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navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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In Alpine Helen, GA Freshwater Fun Abounds
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia against a backdrop of forests and river banks, the bustling Bavarian alpine village of Helen o!ers a wealth of shing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
By Unicoi Out tters
Trout shing is a highlight in the Helen area, with rainbow, brown, and brook trout abundant in local waters. Anglers can explore various shing experiences:
• High-Elevation Wild Trout: Tackle small creek wild trout in the serene mountain streams.
• Stocked Streams: Fish in streams replenished by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, o!ering both catch-and-keep and catch-andrelease options.
• Smithgall Woods State Park: Reserve a spot to pursue trophy trout in this pristine park.
• Private Water Access: Book guided or unguided trips on exclusive sections of the Chattahoochee and Soque Rivers.
#e optimal trout shing seasons are spring (March-May) and fall (October-November), with cooler water temperatures and comfortable
A L PINEHELE N , GEORGIa • A L ELEHENIP N , aIGROEG • BUCKET LIST 2025
air conditions. Winter shing is also rewarding for those prepared for colder conditions.
For bass enthusiasts, the Helen area o!ers diverse shing experiences:
• River Fishing: Target native shoal bass, spotted bass, redbreast sun sh, and bluegill in the Chattahoochee and Chestatee rivers.
• Lake Fishing: Explore lakes like Burton, Seed, Rabun, Chatuge, and Lanier for largemouth bass, spotted bass, and sun sh species.
#e Helen, GA region is also home to three species of native redeye bass: Chattahoochee, Bartram’s, and Coosa bass. #ese colorful and spirited sh are best targeted from April to September. Anglers can pursue these species as part of the Georgia Bass Slam.
And, worth noting, Helen is an excellent destination for family shing adventures:
• Unicoi State Park: O!ers opportunities for
kids to trout sh in Smith Creek, bream sh in the lake, and enjoy activities like hiking to Anna Ruby Falls, zip-lining, kayaking, paddle-boating, and archery.
• Lake Burton Trout Hatchery: A short drive from Helen, this hatchery allows visitors to sh for stocked trout at Moccasin Creek State Park, explore wild trout streams upstream, bream sh at the lake shoreline, and hike to Hemlock Falls.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, Helen, GA o!ers a diverse range of shing experiences and is a worthy destination to add to your bucket list.
Unicoi Out tters, established in 1994, is the Helen, Ga area’s premier y shop and guide service, providing expert guidance and quality gear to enhance your shing experience. Visit unicoiout tters.com to learn more about available trips, gear, and to book your next shing excursion. To learn more about Helen, GA, visit helenga.org.
MOUNTAIN STRONG
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
Chimney Rock Village, North Carolina was decimated by last year’s rare hurricane surge in the Rocky Broad River. Decimated. All ve of the village’s bridges, 30 percent of the small businesses, most of Main Street to Bat Cave, the village’s two campgrounds, over 35 RVs, and over 30 homes were washed away. With only one road in or out of Chimney Rock, no power, no public services and winter coming on, this little mountain village of 125 residents banded together to help each other. #ey immediately rolled up their sleeves and began the process of survival and renewal.
Always one of this writer’s favorite trout streams, Chimney Rock Village and it’s meandering Rocky Broad River was an annual sojourn for me and many anglers throughout the country.
I recently visited Chimney Rock and had the opportunity (privilege) to speak with the town’s mayor, Peter O’Leary, about the village’s reconstruction e!ort and how truly self-reliant these mountain folk are. According to Mr. O’Leary, volunteer groups like Spokes of Hope and the 101st Airborne showed up with much needed supplies and the Chimney Rock community, along with the volunteers, began the process of moving forward; volunteers like Shane Zoccole, Barbara Meliski, Joe from Wyoming, the whole Spokes of Hope crew immediately started pitching in.
#e river has taken a somewhat di!erent route through Chimney Rock. Some say its course now resembles its course from the mid 1800s when residents rst began settling the Hickory Nut Gorge. Today, crews are hard at work everywhere you look, roads are in and the future looks bright for a return to a new form of reality for both the residents as well as visitors. And while the course of the river has morphed, the sh haven’t gone anywhere, and while the riverfront buildings will invariably change, the beauty of the
mountains and the serenity and superior trout shing of the Rocky Broad River, along with the spirit of the residents will likely never be diminished. For that we wholeheartedly embrace the moniker of “Mountain Strong” for everyone involved in this heartfelt e!ort to reclaim and restore this beautiful mountain village.
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during the initial feeding frenzy.
