Coastal Angler Magazine | Lowcountry April 2026 Edition

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VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 373 APR 2026 F R A N C H I S E

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ahi season is one of those drop everything and go times of year, and when we begin to slide from spring into summer, you can usually count on schools showing up o!shore. The warmer the water, the better it gets, especially when you find clean blue water, good current edges, weed lines, floating debris, or any kind of structure holding bait in that 75- to 82-degree range. Fishing with Bean Sportfishing in the Florida Keys and other parts of the state, over the past few years we’ve definitely seen more smaller fish and fewer big cows and bulls, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone. When conditions line up, there’s always a chance a quality mahi-mahi is mixed in with the schoolies.

Mahi love anything moving, so live bait is tough to beat, and when they’re really fired up, you can even catch them on fly. Tackle-wise, we like running a 6500 size setup because you never know when a better fish shows up. The Penn Slammer IV 6500 paired with a Carnage III rod is a go-to for us, and the Penn Spinfisher VII 6500 spinning combo is another solid option.

We’ve had great success using the Mustad 7766D 6/0 hook, and for bait we’ll typically fish whitebait or troll Islamorada Flyers depending on the day.

When it comes to the table, blackened or fried mahi is hard to beat, and we only keep what we’re going to eat that day. Even though mahi are one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, conservation still matters, and being mindful about what you harvest goes a long way.

Bean Sportfishing can run this type of trip, but it’s highly weather dependent o!shore. If you’re looking to book a dedicated o!shore charter in The Keys, I highly recommend LegaSea Charters. Capt. Joey can be reached at legaseacharters.com.

If you’re planning on visiting Islamorada, book at the fabulous Three Waters Resort and reach out to us about a special captain’s discount.

By A. deGruchy

4 NATIONAL

APRIL 2026

Follow deGruchy’s adventures on Instagram @bean_sportfishing and on YouTube @BeanSportfishing. To book a charter, visit beansportfishing.com.

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MARINE DETAILING WITH NOAH

Spring Boat Care: Pollen Season is Here

by Noah Corcoran, Contributing Writer

I

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

f you’ve lived in the Lowcountry long enough, you know exactly when spring arrives. It’s not the calendar that tells you it’s the yellow dust coating everything in sight. Trucks, docks, patio furniture… and especially boats.

Every year Charleston experiences what scientists politely call “tree pollen.” Locals tend to call it “that green dust that turns my white boat chartreuse overnight.”

Pollen season in the Carolinas can be brutal on gelcoat, glass, and metal surfaces. That thick yellow film you see sitting on your deck isn’t just cosmetic. Pollen holds moisture and organic compounds that can stain gelcoat, stick to canvas, and leave a stubborn haze on glass and stainless.

Leave it sitting in the sun long enough and it can bond to the surface like it paid slip rent.

The easiest solution is simple: regular washdowns. For most boats in our waters, a bi-weekly or monthly wash schedule during the spring and summer months keeps pollen, salt, and tannin stains from building up. A quick rinse and proper soap wash removes contaminants before they bake into the surface. It also helps preserve waxes, ceramic coatings, and protectants that keep your boat looking sharp and not like it just spent a week parked under a pine tree during allergy season.

Another reason regular washdowns matter is what’s floating in our water. Between pluff mud, marsh tannins, and salt spray, Charleston boats deal with a unique environment. Add pollen to the mix and things can get messy quickly. Before long you’ve got brown waterline stains, black streaks, and a deck that looks like it sneezed.

The good news is you don’t have to handle it alone. There are plenty of excellent marine detailers throughout the Charleston area who specialize in maintenance wash programs designed specifically for our conditions. These professionals know the right soaps, tools, and techniques to keep your boat clean without damaging coatings, gelcoat, or sensitive finishes.

If you’re getting ready for the season and want to keep your boat looking its best, give us a call.

We’ll help connect you with a trusted local detailer who can set up a wash schedule that works for your boat and your marina.

A clean boat runs better, looks better, and holds its value longer.

And during pollen season in the Lowcountry, a little consistency goes a long way.

