Coastal Angler Magazine | January 2026 Lowcountry Edition

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LOWCOUNTRY EDITION

TROPHY TROUT

@CAMTAMagazine

LOCAL REPORTS & PICS

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FEBRUARY 11-15, 2026

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NEARSHORE GROCERY SHOPPING

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VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 370

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Nearshore Grocery Shopping TIM BAREFOOT

J

anuary marks a shi! in fishing targets, with a focus on species ideal for winter meals. This month traditionally finds anglers pursuing seabass and other nearshore fish, following a tradition passed down from my dad, who favored seabass and flounder for their taste and suitability for freezing. Seabass are not only delicious but also keep well in the freezer, providing a reliable food source throughout the colder months. Flounder, prized for its flavor, remains a favorite for many.

While seeking black seabass close to shore, anglers o!en encounter gag grouper, grey trout, and flounder. However, many of these species have strict creel limits, with retention o!en prohibited in regions like North Carolina.

To avoid catching undersized or barely legal seabass, using larger bait on a jig is recommended. Live pinfish—ideally the size of a tennis ball or baseball—make exceptional bait. If you have access to a marina’s fish cleaning table, pay attention to discarded scraps, as these can help attract

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pinfish. Setting a pinfish trap or using finely cut scraps to chum and cast net for pinfish are effective methods for securing live bait. This technique is not only excellent for larger seabass but also irresistible to gag grouper. The same structures that attract seabass also hold baitfish such as cigar minnows, sardines, and small snapper.

When anchored or spot-locked over structure, keeping a Sabiki rig ready can be invaluable. Keep one person in the boat constantly on the Sabiki providing live baits for the rest of the boat. This will certainly pay dividends.

Be mindful of state and federal regulations of what you can and cannot keep, but this tactic catches everything on the reef without exception. The thing I like about pinfish is everything down there will give a live sardine and a live cigar minnow a fatal attack, but only the critters with a large enough mouth and a bold nature will go a!er pinfish or small snapper.

The goal is not to catch a hundred fish, but to land a dozen high-quality bites—those worth taking home for dinner. Anywhere south and north of North Carolina, flounder is still on the menu for dinner, and a jig paired with a live cigar minnow is the ultimate flounder catching instrument.

Don’t say I didn’t tell you so, but if you take light tackle to some of these nearshore seabass holes, you will lose fish to powerful gags. For nearshore flounder and grouper, opt for heavier tackle—a grouper stick equipped with a four-ounce jig and live cigar minnows or sardines.

The other byproduct of this style fishing will be large drum, which tend to congregate on nearshore structure. Don’t be surprised to catch seabass, flounder, gags, and drum in the same spot. Also don’t hesitate to take chunks of crab or sand fleas for sheepshead. January is a winter wonderland, so make the most out of your nearshore grocery shopping by being prepared for all the possibilities.

Learn more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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Timing the Dance THE FROZEN-WATER FORMULA FOR TROPHY TROUT

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he flat was silent.

No birds. No bait popping. Only the crunch of frost under my boots and the faint ripple of tide against the shoreline.

Every sensible voice in my PHO TO COURT ESY OF KN head said the fish wouldn’t OCKIN TA IL LURES® feed. Then the line jumped—just once— and everything changed.

For those who chase speckled trout of larger proportions, one truth becomes painfully clear: big winter trout do not give themselves up easily. Cold water slows their metabolism, feeding windows shrink, and mistakes multiply. Most anglers default to the winter mantra—slow everything down. It’s solid advice… but it isn’t the whole story.

Winter trophy trout live in a world of conserving energy. They don’t want to chase far, but they will react violently to the right movement at the right moment. That’s where two tools come together: erratic presentation and precise timing.

Let’s start with timing.

Like many anglers, I once dismissed solunar tables as folklore. As a kid, I’d scan the fish symbols on the calendar before every trip. More fish meant higher hopes. Fewer fish meant lower expectations. Over time, I saw no real correlation and abandoned the idea. But as I matured into a better saltwater angler—and began truly hunting trophy trout—I returned to solunar tables, this time paired with tides and conditions. The difference was undeniable.

These tables aren’t magic. They won’t put fish where they don’t exist. But if you are on fish, they o!en reveal when those fish are most willing to feed.

Many anglers assume the “major” bite is always better than the “minor.” Not true. The difference is duration, not intensity. The major typically lasts about two hours, the minor closer to ninety minutes. Either can be explosive.

One rule I never break: don’t relocate during a feeding window. On a recent trip, I was grinding through a slow morning and nearly moved on. I checked the time—ten minutes before the bite. I stayed. What followed was an aggressive feed that turned a dead stretch into a trophy-class opportunity. Big trout don’t feed o!en. When they do, you’d better be ready.

That brings us to presentation.

In winter, I rely on suspending and slow-sinking lures with erratic, nervous action. When I say “slow,” I mean forward movement—not motion. With a so!, whippy rod, I shake the lure in place with almost no forward travel, then let it pause. Shake. Pause. Repeat. This technique works best with braided line, which transmits every movement without stretch.