If you have outriggers, trolling 4 lines is pretty straightforward. If your riggers have dual clips, the highest set clip will hold your longer lines. If you only have single clips, use them for longer lines with rigged ballyhoo, and run two chuggers from the gunnels, set closer to the boat.
If you dont have outriggers, you can use shorter rods or bent-butts for short lines near the back of the boat, and run two longer lines from taller trolling rods, set behind them midship, or just keep it simple and run two or three lines. #e most important rule of setting a spread is that lures that dive deeper should be set as shorter lines, running closest to the boat, while lures that skip the surface will be your longest set lines. #is gives you the ability to turn the boat without risking tangles. If your short chuggers are exactly the same, they can be run at identical lengths, otherwise, stagger them appropriately according to their weight and depth they run through the water.
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
or new boat owners with a vessel and captain capable of getting o!shore, targeting mahi is a great choice for rst-timers who are wanting to push into the o!shore shery.
Mahi shing doesn’t require any predetermined coordinates, and anyone can head out there and nd them. Depending on your location and time of year, you can start looking for signs of life as shallow as 100’. #is time of year in the Florida Keys, you may have your best luck past 500’.
As you make your way o!shore, your hunt begins immediately. Your head should be on a swivel, scouring near and far for the telltale signs of mahi activity. Current edges, weedlines, debris, baitsprays, and diving birds found within the
desired depths, are all worth checking out.
When you have found one of these potential mahi zones, you will initially troll the area, and then move into casting at the school once you have hooked up to a sh.
Depending on your boat’s set-up, you can get the job done trolling 2-5 lines. It really isn’t necessary to go overboard with a mahi spread as they have a tendency to tangle lines, and a majority of your catching will be done a$er you have hooked up to a single sh. Once you have hooked up on the troll, you will have to clear all the other lines to prepare for casting at the school. If you have too many lines to clear, you may miss your opportunity for multiple hookups
If you want to run a $h line down the center, you can choose a long line that increases your chances of catching tuna. #is rod should be placed up high on the center of the boat in the rocket launcher and should have a very light lure that skips the surface. Alternatively, you can run it short from the transom, with a lure that dives deeper and increase your chances of catching wahoo.
If you opt for the short $h line, be aware that running anything with treble hooks is not recommended for targeting mahi. Not only do ip like rabid snakes when in the boat, but as they jump and shake when hooked, they can send that lure %ying back at you if they are successful in freeing themselves. Choose a wahoo lure with single hooks if you are running this type of spread.
If you go with a long line as your $h line, be mindful that you will likely catch more weeds this way. #is is a better option in open water while trolling under birds rather than weedlines. It also makes cult to make tighter maneuvers. Always make wide turns, and speed up through them to keep the lines tight and maintaining the lure’s action.
Once you’ve hooked into a mahi, slow the boat but keep it in gear while you clear the other trolling lines. Bring the hooked sh close to the boat, but leave it swimming in the water as it will act like a chumbag to bring his buddies up to casting range. Grab your spinning rods with 50-80# leader and an 8/0 j hook, toss on a live or chunk of bait and cast out behind the hooked sh. Let back, occasionally stopping the line with your nger and giving it a little twitch and then continuing to free-line it back. When you get a bite, give the sh a few seconds to eat awnd then close your bail and reel. Once you have all your rods hooked up with sh, start taking them into the boat one at a time and casting back into the school, holding multiple hooked sh in the water as you start rotating them out.
If you aren’t quite ready to go solo yet, give Sweet E’nuf Charters a call to book a mahi catching trip and we’ll teach you everything you need to know to make the mahi fear you.
Happy hunting!
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, e Florida Keys. (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
OFFSHORE REPORT
by Capt. Mike Able, Contributing Writer
…at the right place, at the right time.
There are many great fishing quotes in the world with some of them being more meaningful and deeper and some being playful and sassy! I came across this one just recently and thought it would connect with my fellow anglers! Larry Koller said, “In fishing, as in life, opportunity is often a matter of being at the right place at the right time.”
Having grown up in the tackle shop I have seen thousands of anglers come through our doors, some who just “get” fishing and some novice anglers learning to pick it up and truly understand it. The thing about fishing is there are usually many more ways than one to target and catch fish. With different techniques and different tackle it can be overwhelming.
Thousands of different lures to choose from, different rods and so forth. That being said I think fishing ultimately boils down to a few key ingredients for a successful day.
