ve things you should know about boat insurance
Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are ve things to know about boat insurance.
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected nancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.
2. Accidents can happen to anyone
When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to speci ed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.
3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments
Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
4. Most lenders require boat insurance
If you nanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.
5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages Ever worry about getting stuck on the water? Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.
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DEAD BAITS CATCH HUGE REDFISH
Capt. Mike Smith
Have you ever tried to use big dead baits to catch huge redfish? If you haven’t, then you should.
Many of the larger predatory fish prefer eating fresh, dead baits over live baits so they can save energy.
The odds of becoming an over slot redfish are at least a million to one. An overslot redfish has figured out not only how to avoid predators and how to conserve energy when finding food. That is why dead baits work so well for catching older, wiser and larger redfish.
The best dead baits for redfish are: a large blue crab cut in half, a butterflied large pinfish with its tail cut off, a chunk of ladyfish, and a chunk of bluefish. The key to catching redfish instead of catfish when dead bait fishing is by using enormous dead baits. You want to use baits at least eight inches long. Catfish always seem to find the bait first and most catfish can’t eat an eight inch dead bait.
Quite often you will catch your monster redfish and notice catfish slime on your line. This tells you that a catfish found your bait first but was unable to swallow it. If you are catching catfish with your dead baits, then you have to go bigger.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use at least a 5/0 circle hook and just enough weight to keep the bait stationary on the bottom. If you let the tide drag the bait across the bottom the redfish will have trouble finding it. But if you use too much weight the fish will often feel it and let go of the bait before getting hooked.
Circle hooks are much less likely to get swallowed and mortally wounding the fish, unlike a J hook. A J hook will often get swallowed if you are not constantly paying attention to your line.
When using dead baits for redfish keep the rod in a rod holder. Rod holders are much better at hooking redfish with circle hooks than we are.
Keith caught this monster redfish with an 8-inch chunk of bluefish along a drop off in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon.
When the redfish picks up the bait and swims off with it, the hook will lodge right in the corner of the fish’s mouth.
The best tackle for catching enormous redfish with dead baits is a medium heavy seven-foot-six-inch rod coupled with at least a 5000 series reel. Spool your reel with 30-pound braided line and make sure to have at least a 30-pound leader attached to the hook.
You can certainly catch a 40-inch redfish with a smaller rod and reel combo but the fish will be half dead by the time you get it landed. In that weakened state the fish will sometimes fall prey to a nearby dolphin or shark. There is no sense killing a big breeder redfish that you cannot harvest anyway.
Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, is an inshore fishing guide who has been fishing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass flats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@fishyourassoff.com or visit fishyourassoff.com.
FALL TRANSITION BASS FISHING IN THE SOUTHEAST
BY NPFL PROFESSIONAL ANGLER JOEY BLOOM
The first cool mornings of fall always bring a little excitement for me. When I back the boat down the ramp and see mist rising off the water, I know the season is changing and the bass are about to do the same. Down here in the Southeast, the fall transition is one of the most unpredictable—but also one of the most rewarding— times of the year.
The key is bait. As soon as water temps slide from the 90s into the mid-70s, shad begin their migration out of the main lake and into the creeks or shallow shorelines. They’re chasing plankton, and the bass are never far behind. If you can find the bait, you’ll find the fish. I don’t even bother making a cast until I see shad flickering on the surface or lighting up my electronics.
CatchMoreFish
My mornings usually start with topwater or a shad-colored swim jig. A walking bait is one of my favorites to throw across the mouth of a pocket, and it can trigger some of the most violent strikes of the season. I’ll never forget a morning last October when a seven-pounder came out of two feet of water and nearly ripped the rod out of my hand. That’s fall bass fishing— when they decide to eat, they don’t play around.
As the sun gets higher, I shift gears. Shallow wood, laydowns, docks and grass edges become prime ambush points, and that’s when I reach for a squarebill crankbait. I like squarebills because they’ve got just the right wobble and durability to grind through cover. The trick is to make contact—bump that crankbait off a stump, dock, or tick it through grass. Those deflections are what trigger bites. Covering water quickly is important because bass are constantly on the move, shadowing those bait schools.
But not every fish in the lake makes the same move at the same time. Some of the bigger, older bass stay out deeper longer. For those, I keep a Carolina rig handy, and I’ve had great success pairing it with Bait Cave Customs hand-poured soft plastics. That slow drag across a secondary point can tempt those stubborn deep fish that won’t chase a moving bait.