Winter trout may be cold—but when timing and motion align, they don’t just bite… they attack. The strike comes without warning. No tap. No thump.

Just sudden, heavy weight and the slow, head-shaking surge of a true gator. In that moment, frozen fingers, long quiet hours, and doubt all vanish. There is only tension in the line and the knowledge that patience, timing, and the right dance delivered the fish you came for.

And that’s why we brave the winter.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures,® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Brooks Finneseth, Publisher

LOWCOUNTRYEDITION PUBLISHER

BROOKS FINNESETH

(843) 628-9796 brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CHRIS POUNDER JIGGIN' JERRY ANGLING WOMEN NOAH CORCORAN

JACOB CYNAR CAPT. MIKE ABLE SEA SEA NUNEZ CAPT. TIM DECKARD

FOR ADVERTISING OR OTHER INQUIRIES, CALL (843) 628-9796 OR EMAIL: BROOKS@COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM

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OFFSHORE REPORT

by Capt. Mike Able, Contributing Writer

T

he year was 1982 in the small town of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. The population at that time was around 14,000 folks. One of those individuals was a man named Mike Able. Mike spent the previous fifteen years growing up on Shem Creek and fishing any time he could.

Whether it was on the creek or over at the Pitt Street Bridge he had a passion for fishing. While his father didn’t have that same urge, his uncle Jimmy did, and that’s who really got him into fishing. In his early thirties he was working at a local lumber yard in town, but knew that’s not what he wanted to do the rest of his life. He got together with a friend, John Royall, and that’s where this story really gets going! They knew of other tackle shops in the surrounding areas, but none in Mt. Pleasant. They saw a need for a tackle shop in town, hence Mike and John opening Haddrell’s Point in September of 1983. As with any small business, there are challenges. The first five years proved to be just that.

Whether the business would survive was sometimes a question. On top of that challenge, the business and the entire state would be hit with the most notorious named Hurricane to hit, Hugo. Hurricane Hugo arrived in September of 1989 and left a trail of destruction. There were many devastating stories and events involving Hugo. Many residents had to rebuild their businesses, homes, and lives after such a powerful storm.

Years later the shop continues to grow little by little. The next big thing to happen to Haddrell’s was Mike making the cover of Saltwater Sportsman in 1992. Mike and good friend, Jack Golden, discovered catching tailing redfish in the grass. Being on the cover of the magazine had business booming. As the redfish scene in Charleston exploded, at the same time fly fishing was really on the rise. Mike was traveling to fly shows in the southeast for seminars and instruction.

While his early years of business pertained to mostly inshore fishing, he also catered to the offshore crowd. Those were the days of yellowfin tuna being plentiful, and catching one blue marlin a day was heroic! Catering to anyone wanting drag peeled off their reel was the idea! As the early years of new skiffs, fly fishing booming, and tailing reds in the grass boat manufacturers made skiffs with poling platforms on the back of them to gain access to fish in skinny waters. Mike was one of the first few guides in Charleston with a poling skiff.

It’s now early nineties and the inshore fishing scene is still booming and poling skiffs are gaining huge traction. Maverick and Hewes boats put on a Shallow Water Fishing Expo, managed by Mark Castlow.

Mark took the show around the southeast hosting big names in the fly industry and showing off some of the finest skiffs and gear you

can use. He truly put on some of the best shows and had big name attendees like Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez, Lefty Kreh just to name a few. Attendees could always catch a seminar, fly casting demo, and especially a good laugh from Lefty!

Fast forward to 2025 and Haddrell’s Point Tackle is still serving the fishing community in Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley. Mike’s two sons, Michael and Graham, have taken over the business since 2020 and continued on in his footsteps. The inshore fishery continues to be really strong with tarpon and bull redfishing being really popular in their respective months. The offshore billfish bite is truly off the charts, while meat fishing for wahoo, mahi, and blackfin tuna can be pretty good.

We took what Mark Castlow was doing and transformed it into the Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo. This coming January will mark ten years since we started on our own. Dubbed, the Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo, this same theme of getting the fishing community together has been a yearly tradition for us. We changed the name so we could really target all anglers, whether inshore, freshwater, or offshore anglers. We’ve had so many great headliners like Rick Murphy, C.A Richardson, Bob Clouser, Mark Nichols, Shane Lehew, RJ Boyle, Nick Stanzyck, Linda Heller, and many more! For under ten dollars you can see any and all the seminars you’d like at no charge. You can also take advantage of discounts, only offered at the Fishing Expo.

It’s a great way to learn about a multitude of fisheries by different captains in a fishing buzzed atmosphere. The energy in the room last year was just unimaginable. The Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo has really flourished for us and we have gotten tremendous response from customers! We look forward to it each year, so you don’t want to miss it! We’ve got some great seminars lined up, with even better headliners!

It’s only two days out of the year so you can’t miss it! January 17 and 18th, 2026 at the Omar Shrine Temple in Mt Pleasant!

Now being in business for over forty years we are so grateful for our community! Charleston is still booming and we are appreciative to be able to share our love, passion, and techniques with newcomers! Be sure to stop by and see us or check out our website for more information on fishing, and especially the Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo!