The first, and likely the biggest, key to being able to catch fish consistently is paying extreme attention to what the tide is doing. Not just looking at what time low or high tide is, but looking at the predicted height of that tide, as well as adjusting with what the wind is doing that day. Wind can play a factor in the height of the tide every day. These factors determine where I will fish and when I will be there. Fishing spots can have “windows of opportunity” and you are trying to maximize that, being there at the right time and tide. There is a small creek I like to fish off the ICW on the last two hours of the outgoing tide. During a regular tide cycle that spot is just right. It has the right amount of current and depth I am looking for to target reds coming out.
Fishing that same creek on a “king or full moon” tide would mean I would have to be there two and a half or even three hours before low to achieve the same depth or even get there. The other thing I would consider is I may not even fish that area because smaller channel ways funnel excessive amounts of water moving in/out on full moon tides and make it un-fishable.
One of the next important things to consider is strategy, whether its fishing with bait or artificial lures. Overall temperature(water and air) as well as depth will dictate what I am fishing. Early summer mornings for me mean throwing topwater plugs first thing in ten to twelve feet of water or less. Once the sun comes up more, I switch to bait or artificial shrimp thirty inches under a float. Big thing here is keeping it in shallower water, along the grass edge or dock/ structure. As you move to the middle of the day I am fishing sinking baits in deeper water. A carolina rig bounced along the bottom with a mud minnow is a sure way to catch trout, reds and flounder. Fish it slow, but fish it in six feet of water or more. Throwing soft plastics is a great way to cover territory and find fish. The biggest mistake I’ve seen over the years is artificial lures being “worked” or retrieved too quickly. Presentation is a key component to getting a bite or not.
Capt Mike Able
Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply • Since 1983
843-881-3644(Mt Pleasant)
843-573-3474(West Ashley)
I encourage you to check out our website, haddrellspoint.com, as we built it for education and fishing tip purposes. It has several other guidelines and videos you can watch to better your fishing! And there is nothing like walking into our shops and getting first hand advice!
With summer in full swing I wanted to take a minute to propose something to all anglers! As responsible anglers it is our duty, for the fishery and our future generation anglers, to promote better fishing practices.
Some thoughts on how you can help:
1) Not targeting fish in shallow bodies of water when water temps are high. Even though you may release them they may not survive the heat from the fight
2) Using a rubber coated net will help keep a fish’s protective slime on them instead of using a rag or hands that can pull it off
3) Keeping the fight time to a minimum, and if releasing the fish, keeping it in the water boat side to get hook out
4) If you are pulling fish out of the water, do not lip or hang them by their mouth/jaw only. Support the head and the belly
5) Circle hooks work and minimize gut hooked fish
6) If targeting bull reds in deep water be sure to have a vent tool ready to use and recognize when its needed to be used
7) SC DNR recommends a fixed weight, short leader and an in-line circle hook for bull reds
8) Join Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (they are working for the angler to help maintain a healthy fishery in short)
9) Check out organizations like Release Over20. It’s free to join and is a great movement to help maintain a healthy fishery, not just in SC
IWhat Makes YOU an Angler?
By Katie Jo, Pluff Mud Princess Outdoors
f you went out and surveyed 100 anglers on the water today, and asked them one simple question… “Who taught you how to fish?”
You will certainly hear a lot of good stories of dads, granddads, and uncles out on a lake, river, or creek somewhere, passing the torch and technique of fishing on to the next generation. And all the memories and more that come from that first cast, first fish caught and catching the fever that is the love of fishing.
But what about all the folks who never had the opportunity to learn how to fish or a mentor to show them the way? Maybe they haven’t been fishing their entire life, or their way of fishing looks entirely different from yours. Some might even ask themselves “What makes them an Angler?”
And about a decade ago, I was in that same position of loving the outdoors but not knowing where to begin when it came to fishing. You see my would-be mentor, my dad unfortunately passed away when I was only 8 years old. And his heart condition prevented us from sharing much time on the water even before then.
So, when I found fishing in my teenage years, I didn’t know much other than from that first cast, I had found something that was taken from me a long time ago. And that is the love, joy, and passion of fishing. And once I was hooked, there was no letting go. I have spent the last 11 years learning, growing, and refining my skills and knowledge as an angler on and off the water through my own self-teaching and experiences on the water through trial and error and so many accomplishments along the way.
To the point where about 3 years ago, somebody said to me “Fishing is for Everyone”, and I thought to myself… Yes, it is, but the Opportunity to Learn should be as well. So, I expanded my Business, Pluff Mud Princess Outdoors from just Online social media Marketing to include In-person fishing education events and Private lessons. Where I help guide and encourage others to learn how to fish and feel confident & empowered while doing so. And now, being a mom to two, I cannot wait for the day they tell their friends their mom taught them how to Fish!