OFFSHORE REPORT

The Pattern Is Full

by Captain Mike Able, Contributing Writer

W

hew, we made it!! Made it past March that is! For me, I feel March can be one of the most frustrating months to consistently catch fish. The weather patterns changed frequently, water temperatures changed and the fish just can’t get in a solid pattern.

Now that we are in April we start to see more consistent warming weather and hungrier fish!

If there was anything that holds consistent for March and April it would be the sheepshead bite, specifically on the nearshore reefs. If a calm weather day allows, you can find yourself fishing a few miles off the beach in about thirty feet of water targeting large sheepshead, black sea bass, and even black drum. Getting(and staying) on top of good structure is key in this instance. Dropping a live fiddler crab on a carolina rig will surely do the trick for a nice sheepshead or sea bass. Bluefish and weakfish will also show up on the nearshore wrecks this time of year and a light jig or grub will surely do the trick.

When the ocean doesn’t allow it, I find myself fishing the creeks for trout and redfish. Depending on what the tide has to offer the day of, I could find myself trout fishing on higher water or redfishing at low tide. One of my favorite ways to target redfish is topwater plugs. This is a lowlight condition fishery so early mornings or late evenings are a must. A lowtide around 8-9am allows me to get to the spot at sunrise and have a couple hours of an outgoing tide to target the reds as they come out of the marsh grass. It also allows a little bit more depth of water so they aren’t extremely spooky. I love throwing a Heddon topwater plug in silver mullet color. I switch the treble hooks to in-line J hooks for better quality, and easier to get out of the fish while maintaining a great hook-up ratio. Trout will also eat these baits too! If I’m not throwing topwater I switch over to either micro shrimp patterns like the Z-Man Prawnstar in 2.5’’ or a Z-Man Slim Swimz in 3” on a jig head. Another great bait for large trout is the Mirrodine, made by Mirrolure. It’s a menhaden imitation that slowly sinks and is a great replica of the small pogies that are in our estuaries in the spring.

With more consistent weather we can now turn our focus to the offshore fishery! The wahoo and tuna bite was pretty decent! It will still continue later on in the year but now a lot of anglers start to look for the mahi mahi. These critters show up mid to late March and typically stay for a good portion of the year, while the heat of it is usually May. Getting a sea surface temperature(SST) report the day before fishing is THE BEST way to get an idea of where to start fishing. Do this every trip throughout the entire year. Looking for water changes will help you find weedlines, temperature breaks, bait, and more! Trolling small to medium ballyhoo in depths of 150 feet of water to 300 feet will be your more consistent stuff, but again a SST report may dictate that different for that day of fishing. Pulling various sizes and shapes of bait will make a difference in how it swims and what they're eating that day. Small chugger heads, to lead heads, to seawitches will all troll different and may cause reaction bites sooner on specific baits.

I would always encourage you to reach out to either of our shop locations to get a more up-to-date report whether it be inshore or offshore fishing. The most recent and first hand knowledge trumps anything you read online! We are here to help and want to see you be successful!

Our seminars and workshops continue with things like our Offshore Saturday Session at Longshore Boats April 11th! We also continue our Women’s Wednesday Series! These are women only events(taught by women) that meet the first Wednesday of every month, alternating tackle shop locations.

Capt Mike Able Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply • Since 1983

Tight Lines

843-881-3644(Mt Pleasant) 843-573-3474(West Ashley)

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APR. 2026

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APR. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 3

FISHING FORECAST

Folly Beach Pier

by Jacob Cynar, Contributing Writer

Slade catching some whiting after a cold and long winter

T

he warm weather has returned! April and May are the kickoff months for the saltwater fishing season. There is nowhere better than the Folly Beach Fishing to get in on the action! The water temperature has been getting warmer over the past couple of months, which means the fishing is about to start ramping up. This time last year the pier experienced some heavy winds and bad weather that put a damper on the fishing. So far, the weather this spring has been fantastic and we are having plenty anglers take advantage of it.