Cheers and Tight Lines to another 40 plus years!

Capt Mike Able Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply • Since 1983 843-881-3644(Mt Pleasant) 843-573-3474(West Ashley)

Early days of what was The Shallow Water Fishing Expo, now the Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo. From left to right, Doug Cutting, Mike Able, Greg Miller, Flip Pallot, Jerry Ciandella, Gary Visser, Billy Glenn (no longer with us), unknown, Wally Burbage.

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LOWCOUNTRY 3

Make New Friends, but Keep the Old!

By BeBe Dalton Harrison, Angling Women

H

appy New Year! I’m guessing that many of you came across some shiny new fishing gear this holiday season whether it was a gift or something you got for yourself on sale or even “just because”! It is always fun to try new gear and tackle but it’s also fun to keep catching on your old favorites.

As you add your glistening new terminal tackle to your tackle box, take a look at the condition of the box (or bag).

Living along the coast in the salty air is brutal on gear. If you aren’t already doing so, I highly recommend rinsing your gear after every single fishing event. Oftentimes, I put the topwater lure on early in the morning and pitch it several times before switching to a soft plastic. Note that I have a separate place that I store lures that have been in the saltwater. I do not put them straight back into the tackle box.

Any lure that goes into the water is packed separately, rinsed with freshwater, and allowed to dry before I put it back in the tackle box. This will truly save your gear and help it last longer. And if you put a salty lure in the box, it will not only affect the lure, but all of the other terminal tackle surrounding it. These little techniques allow you to take excellent care of your tackle so your “old favorites” will last…that is unless you lose it on a log!

I have also started to collect these “silica” packets that come packed in many common household items. If you opened gifts recently, you probably saw some of these in the boxes. As we know, saltwater can ruin gear, but even freshwater is not good inside a tackle box. Any type of water can begin to cause rust on your tackle and in doing so weaken your tackle or even ruin it. Tossing a couple of these silica gel packets into your tackle box will help absorb any excess moisture and keep your tackle box dry and safe for storing your favorite $20 topwater!

This time of year is a great time to take a look at your gear, organize, clean the tackleboxes if needed, respool reels, and prepare for some fun spring fishing. If you want more information on how to accomplish some of these tasks, follow @AnglingWomen on Instagram for some easy ways to DIY. And stop by and see us at the Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo. We love making new friends!

Angling Women anglingwomen@gmail.com (803) 269-2470 www.anglingwomen.com

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FISHING FORECAST

Folly Beach Pier

by Jacob Cynar, Contributing Writer

T

here is no better place to catch your first fish of 2026 than the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. In January and the other cooler months, most anglers will be targeting the black drums that hangout near the pier. Fishing on the Folly Beach Fishing Pier in January can be a peaceful and Zen experience for the anglers that choose to brave the winter chill. Anglers can sometimes find themselves as the only person on the pier, besides our resident birds looking for a quick bite of your bait. The black drum are always biting at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier however, you may need to switch up your strategy to land one in the cooler temperatures.

With cooler water temperatures, the black drum and other fish become less aggressive and are more deliberate in what they bite at.

An easy method for targeting these fish is to set up a bottom rig with heavy sinkers. Black drum are typically fans of shrimp, especially live shrimp that scent can attract them from the deeper waters. The other thing to bring, and possibly the most important, is patience. The black drum bite is already subtle but with the winter temperatures they will be even slower to react to your bait. I recommend setting your rig up near the pier pilings and be willing to move around to different pilings if one is not producing.

The Folly Beach Fishing Pier is a great place to bring the family and enjoy the cool Charleston weather. While you are at the pier, rent a rod, catch a fish, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It is a super unique experience to be the only one fishing at the Folly Beach

Fishing Pier and it is made even cooler to land a winter black drum.

Come out and enjoy the peace and serenity that January at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier has to offer. Finally have a Happy New Year from all of us here at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Jacob Cynar, Operations Manager II Folly Beach Fishing Pier 101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC, 29439 843-762-9516 • Jacob.Cynar@ccprc.com

Where to fish from in Charleston

LAND MT. PLEASANT Mt. Pleasant Pier Pitt St. Bridge

FOLLY BEACH Folly Beach Pier Folly River Park

JAMES ISLAND Bowens Island Sol Legare Sunset/Demetre Park

WEST ASHLEY Higgins Pier West Ashley Greenway West Ashley Park Northbridge Park DOWNTOWN Waterfront Park Pier Colonial Lake Alberta Sottile Lake Brittlebank Park

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JAN. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 5

It's Boat Show Time!

G

et ready to explore the latest innovations in the boating world at the Charleston Boat Show, happening January 23–25, 2026 at the Charleston Area Convention Center.

Dive into everything the Charleston Boat Show has to offer — from engaging seminars and hands-on fishing clinics to top marine vendors showcasing the newest boats and gear.

Plus, enjoy delicious local food, family-friendly activities, and much more. It’s one of the Lowcountry’s most exciting annual events for anyone who loves life on the water!