And remember, no matter where you come from, what gender, race or political party you affiliate with or even if you’ve never been fishing before… Fishing will never judge you and from the moment you make that first cast, You are an Angler. So, fish on and never be afraid to start over or begin.
Pluff mud princess outdoors Pluff mud princess_outdoors
UPCOMING COASTAL EVENTS
July 14
Tarpon Seminar
featuring Capt. Mike Able Jr. and Capt. Mark Phelps
Haddrell's Point Tackle, Mt. Pleasant Location
Book Your Tarpon Charter • Info at www.hadrellspoint.com
July 16-19
Edisto Invitational
Billfish Tournament
South Carolina Governors Cup • Edisto Marina Info at www.govcup.dnr.sc.gov
August 1 & 2
Lowcountry Tarpon Open
Hilton Head Island • Info and Registration at Eventbrite
September 7-13
CPR Tournament for Speckled
Sea Trout, Redfish and Flounder
Toadfish and Release over 20” 15K in Cash and Prizes • Info at www.toadfish.com
September 11-13
3rd Annual Marshwear Clothing
Lady Red Tournament
More Info at www.marshwearclothing.com
September 13
Mt. Pleasant Pier
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
6 am-2 pm Charleston County Parks
Multiple Prize Categories • More info at wwwccprc.com
September 20
Folly Beach Pier
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
6 am-2 pm Charleston County Parks
Multiple Prize Categories • More info at www.ccprc.com
October 11
Mt. Pleasant Pier
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
6 am-2 pm Charleston County Parks
Multiple Prize Categories • More info at wwwccprc.com
October 25
Folly Beach Pier
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
6 am-2 pm Charleston County Parks
Multiple Prize Categories • More info at wwwccprc.com
Submit your upcoming events or tournament Info to: brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com
Noah Corcoran,
Owner
Marine Detail Supply Charleston
7644 Southrail Rd Unit 400c, North Charleston 843-256-3383
Why Water Quality Matters
by Noah Corcoran, Contributing Writer
One of the easiest ways to protect your boat’s finish is by paying attention to the water you use. Most people think rinsing with a hose is enough, but if your water has high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)—things like minerals and contaminants—you’re likely leaving behind hard water spots.
These spots aren’t just ugly. Over time, they can actually etch into your boat’s gel coat, paint, or even your expensive screens. That means dull areas, permanent marks, and costly repairs down the road. Once etching happens, the only fix is heavy polishing or even wet sanding.
If you’re not planning to dry your boat after rinsing, try to use filtered or spot-free water to lower the TDS. Systems like SpotZero and CR Spotless help reduce spotting by removing minerals from the water. If you *are* going to dry, always use clean, soft shammys or microfiber towels. Dirty towels can scratch the surface or re-introduce contamination.
Water quality might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in how your boat looks—and how long that shine lasts.
This time of year, with all the rain, black streaks show up more than ever. These streaks are caused by organic matter running down your boat’s surface—and they won’t come off with just soap and water. Starke Simple Clean is designed to break down that buildup so you can scrub it away with ease. Safe on gel coat and paint, it’s the go-to cleaner for tough organic stains.
For more easy tips and trusted products, follow Marine Detail Supply Charleston on social. We’re here to help you keep your boat looking great, season after season.
What I Learned
by Brooks Finneseth, Publisher
While attending a meeting and fundraiser for Release Over 20, some topics were discussed that caught my attention and I wanted to share with our readers. The event was hosted by SCCFGA, (South Carolina Coastal Guide Association) with presenters, Capt. Mike Able Jr., Haddrell’s Point; Matt Perkinson, Fishing Outreach and Education SCDNR and Capt. David Fladd, Founder, Release Over 20.
“All 20 inch flounder are female and approximately 4.5 years old. Males only grow to about 14 inches, so most all of the 'keepers' are female…. The practice of taking all the females may not be sustainable for the fishery…Flounder stocks have been in decline for the last 30 years."
Bowfin
by Jiggin’ Jerry, Contributing Writer
Bowfin, also known in the Lowcountry as a mud fish, is a fish that is highly underestimated. These fish are powerful fighters and aggressive ambush predators. Catching them can become an addiction, once one figures out how and where to target these Triassic fish. Why do I call them Triassic?