In March and April, the catch of the month was whiting, and with them, a variety of other fish are following. Typically, May is the month that our speckled sea trout and Florida pompano make their return to the pier. Just past the diamond, you can find king mackerel and Spanish mackerel beginning to return as the waters warm up. In the surf zone, red and black drum will be hunting baitfish to give them a jumpstart for the summer. Live bait usually has the best luck, but frozen bait will always do the trick! The pier gift shop stocks frozen mullet, scented squid strips, and shrimp. It’s your one-stop shop for all things pier fishing—whether you need frozen bait, new tackle, or even a new rod. Make sure to stop in and say hi!

We look forward to seeing our regulars and welcoming any new anglers who want to check out what the pier has to offer. Just a quick reminder: we do not allow fishing after sunset, even though the pier stays open until 10 p.m., and shark fishing is still prohibited. Be sure to join us for our first Cast-Off Fishing Tournament on May 16th! The tournaments start at 6am and end at 2pm. For those interested in music and dancing, we encourage you to come out to our Moonlight Mixers on select Fridays throughout the summer!

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

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April Kayak Tactics for Redfish

by Trey Carden, Contributing Writer

E

arly spring—especially April—is one of the most exciting times to target red drum. For anglers fishing from a kayak, it’s a great time of year to focus specifically on redfish in skinny water. As the creeks continue to warm up, redfish—hungry from a long winter—become more active and predictable. If you’re willing to focus on shallow-water structure and adjust your tactics with the tide, you can experience some of the most visually exciting and rewarding fishing of the entire year.

The key with redfish is stealth and paying attention to the tides. One of the most productive tactics in April is targeting redfish on the flooding and early falling tides. As the tide comes in, redfish push inshore with it, looking for flooded grass and shallow flats. In many situations, redfish are the first fish in and the last ones out.

As the water rises into the spartina grass, look for movement along grass lines, around oyster bars, and in what anglers often call “scared water”—areas where baitfish are acting nervous. Even more subtle signs like mud being kicked up or wakes pushing across the flats can reveal feeding fish.

Redfish will often stay in water less than a foot deep if there’s still food available. The last hour of the falling tide is another great time to catch them chasing bait out of the shallows as the water recedes. Watch closely around oyster bars, smaller creek mouths, and grass lines where redfish patrol for bait being washed out by the tide.

Sight fishing is especially effective this time of year thanks to clearer spring water. The key is to move quietly and keep your eyes open. A good pair of polarized glasses is crucial, and an elevated kayak seat goes a long way in helping you spot a redfish before it spots you. A quiet approach is critical—paddle gently and avoid scraping or bumping your paddle on the bottom to keep from spooking nearby fish.

As far as lure choice goes, natural presentations tend to work best in early spring.

Larger baitfish haven’t quite shown up inshore yet, so consider throwing something smaller like a Z-Man SlimSwimZ or 3" MinnowZ on a 1/8- or 3/16-ounce EyeStrike jighead. Lighter jigheads help prevent loud splashes on the cast and allow for a more natural presentation. While these aren’t the easily spooked fish of summer, redfish in clear, shallow water can still be quick to bolt.

Focus on grass edges, oyster points, and tidal drains. Quietly patrolling these areas and using lighter lures will help you fish effectively without spooking your target. Stealth, tide awareness, and accurate casting are the keys to getting in on an aggressive April redfish bite.

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APR. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 5

EDISTO FISHING FORECAST

Capt. Ravenel's Report

by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer

S

pring is an exciting time for shark fishing along the South Carolina coast, and one of the most accessible and entertaining species to target is the Bonnethead shark. Often described as the smaller cousin of the hammerhead, bonnetheads are recognized by their distinctive shovel-shaped head and energetic fighting style. As coastal waters begin warming in early spring, these sharks move into shallow bays, estuaries, and tidal creeks, providing anglers with plenty of opportunities for action.

Throughout coastal areas near Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding Lowcountry barrier islands, bonnethead sharks begin appearing in larger numbers around March and April. They migrate inshore as water temperatures climb and food becomes more abundant. Crabs, shrimp, and small fish make up the majority of their diet, and these prey species thrive in the shallow marsh systems that define the South Carolina coastline.