Friday, Jan. 23 Saturday, Jan 24 Sunday, Jan 25

2pm - 6pm 10am - 6pm 11am - 5pm

KIDS FISHING CLINICS • FREE Rod & Reel Combo for Participants Saturday: Noon & 2pm and Sunday: Noon & 2pm Located in the Parking Garage Join Captain Joe and Captain Katie at the upcoming boat show at the Hook the Future Kids’ Fishing Clinics where young participants can dive into the world of fishing, ask questions, and win fantastic prizes.

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Every kid who attends the clinic will receive a Custom Zebco Como, thanks to Carolina Skiff.

SCDNR BOATING VIRTUAL TRAINER Enjoy the high-quality graphics of a realistic experience navigating a boat. The simulator offers learning platforms where you can learn about docking, mooring, pivot turns, and more on a virtual waterway. Friday, Saturday & Sunday Located in Parking Lot. FACE PAINTING Susan Fedor, local artist and fact painter & children’s entertainer since 2000. Saturday Noon – 4pm, Sunday Noon – 4pm

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JANUARY 23-25, 2026

Charleston Area Convention Center

TheCharlestonBoatShow.com TICKETS POWERED BY

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JAN. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 7

UPCOMING COASTAL EVENTS January 17-18

Fishing Expo

Haddrell's Point Tackle and Supply at Omar Shrine, Mt. Pleasant www.haddrellspoint.com

January 23-25

Charleston Boat Show

Charleston Area Convention Center More Info @ www.thecharlestonboatshow.com

May 6-9

Charleston Billfish Invitational

Seabreeze Marina, 49 Immigration St. 843-790-4001

May 20-23

58th Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament Georgetown Landing Marina More information at: www.georgetownlandingmarina.com

May 27-30

HMY Lowcountry Cup Toler’s Cove Marina More information at: www.hmy.com/yachting/events

June 17-20

Carolina Billfish Classic

Charleston Marina, 20 Patriots Point Road 843-568-5230 • https://fishhbcbc.com

July 15-19

Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament

Edisto Marina • 7303 dockside Rd. Edisto Island, SC 29438 More information at: www.themarinaeb.com

Submit your upcoming events or tournament Info to:

brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com 8 LOWCOUNTRY

JAN. 2026

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MARINE DETAILING WITH NOAH

Winter Storage

by Noah Corcoran, Contributing Writer

A

s we move into the colder months, winter storage becomes one of the most overlooked but most important parts of boat care. A few simple detailing steps now can save you from major headaches when spring rolls back around.

Start with a thorough wash. Remove every bit of salt, grime, and organic buildup before your boat gets covered or tucked away. Anything left sitting all winter becomes twice as hard to clean later and can stain or etch your surfaces.

Next, add protection. A fresh coat of wax, sealant, or ceramic topper creates a barrier against moisture and temperature swings. Winter isn’t harsh because of use it’s harsh because oftime. Protection keeps oxidation at bay and helps metals, gelcoat, and vinyl come out of storage looking the same as they went in.

Don’t forget your interior. Clean vinyl, condition it lightly, and wipe down screens, helm electronics, and glass. Mildew creeps in quickly during months of poor airflow, so starting with a clean, dry interior is key.

Noah Corcoran, Owner Marine Detail Supply Charleston 7644 Southrail Rd Unit 400c, North Charleston 843-256-3383

Finally, check your cover or shrink wrap. A tight, well-supported cover prevents pooling water, mold, and unnecessary wear. Your boat’s first line of defense shouldn’t be an afterthought.

A little attention now makes your spring launch simple—and keeps your investment looking its best year after year.

Stay tuned to learn what to do and who to call for the spring.

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JAN. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 9

EDISTO FISHING FORECAST

Capt. Ravenel's Report

B

by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer

y some miracle we made it through this hurricane season without a scuff and now we can focus on more fishing!

One thing that we didn’t get lucky with however was the recent changes to the way we manage our fishery.

Photo by Austin Young More specifically the red fishery; this year a motion was passed to change the way we measure how healthy the red fish population is in South Carolina. In short, since the 80’s we have been using a very specific math equation to see how the reds where spawning and living throughout the Lowcountry. According to this research, since the mid 90’s the red fish population has been consistently dropping. It got to be such a problem that the state and federal level could no longer live in denial of this fact. This has been no secret to those that refuse to bury their heads in the sand and pretend everything is fine and dandy.

Now, thanks to trammel net surveys and monthly reporting by all the local charter captains; nobody can argue with the numbers.

So, how do the State and Federal authorities respond to the disheartening numbers? Change the math of course! Since the current method for measuring the red fishery doesn’t look good; they (in their infinite wisdom…) decided to simply change the math to make the

numbers look better! I’m not joking, that’s what happened.

For years, I and many other stewards of the water have been collectively discussing this issue and what to do about it. Aside from the personal and individual efforts made by local anglers; all we could do was personally show up to the meeting and voice our concerns. As per usual with government motions being passed, they did a great job of meeting in secret. No mention on the TV or radio, no big social media movement.

The meeting was held at DNR headquarters on James Island. When my good friend Scotty Davis of (Lowcountry Fly Shop) and I showed up we were shocked at the lack of attendance. Out of the entire state of South Carolina only about 40 people showed up. There were quite a few more online attendees but that may have brought the total up to about 100.