Weather plays a huge role, too. A cold front will slow everything down, and that’s when I switch to finesse—something like a Bait Cave Customs, Cave Club finesse worm on a shaky head, worked methodically. On the flip side, a cloudy, stable day can set off a feeding frenzy, and that’s the time to throw reaction baits and keep covering water. Fall fishing here is a constant adjustment game, and you have to be willing to change with the conditions.
At the end of the day, the fall transition is like putting a puzzle together. The pieces change daily—sometimes hourly—but once you figure out where the bait is, how the bass are relating, and what they’ll react to, the action can be phenomenal. It’s the season where I cover the most water, throw the widest variety of baits, and stay the most flexible.
For me, that’s what makes fall in the Southeast so special. It’s unpredictable, challenging, and full of opportunity. And when everything lines up, it’s some of the best bass fishing of the entire year. With the right mindset—and the right tackle—you can make this season one to remember. Follow all of Joey Bloom’s fishing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.
OFFSHORE REPORT
by Capt. Mike Able, Contributing Writer
A Tradition of Shrimp Baiting
Shrimp baiting started out in the early nineteen eighties and became a very productive method of catching larger quantities of shrimp in a shorter period of time. Since then, the method continued to grow for the next forty plus years. As a child growing up, it was honestly not something we did as a family. We went fishing and did other things as kids but never really shrimp baited. My first tastes of shrimp baiting really came later in life working in the tackle shop.
Toting fifty-pound bags of fish meal and clay to a shrimper’s car with the smell of fish meal and the white clay all over my clothing was more appealing at a younger age! That was what most used. They would buy either a couple bags of each or maybe two bags of fish meal and one bag of clay. Going “heavier” on the bait to strengthen the smell of bait for around the poles. Shrimpers would typically get setup closer to the harbor in shallower areas right before dark. Setting their poles in a straight line, separating them just far enough apart where you could throw on one pole, and the driver time it right to where you could dump your catch and load the net again for the next pole. Some poles produced more and some would scratch. Just like fishing, it could produce later in the tide or maybe right at the beginning but once you were setup it was usually home for the night. Mixing the fish meal and clay together, adding water, and forming them into hamburger patties so they wouldn’t roll away in the tide was the idea. Setting them just around the poles so you knew where to throw the net.
As the years went by some things evolved in the shrimp baiting world. It went from PVC pipe with metal tips to fiberglass poles with reflective tape already on them. It went from fish meal and clay, to a premixed concoction called Bait Binder with the idea of having more bait to “binder” mix. Nets became more supple and easier to open; some having more weight to sink faster and catch more shrimp!
Check out all of our video tips at www.haddrellspoint.com
This sixty-day season starts mid-September and ends early November. An individual on the boat must purchase the shrimp baiting license from the SC Department of Natural Resources and each individual on the boat is to carry a SC saltwater fishing license. Cast nets have to be a minimum of a half inch mesh size to throw over bait. With so many different cast net options we suggest doing one of two things; a larger yet lighter weight net like a Betts 8’ Sea Green that is a pound per foot with a 5/8” mesh, OR a Cracker 6’ with a ½” mesh that weights 1.5lbs per foot. Throwing what is comfortable for you is important, especially with the chance you might have to throw it often. Getting a net to cover more surface area and sink faster is the idea!
The popular method of catching shrimp over bait is the way to do it. Catching lots of shrimp in hopefully just a few passes on the poles and you had dinner! Good luck shrimpin’!
Capt Mike Able Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply • Since 1983 843-881-3644(Mt Pleasant) 843-573-3474(West Ashley)
Big nets
Bait Binder
Smaller nets
Everything you need for shrimp baiting
WCapt. Ravenel's Report
by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer
e are in the thick of hurricane season and despite the random temp drops and the rain that just won’t seem to stop; the fishing is hot! Soon the water temp will begin to drop and the days will get shorter. This will no doubt trigger the fish to start chomping on anything that will fit in their mouth. Thank goodness too, I’m over the whole live bait technique by this time of the year.
When it comes to light tackle fishing in the colder months, my go to tackle revolves around “Eyestrike” jigs paired with “Zman” soft plastics. I am often asked about colors and patterns but to be honest, I’m more tuned into bait movement more than anything else. I prefer jerk shads and flukes more than any others.