Bonnetheads are particularly common around grass flats, oyster beds, and sandy shorelines where they search for crustaceans.

Anglers fishing in tidal creeks or along marsh edges often encounter them while targeting other species. Their willingness to bite and their aggressive runs make them a fun surprise on light tackle.

One reason bonnethead fishing is so popular during the spring is the simplicity of the tackle required. Medium spinning gear with 15– 30 pound braided line is usually more than sufficient. A short length of steel or heavy fluorocarbon leader is often used to prevent the shark’s teeth from cutting the line. Small circle hooks baited with shrimp, cut mullet, or pieces of blue crab work extremely well.

Many anglers anchor near creek mouths or along shallow flats and allow the scent of bait to drift with the tide. Bonnetheads typically cruise slowly along the bottom while searching for food, and once they locate a bait, the strike can be quick and decisive. When hooked, these sharks often make fast runs and surprising turns, providing an exciting fight despite their relatively modest size.

In most South Carolina waters, bonnetheads range from two to four feet in length, though larger individuals are occasionally caught. Their smaller size compared to other sharks makes them ideal for anglers who want the thrill of shark fishing without the heavy tackle normally required for larger species.

Springtime conditions are also ideal for spotting bonnetheads in clear, shallow water. On calm days with good visibility, anglers sometimes see their dorsal fins cutting through the water as they patrol the flats. This sight-fishing opportunity adds an extra level of excitement to the experience.

Popular areas for targeting bonnetheads include tidal creeks and estuaries near places like Edisto Island and the broad waterways of the North Edisto River. These nutrient-rich waters support thriving populations of crustaceans and baitfish, creating an ideal feeding ground for these small hammerhead relatives.

While bonnetheads are sometimes harvested for food, many anglers choose to release them after a quick photo.

Their population plays an important role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems by helping control crab populations.

For fishermen eager to shake off the winter slowdown, spring bonnethead shark fishing offers fast action, scenic surroundings, and plenty of excitement. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, Captain Justin Ravenel or shoreline, targeting 843-864-5056 these unique sharks is a RavenelFishingCharters.com memorable way to enjoy the warming waters of the EdistoDolphinTours.com South Carolina coast.

Facebook: "Ravenel Fishing Charters" Instagram: @justin_ravenel

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FISHING FORECAST

Beaufort/Port Royal

by Sea Sea Nunez, Contributing Writer April is finally here! Waters heating up and the fishing is too!

Sharks. Sharks are cruising in so if you're into shark fishing, the time is now. Fishing for shark from the surf is a great way to land a giant sea monster on the beach. But be weary, because sharks will surely be cruising the creeks, big water, and under bridges ready and willing to snatch any bait you throw out as well as any fish you may be reeling in. So reel fast or you just might lose your dinner.

Cobia season is faster approaching and its quite possible they'll be here sooner than later. This is a much anticipated time for both anglers local and visiting the Beaufort area. We will hope to see these tasty fish by the end of this month. Live eels are the most popular bait to use for these fish. Menhaden, greenies, mullet, and even artificials such as bucktails and 7", 8" and 9" soft plastics paired with heavy jig heads work well. These fish love to chase bait and usually swim in pairs or groups. Sight casting is an excellent method to hook a cobia. Sea Sea's Honey Hole will have eels starting sometime in April. Along with any artificials and tackle you may need for Cobia season.

The Big Uglies. Black drum get to such an immense size that the locals here refer to them as the "big ugly". These giant fish can be found feasting on the bottom, eating anything from barnacles, fiddler crabs, blue crabs, and frozen shrimp. A 6-8oz Carolina rig on the bottom with a quartered blue crab is my personal favorite way to catch one.

These fish have a peculiar way of eating. The bite is very subtle and you might miss it if you're not paying attention so don't set those rods

down. Keep them ready to set that hook when you feel them start to crush up that blue crab and REEL! A monster black drum can easily reach 50lbs, even heavier.