Because this species of Halecomorphi first appeared during the early Triassic period around 250 million years ago and has barely changed at all. One of the reasons this fish is so resilient is because they can live and survive in very harsh environments. They thrive in swamps, rivers, creeks, ponds and lakes and are bimodal breathers. They have the ability to breathe both water and air. They can be found in locations like deep water swamps, lakes and large ponds here in the Lowcountry, and in some locations, they can be found abundantly. Bowfin can be seen breaking the surface habitually. They do this to gulp air, which allows them to survive conditions of aquatic hypoxia, a condition that would be lethal to most other species. The Bowfin have been recorded to exceed 30 years of life. These fish prey on mollusks, crawfish and other fish. Its close relative is the Gar, even though they look nothing alike. So what makes this fish so much fun to catch for those who have experienced it?
First of all, there is no special equipment needed. You can target these fish with the same equipment and some of the lures that you would target Largemouth Bass with. You can use live bait if one would like to, but I recommend artificials. A Texas rig with different types of artificial crawfish, worms or mud bugs work wonders. Chatter baits or skirted jigs can be quite successful as well. Trawling a spinner bait can be effective and fun, anticipating a strike while putting around. The key to using these baits is the techniques. Anyone can throw these baits around, but unless you know exactly how to present them, it can make the difference between a successful day targeting any fish species. The first thing you need to know is how do Bowfin feed?
Bowfin roam the shallows at night. They have the ability to sense prey and movement in the darkest of water. During the day, Bowfin stay close to the bottom and find deeper pools of water to roam around in. As Bowfin move to the surface to gulp air, momentarily they can be spotted moving through the water column, and if you catch one’s attention during its descent back to the bottom, you could entice a strike. But if you really want to catch Bowfin, slow, bouncing and stalling moves, just resting on the bottom is the best technique to lure these powerful fish in.
One thing to remember is unlike Largemouth Bass, Bowfin have sharp, strong, ice pick-like teeth, with powerful jaws they can destroy artificial baits, so trying to entice a strike out of a Bowfin using a $20 swim bait would not be recommended. The baits I had mentioned above barely survive the first encounter with a Bowfin. The bullet weights tied into the Texas rig will look like they have been stabbed 15 times with an ice pick after a couple of encounters. Handling these fish can be a task. Fish grips and a net are recommended.
When it comes to setting a hook on a Bowfin, there is no special technique. You will most likely lose as many Bowfin as you catch because Bowfin bite and hold on so hard that when you set the hook, your bait will not move or pull forward at all in most cases, and the Bowfin just hangs on. As you bring the fish closer to you, the Bowfin will release and spit your lure right back at you, and in a lot of cases, you
YouTube Channel
Fishing With Jiggin Jerry or follow me on Facebook @fwjigginjerry
find yourself making up words to call the fish! But don’t worry. There are a number of them that you will get a clean hook set and then you will have to experience the second fight of a Bowfin, and that’s when they get to the boat. Bowfin go into sporadic jumping, headshaking, body spinning, like an alligator. If one gets loose in the boat, they are all over the place. You can’t help but look at them in awe, recognizing how powerful and strong, wild and free these fish are.
I personally find locations deep in the swamps of the Lowcountry where the majority of the sounds around you are wild animals, wind and silence. The smells on the air are swamp, water, wildflowers and plants, and I feel like I have gone back in time to a place that most of the world has never experienced or has forgotten about. There are others that come out and find these locations and have their experiences and have their reasons why they enjoy this sport. But all I can say is that if you love fishing and you ever have the chance to try to experience as much of the sport as you can, take a chance, find a location where these powerful Triassic fish, the Bowfin, reside and see if you can experience a day back in time and make memories to carry with you into your future.
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.
JFolly Beach Pier
by Jacob Cynar, Contributing Writer
uly is here and so are the high temperatures. While this heat makes the beachgoers happy, it can have a big impact on what people are catching. Noon is not only the hottest part of the day; it is also when the water is the warmest. Water temperatures typically climb into the 80s and 90s. These warm conditions drive fish into cooler water found deeper in the ocean and farther off the pier. Mackerels—both Spanish and king— speckled trout, sheepshead, and pompano will be around the pier during the cooler mornings and will reappear in the evenings as the water cools down. The best time to catch them is during an incoming tide, so be sure to keep an eye on your tide chart.
A successful day of fishing starts by picking the right spot. New anglers often think the only place to catch fish is at the end of the pier. While this is an excellent spot to set up for mackerel fishing, it is not the only productive area. Many anglers find success at the first sun shelter. The best time to fish this spot is early in the morning on an incoming tide. This is typically the pier’s most popular area, especially on tournament days. When fishing in this location, it’s not necessary to cast far off the pier. Fish tend to hang out near structures, so simply dropping a rig straight down is often enough to get a bite.