We all spoke on record and did our best at voicing the concerns of lowering the bar but it was to no avail. We recently discovered that despite the obvious problem with the red fish population, the motion was passed and the math will be adjusted to look as though the redfish population is completely fine in South Carolina.

Can you still catch redfish in South Carolina? Of course you can; could there be an even healthier population? Also yes.

Conservation has always been about looking out for the future of all things wild. Perhaps we are unable to notice the slothful degradation of our fishery but it’s a slow burn and the tangible effects will be felt by the fishery and future anglers to come.

Captain Justin Ravenel • 843-864-5056 RavenelFishingCharters.com • EdistoDolphinTours.com Facebook: "Ravenel Fishing Charters" • Instagram: @justin_ravenel

L SALTT is our coastal youth league for redfish and bass. Registration is free for grades 1-12 with many events. See our booth at the Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo, January 17-18 or Charleston Boat Show, January 23-25 to learn more.

Virtual Inches Tourneys on Saturdays and Spring Break so you just send in pictures to potentially win $500 Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open has provided over $100,000 in scholarships/trust investments thanks to Sportsman Boats and it's sponsors and this year, the event is March 28th with the make up on April 11th.

Georgetown has two weigh-in tourneys left where over $5,000 in gift cards and prizes are given out each tourney. Everyone at these tourneys takes something home.

More info at www.salttfishing.com 10 LOWCOUNTRY

JAN. 2026

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Beneath the Waves: The New Y-73 Artificial Reef and It's Impact on Our Coastal Fisheries

by Coastal Angler Magazine, Lowcountry

J

ust off the coast of Charleston, a new chapter in marine conservation has literally sunk beneath the waves. The Y-73 artificial reef, a project spearheaded by the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), is the latest addition to our underwater landscape.

A New Life for an Old Vessel The reef was formed by sinking the retired Navy torpedo recovery vessel, known as the HAZAR, creating what is now the 612th artificial reef site managed

by SCDNR. The sinking took place in mid-2025, and the coordinates for those looking to visit are approximately 32 32.900’N, 079 19.300‘W These coordinates will lead anglers and divers straight to the new reef site, now becoming a bustling underwater haven. When I plugged these coordinates into my SeaNav app, It looks like It lies about 36 miles due east of IOP, about 36 miles from Charleston Marina.

Ecological Contributions and Fisheries Support What makes this artificial reef special isn’t just its origin story, but the role it will play in nurturing the marine ecosystem. As the structure settles on the ocean floor, it quickly becomes a thriving habitat for a variety of marine life.

Juvenile fish find shelter within the nooks and crannies of the sunken vessel, turning it into a nursery ground. Over time, this reef will support a healthy food web, attracting larger predators and boosting the overall fish populations that local anglers love to pursue.

A Brief History of the Y-73 Reef Project The Y-73 project has been in the works for several years, with both the CCA and SCDNR collaborating to find the perfect vessel and location. Now that it’s in place, it stands as a testament to ongoing efforts to enhance our coastal waters and provide new opportunities for both conservation and recreation.

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LOWCOUNTRY 11

Winter Seatrout

by Jiggin’ Jerry, Contributing Writer

S

potted Seatrout can be caught year round here in the Lowcountry.

The difference in catching them through different seasons are the techniques used. If you are using artificials to target Spotted Seatrout, there are a number of different types. There are hard baits like fast moving rattlers, top water jerk baits and poppers, slow descending and fast descending. These hard baits can look like live Shrimp, Finger Mullet, Mud Minnows, Shad and Menhaden, etc. Other popular artificial baits are soft plastics. These plastics usually imitate Shrimp, small bait fish, like Mud Minnows, Glass Minnows and Finger Mullet.

Some don’t look like anything that mimics a recognizable live bait.

These shapes like curly tail grubs, Trout tricks, tube baits, etc.

All the baits are used by casting in different retrieval techniques that involve moving your rod as if you were a puppet master and your bait the puppet. The objective is to make the baits look and act in the same manners with the same movements as if they were real. This involves a lot of different techniques. The technique would be applied to each different bait. Let’s look at a paddle tail bait, for instance.

You can use different weighted jig heads with your paddle tail bait. Lighter jig heads are usually used for calmer or shallow water and over structure. The lighter weight allows you to control the descent of your paddle tail grub, making it move and dance by either allowing it to drop and twitching your rod, popping your bait back up towards the top of the water, then allowing it to descend again. As you repeat the motion, you reel in the slack line. This brings your bait back towards you, and when you feel as though the bait is no longer in the strike zone, you quickly retrieve your bait and recast. That is considered a technique. So what technique would help you catch more Trout in the winter?

The first thing we need to look at is how do Trout act in the winter and what are their habits? Large groups of male Trout like to congregate in creeks, river bends and alongside oyster beds that have a deeper hole of water. If you are moving down a body of water, and the water depth is averaging between five and nine feet, and you come up on a location that has a deeper hole of water, around 14 feet deep, and has structure or even a grass bank neighboring the location, that would be a great spot for Spotted Seatrout to be schooling. The technique used to target them can be done with artificials or live bait.