The inshore slam. Reds, flounder, and trout fishing will Sea Sea Nunez only get better from here. The Sea Sea's Honey Hole Bait & Tackle use of a mud minnows under a popping cork will start being 901 8th St. Port Royal • 843-379-2018 more effective for all three Facebook: SeaSeasHoneyHole species. Using artificials on a weighted jig head continues to work well too. Better bring extra mud minnows with you because the bluefish are also in and like to bite your minnows right in half and laugh at you while doing so.

Spanish mackerel. These super fast beautiful fish are incredibly fun to troll for. Trolling near the shoreline, jetties, beaches, and bridges using light tackle, spoons, and flourocarbon leaders is best. Spanish mackerel have extremely sharp teeth so although more expensive, floruocarbon is your best best.

Be sure to get any and all your bait & tackle needs from Sea Sea's Honey Hole Bait & Tackle Shop located in Port Royal right by the Sands Beach!

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APR. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 7

April = FISH ON!

F

inally, Spring is here, bringing sunny days, temperatures in the 70’s, and a fishery showing its annual signs of new life. This renewal means

more species to target, including Sea Trout and Flounder, along with our perennial favorite, Redfish. And plentiful bait will be available for these hungry fish.

Now is the time to go through our gear! Oil reels, grease drag washers, and check the line and replace. There have even been times I’ve end-for-ended spooled line to get through another season. And if you’re not using braided line, make the switch this year. I recommend 20lbs test for 2500-3000 series size reels, 50lbs test for 5000, then bump it up from there.

A reminder about April: while the fish may be running hot, the wind is blowing just as hard. The entire month can be quite windy, but the upside is fishing inshore allows for quick runs through the open chop, then a scoot into the sheltered creeks, away from the wind.

Also, Redfish are no longer hibernating but are feeding again.

Therefore, it is wise to consider using lures that mimic bait fish. The

brands I like and use consistently are Berkely Gulp and Jerk ShadZ, which have become very popular and are available in many different colors. Note that water clarity can change significantly from one fishing spot to another, so use darker colors in muddy water and more translucent ones in clearer water. And these available species also respond well to live or cut shrimp, mud minnows, finger mullet and blue crab. However, no worries if fishing with artificials because our target fish are striking jigs equally well. Best of all, because water temperatures have risen, we’re able to cover the entire water column, which bodes well for a productive outing!

An honorable mention about the Sheepshead bite; it has been terrific this past winter. The sweeper style jig heads with fiddler crab are still producing nice Sheeps. We are using a locally made jig head

by Doug, found only at Sea Seas Honey Hole in Port Royal, with lots of sizes and colors available. Popping corks with 24 leader, 15-20 lbs, tested over a mud minnow, have been the go-to for Sea Trout, and Flounder working the points and eddies. This same rig also works well for Red Drum along live oyster beds. For deeper water with structure, Carolina Rigs are recommended, with muds, cut mullet and quartered Blue Crab. Note the Black Drum will never turn away from a quartered crab, so have a few on hand when scouting the waterway. And be sure to stop at Sea Seas Honey Hole for your bait and tackle needs, plus lunch on Fridays and breakfast burritos Sunday mornings. You may even run into me there as well!

The bottom line: April = FISH ON

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

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by Capt. Tim Deckard, Contributing Writer

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t’s o!cial…say hello to spring. Anglers can now look forward to targeting a wide variety of species, including blackfin tuna, wahoo, African pompano, and many other sought-after fish. With these species actively feeding during their migration north, the opportunities for successful catches are abundant. Whether you prefer trolling, drifting, or bottom fishing, the spring months bring a wealth of options to fill your cooler with quality fish.

The troll bite will probably die as soon as the sun gets up around the nine or ten o’clock timeframe. This is when you need to change tactics. Stop trolling. Put the trolling motor over and start making strategic drifts with the light line out while bottom fishing. I would also suggest putting a couple baits out under the kite, as this is the most effective presentation with very little to no leader in the water. Have at least one person dedicated to the kite baits, if you’re fishing a kite.