However, fly fishing is my true passion. Tying my own flys allows me to try new things with our fish, thus learning more about what makes them tick. I’ve been fishing in Charleston my entire life and at this stage of “my angling evolution” the most rewarding way to fish is with a fly rod. Don’t get me wrong, it is an obsession with failure but that’s kind if the best part for me. Being as how it is almost entirely
sight based, it offers much more fulfillment. For example, seeing a red fish eating its way through a flooded grass flat so shallow that its entire back is out of the water is quite a sight. Next the stalking begins; you have to get within range of a cast and you need to sneak up on the fish to do it. This can take up to 5-10 minutes in some cases. This part is so much fun because you can feel your heart beating in your chest. I have never been much of a hunter but I can definitely relate to the sensation of the hunt itself. If you are lucky enough to get to the fish without spooking it then you have a small window to get that fly in a position to actually see the fish go for it! Or maybe you get the jitters right at that moment and mess the whole thing up with a bad cast haha! Or maybe it’s the winter and we are slowly poling up a shallow lowtide creek. Navigating each twist and turn with quite precision until we find the big school of feeding reds. 30-50 hungry fish moving along as a pack; ambushing any unfortunate critter that crosses there path. You don’t know excitement until you actually see multiple fish trying to out maneuver each other to eat your fly!
Either way I assure you that fish will live in your brain for a lot longer any other you may have caught on a traditional rod.
Stay classy Charleston and let me know if you want to see some these spectacles for yourself and I’ll get you on the schedule!
We also offer two hour Dolphin or Alligator trips and we can take up to 12 people. Both of our boats offer plenty of room for the entire family.
Angling Women
anglingwomen@gmail.com (803) 269-2470 www.anglingwomen.com
IFish Tricks
By Meg Dalton Harrison, Angling Women
love to trick a fish. Using artificial lures means you have to “work” your gear to make it “look alive” by making movements that imitate darting, diving, and swimming. There are artificial baits that sink, float, or do a little of both and “working” the bait means you use different techniques in order to make it look alive. To practice with new lures, develop your technique by casting close to you and watching to make sure your action looks natural. You can do a steady retrieve, pop your rod tip occasionally, or in cases of working topwater baits, “walk the dog”. If you have access to a swimming pool, practice there where the water is clear. Or just use your crazy sister's garden tub for practice! And don’t be scared to search for videos showing how to work a bait. As you watch videos of others, practice in clear water, and start catching fish, you will develop your own techniques for working artificials. I was lucky to have a friend take time to show me and now my favorite type of fishing is with topwater lures.
One advantage to using artificial lures is that you don’t have to secure live bait and keep it alive. With artificials, you can just grab your tackle box and head to the water. You can stock your tackle box with several different types of artificial baits in case you need to change your approach. Another perk is that many lures will work for many different species. I never leave home without a white topwater lure and a ZMan TRD Ned rig. If you have questions or would like to connect with other women who love to fish, check out Angling Women on Instagram and we will see you on the water!
Targeting Flounder
by Jiggin’ Jerry, Contributing Writer
There are two well-known species of Flounder that are caught in the Lowcountry, and they are the Southern Flounder and the Summer Flounder. It is considered one of the best-eating fish in the Lowcountry but targeting this fish is not as easy as some would believe because Flounder happen to be a little more particular in its feeding habits and movements in our inshore waterways especially. Flounder can be caught year-round but only one out of the two species will be available through all our seasons and that is the Southern Flounder. The Summer Flounder is only around through the summer months and through early fall then it moves out to sea for the winter, and like I have explained in previous articles, hence the name Summer Flounder. What’s great about the Summer Flounder is they can be a good-size fish being caught between 12 to 30 inches and reaching weights up to 9 pounds. Of course, even larger have been caught, but very few compared to how many fishermen are on the water.
As we move into October in the Lowcountry, our ambient temperature starts to drop and our water temperatures follow. This sends a signal to a number of fish species, changing their feeding habits and encouraging their migration and breeding habits. October is more known for its Red Drum during this time of year, and a lot of anglers are targeting the big bulls, trying to get a picture of these beautiful adult fish. What I personally love this time of year in the Lowcountry is targeting Summer Flounder. You see Summer Flounder become more aggressive in the cooler water. Finger Mullet are larger. Shrimp are grown, and the Summer Flounder is going to feed hard. They are going to fatten themselves up and take advantage of the smorgasbord that is available to them in certain locations. The fish get thick. They have gained a lot more weight, and their camouflage is brilliant.
