from off the New England coast could pass through.
Make sure to keep an eye on the water temperature and take advantage of some good fishing before Old Man Winter takes hold.
If you enjoy the parade of boats you should watch here on December 14 at our Holiday Cheers on the Pier.
Enjoy some live acoustic music and a hot or cold beverage as boats pass very close to the end of the pier.
Event runs from 4:30pm – 7:00pm and the boats will go by sometime between 6pm and 7pm.
Admission is free, food and beverage will be available for purchase; however, outside coolers and beverages are prohibited.
Hope to see you there!
For any additional information about the pier or what’s biting this week feel free to call the River Watch Café & Gift Shop on the pier at 843-762-9946.
Chris Pounder, CPRP Manager
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission | Mount Pleasant Pier
For more info please contact the pier at (843) 762-9946
or visit www.charlestoncountparks.com
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