This is one of the best times of the year to spend the night, especially here in North Carolina, as the night bite could be crazy good. Put the bright lights out and you will draw the squid, cigar minnows, sardines, and all the predators to you like moths to a porch light. If you have the ability to spend the night, April could be the month you see the ultimate results.

Everything including flying fish are very susceptible to a Sibiki rig. Fill the live well with live baits and start fishing on the daylight bite. Fish are like us; they like to eat breakfast and dinner, so be there early and late.

Be sure to keep an eye on the recorder while on the drift for the mid water marks. In addition to fishing for the snappers, have rods at the ready for fish that show on the recorder way off the bottom. These may very well be the African pompano, so have a rod ready with a jig that you can fire down and erratically jig upwards 25 to 50 feet off the bottom and then let ascend back to the bottom. Repeat over and over as this will get bites!

It’s not just African pompano that frequent these deeper waters.

During the middle of the day, wahoo can be found surprisingly deep, and tuna also inhabit these depths. It only takes a few wahoo, black fin or pompano to make a great box of fish to take home.

This is also a good time to target the smaller snapper with smaller baits on “chicken rigs” with small circle hooks. When you’re on a good bite (using small circle hooks) I would strongly recommend feeling the bite, winding tight to it and stopping. This is when another snapper will jump on the second bait. You will load up quickly with delicious groceries when you’re catching two at a time.

Bring the heat… It’s on!

Learn more tips and techniques at barefootcatsandtackle.com and on Barefoot’s YouTube channel: @timbarefoot5698.

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Every seasoned angler in this region knows spring is crappie season. As water temperatures creep into the low 60s, crappie begin their migration from deep winter haunts to shallow spawning grounds—

By Julie Graham- ExploreTRV brush piles, stumps, and submerged structures along the shoreline. Preferred bait and techniques vary by angler, but some classics stand the test of time. Live minnows, often rigged under a slip float, are a go-to for many, especially during the pre-spawn. Jig fishing is equally effective, with popular choices like 1/16 or 1/32 oz. soft plastics in chartreuse, white, and monkey milk colors.

When the bite gets tough, tipping jigs with a small minnow or switching to hand-tied hair jigs can coax hesitant fish. Long-line trolling and spider rigging also dominate certain sections of the lake, especially in the deeper channels near creek mouths. s the last bite of winter gives way to the gentle stirrings Mornings on the lake feel almost sacred of spring, Kentucky Lake comes alive. Located along the this time of year. Fishermen, some in sleek western edge of the Bluegrass State, this sprawling body of bass boats, others in aluminum skiffs water—technically a reservoir—has long been a mecca for anglers, passed down through generations, fan out especially those in search of springtime crappie.

Kentucky Lake stretches a remarkable 184 miles from the Tennessee state across coves and creek arms, quietly working the banks. The goal is the same: line to the northernmost point at the Kentucky Dam making it the largest feel the tap of a crappie on the line, set the hook, and haul in what many call reservoir in the state and one of the largest in the U.S. The lake was formed in the “gold of the lake.” For many, the draw of spring crappie fishing isn’t just 1944 with the completion of the Kentucky Dam, a key project by the Tennessee the thrill of the bite. It’s also the chance to connect with the natural rhythm of Valley Authority (TVA). Today, the lake covers over 160,000 acres, with an the season while sitting in a quiet cove as the dogwoods bloom, passing along average depth of 8-10 feet, though some areas reach even deeper. Its shoreline stories, rods, and values to the next generation. At its core, Kentucky Lake is stretches over 2,000 miles, offering countless coves, islands, and inlets that more than a reservoir. It’s a living, breathing legacy—a place where history, make it a paradise for anglers. Fishing enthusiasts quickly discovered the lake’s sport, and stewardship come together on every cast. potential as a world-class destination for crappie, bass, and catfish, earning it a reputation that has only grown over the decades. Feeding Kentucky Lake are For more information on fishing licenses and regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website - fw.ky.gov - or the several major tributaries (Blood River, Jonathan Creek, Big Sandy River) that Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website - www.tn.gov/twra.html. become fishing hotspots in early spring, especially where submerged timber

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