Now it is well known to most avid anglers that the average hardworking 40hour a week fisherman usually only gets the weekend, if that, to try their luck on the water. We’ve always referred to this as the weekend warriors. I have mentioned this before, and unfortunately, because the working class get such little time fishing, they’ve never really learned how to target individual species of fish. They usually grab a tub of frozen Shrimp, one heavy action bait rod with a double bottom rig and just throw it out into the water, trying their luck at whatever bites. Sometimes they get lucky. They find a desperate, hungry Flounder that is willing to go after a piece of thawed out frozen Shrimp. So let me help you target some Summer Flounder in the fall.
Red Drum and Spotted Seatrout, Flounder don’t just swim around hunting their prey or scavenging. When Flounder are on the move, it is to get to a location where they can sit and ambush. They do this by approaching the sandy, muddy bottoms in the shallows and then flutter the bottom side of their body into the sand, either almost covering themselves up in sand or using their camouflage to blend in with the muddy bottom. Their goal is to place themselves where live Shrimp and small fish will gather just above them hiding from the depths trying to avoid other predators in the deep, but before the small prey knows it, they have just swam over a Flounder in waiting. The Flounder will jump up out of the sand or off the bottom, grab the prey and lay right back down. In some cases, if the prey starts to flee, a Flounder will give chase until it has aggressively attacked and then find another resting place.
YouTube Channel
Fishing With Jiggin Jerry or follow me on Facebook @fwjigginjerry
The first thing you need to know is what kind of locations will these Flounder be congregating. Flounder will be looking for sandy, muddy flats in shallow water along grass lines, alongside of Oyster beds, shallow turns in the bend of a creek, just before drop off. Now you need to know how these Flounder feed in these locations. Unlike
Now all you need to know is what bait to use and how to present it. Flounder can be caught with a number of artificial baits, curly tail and paddle tail grubs in an assortment of colors depending on your location and water color are quite effective when it comes to Flounder. The presentation with these artificials can vary but the most effective is to cast out and slowly drag and bounce the artificial off the bottom. Your goal is to cross the path of a sitting Flounder, enticing it to jump or lunge and attack your artificial bait. Another favorite technique is to use live bait, and that is because Flounder are not a scavenger. Even though if pushed to the limit and hungry, a Flounder will grab whatever it has to, to feed itself, and young Flounder usually don’t know any better until they have become educated grown adults.
Throwing live Finger Mullet, Mud Minnows and live Shrimp at them using a few different rigs works great. The presentation is the same. Cast out and slow drag and twitch the live bait, allowing it to swim around and flutter in hopes that it will cross or attract a Flounder in its hiding spot. Using a Carolina rig with a ¾ or 1 ounce egg weight, about 12 inches of leader line with a Kahle hook works great. You can also use a jig head and place the live bait by its nose onto the jig head and work the live bait as if it were an artificial. Whether from a bank or from a boat, pier or dock, cover your location well. Look at your surroundings as if it were a clock. Start from the left or right side, depending on the structure around you. Start casting at 3 o’clock then 2, 1, 12, 11, 10 then 9 or vice versa. This makes sure that you have covered the flat or location well, and remember, most flounder aren’t solo. When you find one, be prepared because Flounder love to set up in groups.
So if you’re interested in upping your game and you feel like making your next fishing adventure a flounder adventure, grab yourself a Coastal Angler magazine, slip it into your back pocket and take these tips and tricks with you so that you may find yourself with that big juicy flounder you’ve been hoping for. Like I always say, good luck out there and have fun fishing!
UPCOMING COASTAL EVENTS
October 9-11
6th Annual Charleston Fly Tournament
Captains Meeting Meeting Oct. 9 at Rivers and Glen Tournament Oct.10-11
• Weigh in Oct 11 at Rivers and Glen
More information at www.riversandglen.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 Oct. 11, Nov. 22
SALTT (Student Angler League Tournament Trail) Virtual Inches Redfish Tournaments for School age Anglers
Charleston and Beaufort Areas
More info at www.salttfishing.com
October 11 @ 2pm Fall Fishing Class
Sea Sea’s Honey Hole • 901 8th Street Port Royal
More Info at Facebook, Sea Sea’s Honey Hole
October 20 @ 6pm
Free Inshore Fishing Seminar
Haddrell’s Point Tackle and Supply RSVP at 843-881-3644
October 25 @ 6am-2pm Folly Beach Pier
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Charleston County Parks
Multiple Prize Categories • More info at wwwccprc.com
October 25 @ 6am
3rd Annual Red Drum Tournament
Sea Sea’s Honey Hole • 901 8th Street, Port Royal
More Info at Facebook, Sea Sea’s Honey Hole November 14 - December 31
Charleston County Parks Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island Park • Open Nightly 5:30 - 10:00
More Info at: www.ccprc.com
January 17-18 Fishing Expo
Haddrell's Point Tacle 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
Submit your upcoming events or tournament Info to: brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com
Set up for the Lady Red Rendezvous by Marsh Wear Awards Party
(We were only able to attend for the beginning, but this whole event was…. An Event… Check out the video on Instagram, shot by our friend, Jake Hutcheson).