Live Shrimp through the months of December, January and February work great. A lot of individuals will just tie on a popping cork with only a few feet of leader line and fish along the surface or grass line. This technique will get you some Trout here and there that are feeding along the upper water column, and if you don’t find the Trout, you most likely will find a large number of Bluefish that will happily try to eat all of your Shrimp.

The goal is to get your bait, live or artificial, to the bottom. This can be done with weighted Carolina rigs and weighted jig heads. Once it reaches the bottom, you want to drag your bait forward slowly along the bottom, then a nice calm slow raise a few feet off the bottom, then

12 LOWCOUNTRY

JAN. 2026

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drop your rod tip down and allow the bait to descend back to the bottom. Repeat the motion over and over because this time of year Trout are moving and feeding slow. The water is cold and so are the Trout. Unless they are in the shallows on a bright sunny day, they need these deeper holes for the warmer water, and this is why the Trout act the way they do through our winter months here in the Lowcountry, and if you are in the right location at the right time, you may start catching one after another or even hook into a couple of nice big females. This technique works with most weighted rigs and weighted artificials. I personally accomplish this technique with jig heads weighing from a simple weight of 1/8 ounce to 1/4 ounce.

So if you can stand the chill in the air and you feel like getting out on the water and catching some of these exciting fish, this little bit of information may point you in the right direction. Like I always say, good luck out there and have fun fishing! To view some fishing adventures, go to my YouTube Channel Fishing With Jiggin Jerry or follow me on Facebook @fwjigginjerry.

YouTube Channel Fishing With Jiggin Jerry or follow me on Facebook @fwjigginjerry

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JAN. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 13

FISHING FORECAST

Beaufort/Port Royal

by Sea Sea Nunez, Contributing Writer

S

pring is coming! Spring Fishing in Beaufort, SC... This is when everything starts coming back to life! Weather's warming up, the days are longer and bait fish start moving back in along with triple tail, jacks, bluefish, and most excitingly, Cobia, which make their appearance in late Spring.

Red fish, trout, and flounder are also getting back into the swing of things and start feeding regularly. Normally in the winter, red fish tend to swim in much larger schools, grouping in shallow mudflats and creeks, sometimes by the hundreds! It is truly a sight to see and always fun when you happen to pull up right in the middle of a giant school. With each cast almost instantly hooking a red fish. Personally, when this occurs, I’d bank on almost any bait you throw out, live or artificial, will get bit.

Early morning bite and late evening is best as the cooler the water, the more active the fish are. This is a good time to practice releasing fish.

Trout will be spawning during the Springtime and they are known to be more fragile than reds or flounder so careful handling of these fish will go a long way.

Spanish Mackerel show up in larger numbers off the coast. Many anglers enjoy trolling spoons at high speeds off bay points and beaches. Birds are usually a telltale sign that the Spanish are about, as either Pelicans or Seagulls will usually "dive bomb" into the water as the Mackerel will push bait fish to the surface. So let the birds guide you if you're having a hard time finding the Spanish Mackerel.

My favorite part about Spring Fishing in Beaufort is the opportunity to fish for Cobia inshore while they are spawning. Cobia fishing is anticipated all year long by not only many local anglers but tourists as well. Many out of state travelers flock to Beaufort to take part in fun and exciting Cobia Fishing! But Cobia fishing is not limited to inshore. There are opportunities to catch these big fish offshore too! There are several ways to target this species. Many anglers prefer to use live eels as bait.

However, both dead and frozen eels work. Bucktails and larger artificial soft plastics work great too! NLBN as well as ZMAN have great options when it comes to soft plastics. Fishing bottom with a 6-8oz egg weight on a Carolina rig works well. But so does fishing the top with either a bigger popping cork or balloon to keep your bait suspended. Sight casting with an artificial eel, bucktail or jig is also effective. Be sure not to miss the fun this upcoming Spring!

As the water begins to warm up sharks begin to cruise around and become more and more plentiful as Spring turns into Summer.

It’s nice during the winter months to not have to worry whether your bait will be taken by a shark. However fun it is to fight these fish, it starts to get old when all you’re catching is shark. If shark fishing is something you wish to do, booking a trip with The Salty Savage Experience would surely be a great way to land a photo with these sea beasts. Be sure to look them up!

Don’t forget to support your local bait and tackle shops and go there to purchase your bait and tackle needs! Make sure to follow Sea Sea's Honey Hole Bait & Tackle Shop for any upcoming fishing tournaments and announcements!

Sea Sea Nunez Sea Sea's Honey Hole Bait & Tackle 901 8th St. Port Royal 843-379-2018 Facebook: SeaSeasHoneyHole

14 LOWCOUNTRY

JAN. 2026

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Winter fishing in Beaufort

by Capt. Nat Finley, Contributing Writer

T

he winter season is here, and the fishing is in full swing, with water temperatures dropping below 60°F. Over the next month, my main target species are red drum and trout.