Using the right rig and tackle is also key to having a successful fishing day. Most anglers use a 2-hook drop rig as their tried-and-true setup. This rig uses a weight to anchor the bait to the bottom and allows the tides and current to give the bait some natural action. Another common and effective rig is the Carolina rig. This setup uses an egg weight and a bead placed just above a barrel swivel, with about a 2-foot leader at the end. It provides excellent sensitivity and allows fish to take the bait without feeling much resistance. Both of these setups are easy to learn and reliably catch fish.
A great place to get started is at our Pier Giftshop, where we have everything you need to get out on the pier and start catching fish. Our staff will be happy to assist you with our selection of frozen bait, tackle, and even help you with a rental rod. Our Moonlight Mixers are still going strong. The remaining dates for the Moonlight Mixers are July 25th, August 22nd, and September 19th. Our Cast Off Fishing Tournament series is taking a summer break and will resume on September 20th and October 25th. In the meantime, our Summer Challenge continues with a biggest fish by species format. For more information, visit ccprc.com or call us at 843-762-9516.
GNew Law Gives S.C. Control Over State Snapper
Grouper Fisheries
South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance and Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina Celebrate Passage of S. 219, Paving the Way for State Control of Fisheries
overnor Henry McMaster last week signed into law Senate Bill 219, marking a significant victory in the movement toward state
Governor Ron DeSantis announced a record-breaking 126-day red snapper season for anglers on the Gulf of America in 2025.
In contrast, anglers in the South Atlantic (South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) may only have one day of snapper fishing and could potentially lose all access to bottom fishing for 55 stocks of fish in parts of the region due to Amendment 59, proposed by the Biden Administration seven days before he left office.
S.C. new state law establishes fishing seasons, catch limits, and minimum size requirements for 55 species of fish under the SnapperGrouper Fishery Management Plan out to three nautical miles, which were previously governed solely by federal restrictions.
“This law affirms South Carolina’s capacity to manage our state waters with precision and purpose and will assist the agency in expanding data collection efforts” said Dr. Tom Mullikin, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “We are committed to developing and using locally informed science to create more fishing access while preserving marine ecosystems. This law is proof that conservation and access can go hand in hand.”
Scott Whitaker, Executive Director CCA South Carolina, echoed these sentiments: “This law marks a significant shift in how we manage our marine resources, moving away from overbearing federal oversight and towards local, science-based decision-making. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Goldfinch, Governor McMaster, Director Mullikin and all those who have supported this legislation to protect both our environment and our fishing heritage.”
For more information visit www.scbga.com or www. ccasouthcarolina.com
AFISHING FORECAST
Mount Pleasant Pier
by Chris Pounder, Contributing Writer
s we get into July we get into the time of year where there tends to be more action from fishermen closer to sunrise and sunset to avoid the mid-day heat. The trick to landing the big ones in July without melting is to select early mornings and late afternoons around productive tides. While you can catch fish on any tide, one suggested time to try is the last hour or two of the outgoing tide thru the first couple hours of the incoming tide. When the tide goes slack and starts to come back in it seems to signal the dinner bell for flounder and trout. The most productive baits are live mud minnows, shrimp, and mullet; however, if you run into a school of pinfish or blues you may have to try different spots to find the species you want.
Another popular option is to target closer to the grass line at high tide. When the water comes all the way in, we typically see redfish and other species feeding. The redfish around the pier are a little like garbage disposals in that they eat just about anything. We see them caught on minnows, shrimp, cut bait, as well as chunks of blue crab. If your live bait is getting picked by crabs or bluefish, it may be time to utilize them to your advantage and get even. Fresh blue crab and cut bluefish are known to produce great results when targeting reds. If the blue crab is 5 inches from point to point and is not a female with eggs its fair game for dinner or bait. Bluefish do not have a size limit, but keep in mind you can only keep 3 per day whether for bait or consumption.
Summer months are a great time to have some fun crabbing with the family as well. The best time to give it a try is during lower tides using chicken necks for bait. Crabbing is a perfect summer activity for kids of all ages and is relatively easy for beginners to learn. To try your luck you’ll need an inexpensive drop net, a weight, some chicken necks for bait, and about 30 feet of crab line or rope. If you don’t have any equipment, the River Watch Café & Gift Shop on the pier has everything you need for a day of crabbing.
