There are many fun activities to enjoy in the lowcountry in October. Eating fresh local oysters and shrimp is great, but if you like fishing, you must go for the redfish and sea trout as this is the best month for these two local species. October is crunch time for Charleston redfish as it brings cooler weather, less humidity and great fishing, beginning the official start of the fall feeding frenzies. Cooler water this month will have mullet and shrimp thinking about migrating to the ocean for the winter; thus, the bait will be in greater numbers and on the move. This trend causes redfish, sea trout and flounder to eat more and more often each day.
As these species feed more often, redfish will start forming schools and will bunch up the bait and attack at will. Look for redfish by watching the gulls that hover over the schools hoping for an easy meal as the bait jumps out of the water. When the redfish are in this kind of frenzy, they will eat almost anything you put in their face. Of course, a live finger mullet or shrimp will get eaten; however, I love to throw artificial lures and flies as well. Top-water lures, DOA Shrimp or jerk baits work very well during this time. Also, try any flies that imitate a shrimp or gold flash.
Sea trout and flounder will not be as visual as the redfish but eat aggressively and often, too. Sea trout can be found on most current rips and breaks in 4 to 6 feet of water and will sometimes eat a DOA Shrimp as fast as you can throw it. I like to drift a DOA Shrimp about 2 feet under a popping cork to find the fish. Flounder can be found in good numbers on edges of mud flats or sand bars and may also migrate offshore in the winter, so look for them to be on the move to the inlets by the end of the month. October is possibly one of the best months of the year to fish inshore, as the weather and fishing are great with the added benefit of some fresh, delicious local seafood for dinner.
A great way to spend the day on the water is to book one of the areas great guides. Having fished in Charleston for almost 17 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.
Capt. Mark Phelps
Shore Thang Charters
www.ShoreThangCharters.comf
ShoreThangCharter@hotmail.com
(843) 475-1274