For trout at this time of year, I like to focus on spots where the current hits an oyster point and forms swirling eddies. Live minnows, shrimp, or an artificial shrimp under a popping cork all work well. One of the biggest game-changers is adjusting the length of your leader and the distance from the bank as you cast. I use a 20 lb mono leader and a #2 Kahle hook, changing the leader length as I work the cork farther off the bank—ideally long enough for the bait to sit about two feet off the bottom.

If you catch one or two trout and the bite stops, it’s time to start switching cork depths and adjusting your casting distance. In wintertime they school up tightly, and you might be missing the group by just a few feet.

Red drum are also bunching up as the water temperature drops. You can find them on the flats, tight against live oysters at low tide. As the tide rises, the schools push up right to the edge of the grass. Note the water can get very clear in winter, spooking the reds, especially on slick, calm days so use the trolling motor to ease into position instead of the outboard.

My typical setup is a 3000 size reel spooled with 20 lb braid on a 7’6” rod. I like popping corks with about a two-foot leader and a #2 Kahle hook. With the bait starting to push out, the reds shouldn’t be too picky; minnows, shrimp, or cut mullet will all get the job done.

Capt. Nat Finley www.beaufortcastawaycharter.com (843) 592-1062

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JAN. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 15

Mr. Kin on the last bottom drop of the day landed a giant Redfish and a safe release...

Chase Koch caught this gator trout off the jetty at Murrell’s Inlet

Sea Sea in Beaufort finding the Cobia

Capt. Parker with Palm State Fishing at Edisto Beach has been slaying the big fish in late fall and early winter.

16 LOWCOUNTRY

JAN. 2026

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NATIONAL 5

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uckily, I have never personally been seasick, but I can con!rm that when it gets someone, they look like they legitimately want death.

Watching people board the boat in the morning full of personality, and quickly turning into a quiet, helpless version of themselves breaks my heart every time.

It’s funny, I’ve taken people !ve miles out in flat calm seas and watched them turn green within an hour, while others can ride out a choppy twelvehour sword!sh trip without a single grimace.

Seasickness, or motion sickness, isn’t about toughness. It’s about biology, and knowing how to outsmart it can mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime and one you’d rather forget.

At its core, seasickness is your brain throwing a !t over mixed signals. Your inner ear, which controls balance, feels the constant motion of the boat. Your eyes, however, might be locked on the deck or a smartphone, telling your brain that you’re not moving. This mismatch can confuse the body enough to trigger nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, and that unmistakable “I need the rail” moment.

The good news is that you can do a lot to keep it from happening, or at least keep it from ruining your day.

Start the night before. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is showing up tired, dehydrated, and with nothing in their stomach.

Lack of sleep makes your body more sensitive to motion. Drink plenty of water the day before and have a balanced dinner, nothing too greasy or heavy. And go easy on alcohol, nothing gets people

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon faster than being hungover.

Eat before you board.

An empty stomach is not your friend at sea. Eat a light breakfast with complex carbs and protein; think a bagel with peanut butter or scrambled eggs with toast.

Skip the spicy breakfast burrito...you’ll thank me later.

Pick your spot wisely. The closer you are to the boat’s center, the less movement you’ll feel. On smaller boats, this often means staying near the console or midship. If you’re anchored or drifting, facing into the wind can help you get fresh air, and fresh air is one of your best allies. Whatever you do, don’t lay down and close your eyes, no matter how much you’d prefer to be in the fetal position, this is your enemy.

Keep your eyes on the horizon. Your inner ear is telling your brain you’re moving, and your eyes need to con!rm it. Locking your gaze on the horizon gives your brain consistent information and can stop the mixed-signal meltdown before it starts.

Avoid the downward spiral. Once seasickness takes hold, it can be hard to shake. If you feel that !rst wave of queasiness, act fast. Get to fresh air, keep your head up, and focus on a !xed point.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, The Florida Keys.

(504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn

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HANDLING SEASICKNESS

Know your aids. There are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription remedies, from Dramamine and Bonine to scopolamine patches, but timing matters! Take them before you step aboard, or even get them in your system the night prior to a trip. Ginger candies, wrist acupressure bands, and peppermint gum can also help.

Respect your limits. If you know you’re prone to seasickness, tell your captain ahead of time.

We’d much rather work with you to make your trip comfortable than see you suffer in silence.

Lastly, if you do need to heave, please try to do it downwind of the captain. I dont care if its all over the boat, but truly, I have been puked on more times than I’d like to admit. To the client who got me right in the mouth from 10 feet away on a windy trip, 10/10 for accuracy, but I’d rather not be handing out those awards.

Seasickness is nothing to be embarrassed about as even seasoned captains have had their moments.