Visit Charlestoncountyparks.com to learn more about what’s going on at the pier and around your county parks this summer. There’s plenty for both the fishermen and non-fishermen in your family as our special event season is in high gear.
For any additional information about the pier or what’s biting this week feel free to call the River Watch Cafe & Gift Shop on the pier at 843-762-9946
Chris Pounder, CPRP Manager
Mount Pleasant Pier
Capt. Ravenel's Report
by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer
My family has been in and around the Charleston area for just under 400 years. It’s safe to say that we have been around a while and over time the family has amassed many wonderful stories of the area’s culture and history. One such story takes place on a little island you probably have never heard of called Kiawah. A small spit of and island just North of Edisto Island and South of Folly Beach.
Its name is derived from the Native American tribe that resided there before we all showed up and “made everything better”…
My Grandfather is in his 80’s and he and I are close. I love him so much and he’s an excellent story teller! This particular story takes place before all the houses and golf courses. Long before folks were zipping around in golf carts and fancy cars there was just serene woods and coastal beach with only the whisper of the coastal winds to keep you company.
50’s, early 60’s was keeping livestock with his brother Arthur Ravenel. They had cows spread all over the area of Johns Island; some on family land and some on others.
Cows on Kiawah
While my Mother was a salty crabber in the creeks every day; my Grandfather spent all his free time on the back of a horse. No, not the English riding type. We are talking Marsh Tacky horses; a smaller breed specific to the southeast United States. Literally Lowcountry cowboys. One of the many things Ed had going on for ends meat back in the late
One such stash spot for these bovine was the uninhabited island of Kiawah! They had about 50 head they released out there. Part of this operation consisted of monthly trips to the island with his fellow outlaw cowboys to round up the cows and get a head count. When the heard were all looking like they gained a little weight then some would be rounded up into a pin then loaded up and driven to market. Could you imagine running up and down the beaches of Kiawah chasing cows with your buddies!
Now, one such cow had developed a technique for avoiding my Grandfather and his band of outlaws. She would swim way out into the surf by herself and stay out there
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After this unfolded several times, he decided to get under some cover in the dunes this time and wait and see how long it would take for her to come back to shore. After about 10 minutes of watching her head bobbing up and down as she swam out to the ocean he noticed something. Her head was rising out of the water the further she swam. Next her swimming started looking more like walking. That old heifer had a secret sandbar refuge! She slowly dredged up into shallower water out in the surf. Ed turned to my uncle Arthur and said now what? Arthur grinned and said “go get her”. With that, Ed swam his horse out to the sandbar to turn the old cow back to the mainland. Before he performed the maneuver though he paused and waved at a shrimp boat passing by. He said the whole crew was out there waving and laughing hysterically.
Well, she was smart and my Grandfather had a soft spot in his heart for the old girl and decided to leave her on the island as a resident cow. “She earned it” he would say to me.
I loved that story and now when I am sliding through the tricky sand shoals out front of that island in pursuit of my next catch I reminisce about the old stories.
Nothing out there now but beach goers and tourists but I like to close my eyes for a sec and picture a young version of my favorite person and his brother ripping down the beach on their favorite old nags (horses) trying to pin up the next batch of cows for market.
Captain Justin Ravenel
RavenelFishingCharters.com
843-864-5056
Facebook: "Ravenel Fishing Charters"
Instagram: @justin_ravenel
Capt. Shane Flannigan with Real Deal Charters was on the fish in June
Making summer memories with Capt. Justin Ravenel at Ravenel Fishing Charters in Edisto
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FIND THE BAIT, FIND THE FISH
July and August will be the hottest months of the year. !e wahoo and yellow nn will be everywhere and nowhere they should be. For example, you could go up and down the edge of the break and not nd a wahoo or a yellow n anywhere, but the guy slow trolling a menhaden for king mackerel 10 miles o# the beach catches a 100-pound wahoo or the guy 30 miles o# the beach light lining a pin sh while bottom shing catches a 50-pound yellow n. None of it makes any sense this time of the year, except one thing... nd the bait, nd the sh. !e same thing applies to bottom shing. !is is the time of year to search for big stacks of bee liners, cigar minnows, and sardines. Keep an eye on the recorder when you’re running to wherever you’re going, and if you see a big stack of bait on the surface, take a minute to check it out. If that stack of bait happens to be near pretty bottom, there’s a good chance it’s a good place to sh. !is is the time of year when it is especially productive to jig live cigars and sardines and put them back out.
whatever you want to, but stay focused on the bottom. Always keep a pitch rod handy with a live cigar, mina or sardine on a small circle hook and $ourocarbon. You never know when a sail sh will swim by the boat. When it does happen, remain calm do not go screaming and running around the deck because, chances are, you will spook the sh and not get another shot presenting a bait to it. If you’re very quiet, chances are a sail sh will come right back to the boat and you’ll get a shot at hand-feeding him a cig or sardine. And just like that...you’re hooked up!