OFISHING FORECAST
Mount Pleasant Pier
by Chris Pounder, Contributing Writer
ctober may be the best month of the year for fishing at the Mount Pleasant Pier. As the water starts to cool, it signals the dinner bell for a variety of species to start eating for winter. Be ready for those first few evenings where temps are brisk and plan to bend a rod the following morning. You’ll want to have some live mullet, shrimp, or minnows with you for bait. You can get away with throwing artificials resembling these baits as well, but this time of year I’d recommend live bait if you can find it.
Historically, some of the best flounder caught from the pier have come in October and into November. It’s not out of the question to see 4-5 pounders when conditions are right. Using a Carolina rig, anglers have a lot of success “walking the dog” along the pier railing. To do so, drop your rig over the side till the weight rests on the bottom and tighten up the slack in your line. Let the bait rest for a few seconds before raising the rod so the bait is off the bottom and moving along the rail a step or two and drop down again. Flounder are ambush feeders and this will allow you to cover more ground and may just get the attention of the doormat you’ve been looking for. You can also just drop the rig over the side, pull up a chair, and enjoy the harbor breeze while the bait gets a workout down below.
Saturday, October 11 will be the last Cast-Off Fishing Tournament till 2025. Tournament runs from 7am – 2pm and entry is just $5 plus the daily fishing fee. Registration is available on site and will begin just before the 7am start time. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd biggest fish, best youth catch, and best aggregate weight of 5 fish. We hope to see you on the pier in October.
WIN A COSTA RICA DREAM VACATION RAFFLE
$100 per entry or $150 for 2 only 400 tickets available
7-night stay for up to 4 people in 2br/2ba private villa of winner’s choice at nosara paradise rentals in costa rica.
5 minutes from the pacific ocean at playa guiones, adjacent to 3 nature preserves
includes 3 half-day nearshore/ offshore fishing charters with FishingNosara.com
includes $500 visa gift card to offset travel expenses (airfare not included).
Asher with a 21" flounder on live pinfish
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
scan to enter
deadline to enter is wednesday, october 15. winner will be drawn live on Facebook on monday, october 20. see all details online.
all proceeds directly support the center thecenterforbirdsofprey.org awendaw, sc
Noah Corcoran, Owner
Marine Detail Supply Charleston
7644 Southrail Rd Unit 400c, North Charleston 843-256-3383
Proper End-of-Season Detail
by Noah Corcoran, Contributing Writer
As the weather cools and boating days wind down, now’s the time to protect your boat from an expensive spring surprise. A proper end-of-season detail and maintenance plan will save you time, money, and frustration when the covers come off next year. Too often, boats get hauled out dirty, covered, and forgotten. Months later, owners find mildew, corrosion, stains, and dead batteries—all easily avoided with a little prep work.
Here’s how to wrap up the season right:
Deep Clean Every Surface: Salt, grime, and sunscreen residue will stain gelcoat and vinyl if left all winter. A thorough wash, polish, and wax (or ceramic booster) creates a barrier that lasts through storage.
Flush and Protect Systems: Run freshwater through your raw-water systems, empty and dry livewells, and treat fuel with stabilizer. This prevents internal corrosion and springtime headaches.
Schedule Mechanical Service: End-of-season is the best time for annual engine service. Fixing small issues now beats paying rush rates in spring.
Dry Before You Cover: Make sure the boat is bone-dry before covering. Trapped moisture leads to mold and mildew explosions by spring.
A clean, serviced boat stored properly will launch smoother, look better, and need less work when the season kicks back off.
Protect your investment—finish strong. Stop by Marine Detail Supply Charleston for the products and advice to get it done, or let our detailing team handle the full winterization detail for you.
Call us with any questions or to book your end-of-season service. We’re here to make sure your boat starts next season looking its best.