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Adjusting to Post-Front Bass

water temperatures. Since Florida lakes, where I’m located, are shallow and cool down quickly PRO ANGLER JOEY BLOOM in the wind, I spend extra time searching for protected areas—canals, marinas, or creek arms—that retain warmth longer. Even a slight increase of a couple degrees can spark !sh activity. I’ve often seen a quiet stretch come hen a powerful cold front sweeps a shaky head or Texas rig along alive after the sun heats it up by midday. across your location, bass !shing grass lines, letting Bait Cave’s lifelike action do If you’re !shing grass-rich lakes, concentrate conditions can shift dramatically the work. That realistic movement and high- on dense vegetation near deeper water—look overnight. A reliable shallow bite can vanish by for hydrilla edges, reeds, or mats. These zones the following morning as water temperatures trap heat and provide bass a sense of safety. I plummet, skies clear, and previously gentle love flipping a Bait Cave Customs creature bait south winds turn into chilly gusts from the into that thick stuff with a heavy rod and braid, north, stripping warmth from the lakes. staying alert for subtle bites that follow a cold Consistency as a bass angler hinges on knowing front. how to adjust your approach after these fronts As the day warms and the barometric move through. pressure stabilizes, don’t rule out reaction baits.

My !rst reminder after a cold front is A suspending jerkbait or lipless crankbait can simple: the !sh haven’t gone anywhere—they’ve entice suspended !sh that aren’t chasing much just changed their mood and location. Most else. largemouth bass dislike cold, high-pressure Cold fronts can be humbling, but they also weather, so they slide off the banks, tuck tighter teach adaptability. Every front is a learning into cover, or suspend near feeding areas. opportunity. Be patient, trust your instincts, Recognizing these subtle changes can turn a and use your con!dence baits—my favorites challenging day into a productive one. are Bait Cave Customs soft plastics and the Returning to productive spots after a front, gear I pick up from Copper State Tackle’s new I slow down and target slightly deeper water.

Inverness, Fla. location. If you’re near there, If I had success with moving baits in two feet check out their shop—they have everything you of water before, I’ll now !sh four or !ve feet need to stay prepared for any conditions. deep with more subtle lures. This is when I rely on my con!dence baits—especially the Joey Bloom is a 2024-2025 National Professional soft plastics from Bait Cave Customs. Their quality construction make a big difference Fishing League Tournament Pro. Follow his stick baits and !nesse worms are essential for during tougher bites. fishing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, my cold-front strategy. I’ll drag one slowly on Another important tactic is seeking stable and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.

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JANUARY 2026

NATIONAL 7

FISHING FOR A GREAT GETAWAY? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN USVI!

W

hat you really need to cure those winter blues is a little sun and sand, beaches and rainforests, music and culture, food and fun. And no place delivers the rhythms of the Caribbean quite like St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ST. THOMAS: St. Thomas’ location near an undersea canyon makes it one of the best places in the world to catch massive !sh—we’re talking up to 350 pounds or more!

Inshore, offshore and deep-sea !shing charters like Offshore Adventures and Double Header Sportfishing offer half or full-day excursions into waters teeming with blue marlin, yellow!n tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and more. Or if you’d rather combine a little work and play, Virgin Islands Sportfishing can customize a trip that includes plenty of !shing, plus a place to stop for cocktails to celebrate your big catch.

For an adventure to remember, book a trip to Coral World Ocean Park, where you can scuba dive or swim with dolphins, sea lions and turtles. (Guides are provided and no certi!cations are required). The park’s 5 acres also include aquariums, outdoor pools, nature trails and other marine experiences.

The littles on your list will never forget a trip to the hands-on Pirates Treasure Museum, where kids (and kids at heart) can steer a virtual pirate ship through a storm, learn all about submarines

and even search for pirate booty — before scoring their own pirate-themed merch in the museum gift shop, of course.

ST. CROIX: The outdoors and history blend beautifully on St. Croix.

Thrill-seekers can fuel their adrenaline rush with a ride on the Carambola Zip Line, which delivers a heart-pounding 200-foot vertical drop before racing 2,500 feet across a lush tropical valley.

You can also explore some of the island’s more remote reaches on a two-hour Gecko’s Island Adventures guided ATV tour through trails and forests you simply can’t access by car. These treks require a sense of adventure combined with a little grit, but the stunning views that await are oh, so, worth it.

Those wanting a more relaxing vacation will love exploring St. Croix’s historical towns, where you can wander among buildings that haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. All of the exploring will work up quite an appetite, so be sure to book a tasty food tour while you’re here! Companies like Virgin Islands Food Tours or Taste of Twin City Food Tour will help you eat and drink your way around town, while a Christiansted Sip & Savor Mixology Class teaches guests how to make three signature cocktails mixed with local Cruzan Rum and tropical ingredients.

ST. JOHNS: Don’t be fooled by the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands. St. John

absolutely delivers when it comes to uncrowded beaches, relaxation and unspoiled natural beauty. More forested and less developed than its sister islands, it offers the perfect escape for those looking for a true “check out from civilization” getaway.

That seclusion and natural beauty make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations for romantic getaways. Book a luxury stay at The Westin St. John Resort Villas or Lovango Resort & Beach Club. Reserve a table at !ne restaurants like ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay or casual joints like Skinny Legs Bar & Grill. Book a Cruz Bay Watersports sunset sail or a Night Kayak glow tour.

Another unique way to explore St. John’s pristine beaches is on horseback. Book a ride with Carolina Corral to take a guided trail ride along coral-strewn shorelines before making your way up a sloping hillside that leads to sweeping views of Coral Bay.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Check out www.VisitUSVI.com.

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