It’s always a good idea to keep one person dedicated to the Sabiki. When you have big marks on the bottom or see schools of bait on the surface, just know that every one of those minnows caught on the Sabiki turns into a bite, either on the light line or on the bottom.
Of course, I have to say all of this to promote bottom shing because I do not believe in trolling. For all the sh you’re trying to catch trolling, you can hook on the light line while bottom shing. Not only that, sh are a lot more fun to catch on light tackle from an anchored-up boat rather than with trolling gear. Do I like to catch kings and dolphin on the light line? Yes. Are they my favorite sh to eat? No! Yes, they are edible, but I prefer to eat sh from the bottom. So, keep a light line out to catch and release
Needless to say, a live cig or sardine has a life expectancy on my Decoy Jig of under 10 seconds and everything eats one on the light line.
So, go to all your normal places in July and August that traditionally hold the bait, and you will most likely nd the sh. Live bait is always the best, but don’t ever leave the hill without a box or two of frozen cigar minnows. More sh have been caught on frozen cigs and sardines, than all the other baits combined. It’s never a bad idea to take live pin sh from the marina as well; the beauty live pin sh is that not everybody down there can put it in their mouth which eliminates a bunch of trash bites.
Yes, you will have to deal with catching and releasing all the “endangered” American red snappers and gag grouper, but that’s just what you’re gonna have to do until we can get this straightened out. Learn how to handle these sh properly for a successful release and come home with some good dinners.
Check out more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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A PRO THROWING BIG BAITS FOR BIG BASS
TYLER WOOLCOTT
Most of the time the saying is true, bigger bait equals a bigger sh! Although elephants eat peanuts, a big bait pro le is something sh can’t resist no matter if you are shing the open ocean or the Great Lakes. I have spent a lot of time over the last few years throwing baits bigger than my old “comfort zone” sizes for bass and it is pretty special what gets curious to come look or bite them.
!ere are many di#erent types of swimbaits out on the market, but I’ll break them down into two for this article to keep it simple. You have the hard, gliding-style treble hook swimbaits, or you have so body swimbaits that is more of a steady slow reel and most of the time more weedless. !ey both have an awesome time and place to get thrown and will both attract some very big sh.
Depending on where you are in the country and the size of the forage in your lake, a normal meal for a bass is usually much bigger than you think. A 6- to 8-inch bluegill is something a two or three pound bass would have no issues at all with swallowing and eating it whole. A 10+ pounder, on the other hand, could eat bait sh such as gizzard shad up to 14 inches, which I have personally seen. Trying to exactly duplicate the larger bait sh that are in your lake in a natural presentation is the absolute best way to draw attention from sh to your arti cial lure.
Most of the time when I am throwing a gliding-style hard swimbait, my rst choice is always going to be a shad imitation. A majority of the
places I sh are full of shad and this seems to be a favorite food source for bass when available to them. Another major large food source for big bass that a lot of people forget about are crappie. I have personally witnessed some absolute giant bass in multiple lakes that feed primarily on crappie. When throwing so swimbaits my go-to imitation is typically a bluegill. Usually when I’m throwing a so swimbait I’m wanting to either creep it through grass or along the bottom, which calls for a more weedless rig. Both places bluegill typically live and the bass that feed on them aren’t usually too far away. !ere are many di#erent brands of swimbaits out there, hard and so . When rst starting out I would stick to some of the a#ordable baits that have good reviews by users and are proven to work until you build up your con dence, then start working your way up to bigger and more customized things.
When throwing bigger lures like swimbaits you typically want bigger equipment to throw them. 13 Fishing makes an awesome, very a#ordable 8-foot rod in their Defy series that can handle most swimbaits I throw. Pair this up with a 300 sized reel like the 13 Fishing Concept A3 and some 20-25 lb. Su x Advanced Fluorocarbon and you are ready to go battle with some big sh!
It’s hard to t all the info needed to explain this technique in this article, but I hope it sparks your interest to get out there and throw a big bait. !e best way to learn is to get on the water and give it a try for yourself! I tried it once and now it is one of the coolest and most fun ways I target big bass all year long.
Don’t be afraid to reach out via my website or social media platforms with any questions you may have!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
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