OFolly Beach Pier
by Jacob Cynar, Contributing Writer FISHING
ctober is here and the best place to get in on the fishing action is the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Charleston anglers know that October is the time to hit the Folly Beach Fishing Pier to land big fish. In the deeper water towards the end of the pier, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and sheepshead are being caught. In the surf zone, you will find black drum, speckled trout, red drum, and sheepshead. We recommend starting out with a simple Carolina rig or a 2-drop rig, as they give you the best chance of catching something. Of course, you can fine-tune your setup and bait to target a specific species. If you are targeting the bull reds — which you probably are — you will need to beef up your setup to handle the bigger fish.
Many coastal anglers in Charleston have October circled on their calendars. This is the season when cool weather moves in, and with it, the big fish that live in the deeper water move inshore. To land a bull red, you will need a heavier rod with some heavy leader because these fish will put up a fight. A simple drop rig, a 5 oz weight, and a 4/0 circle hook is an ideal tackle setup for reds. For bait, you can’t go wrong with chunked mullet or a small baitfish like menhaden. Please remember to follow the Folly Beach Fishing Pier rules when it comes to your tackle and bait. We do not allow hooks larger than a 4/0, and cut bait must be 2x2x2. Also, remember to respect the fish and limit the amount of time the fish is out of the water.
We have our last fishing tournament on October 25th, so come out, enjoy some fishing, and maybe go home with some great prizes! The
final tournament will also mark the end of our Summer Challenge. There are some good-sized fish on the board, but all it takes is one big one to get a prize! Starting November 14th through December 31st, we will be having our annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. Come out and enjoy some holiday spirit and take part in this Lowcountry tradition.
Jacob Cynar, Operations Manager II Folly Beach Fishing Pier 101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC, 29439 843-762-9516 • Jacob.Cynar@ccprc.com
OFISHING FORECAST
Beaufort/Port Royal
by Sea Sea Nunez, Contributing Writer
ctober in Beaufort, or more commonly referred to by the locals as “Redtober” is highly anticipated by anglers all year. As both the water and air temperature begin to drop, the fishing starts to really heat up! This is where the fun really begins, as tailing redfish, bull reds, and sight fishing commences.
Anglers can see red fish tails breaching the water while they feed on the bottom, more commonly known as tailing redfish. Tailing redfish during the flood tides is a spectacular method to fish for red drum. Anglers have until about mid-November to fish for tailing reds
as once the water temperature drops too low, fiddlers and other crustaceans dig deep down in the mud reducing feeding in the spartina grass. Timing is everything for tailing reds. Feeding windows usually last about 30-35 minutes during the beginning of the incoming tide each day. Using artificial baits such as paddle tails on a 1/8oz jig head would be ideal to use. Reds are easily spooked by anglers using motors, so quietly approaching them is vital. If possible, wading in the water would be perfect for tailing reds.
Bull reds move inshore to spawn and can typically be caught off piers, bridges, beaches, and jetties. For cut bait blue crab, ladyfish, mullet, and whiting work extremely well. The fresher the bait, the better. Don’t be afraid to use bigger cuts of bait too. Live finger mullet or pinfish and even bigger artificial baits work great. Minimum 3000 size spinning reel and above is ideal for these big boys as they run real hard when hooked. Ensure circle hooks are used when targeting bulls as they safely hooks on the side of the lip. So long as there is not a lot of slack in the line, these fish will hook themselves running. To prevent complete
exhaustion of the fish, avoid using light tackle and use heavier tackle to ensure a quick catch. It is crucial to quickly bring your catch aboard once reeled in to prevent it being eaten by a shark and then quickly releasing it. Please be careful handling these fish, as they are the primary breeders in our local waters.
Don’t forget, we sell all the required tackle and bait needed to enjoy some of the best red drum fishing all year!
Hosting red fish tournament October 25th. Mandatory Captains Meeting at 6pm October 24th.
OOctober is the Best!
by Capt. Tim Deckard, Contributing Writer
ctober is one of the best months to fish South Carolina’s Lowcountry; the weather is fantastic, the water temperature cools down, and the bite heats up! Some of the best fish to target this time of year are sea trout and red drum, two favorites of mine. To ensure a successful trip I always make sure to have different baits to start the day. A few well-placed throws from a cast net should do the trick; just find a small, shallow creek and you’ll be all set. And it’s not uncommon to find trout and redfish in the same areas; look for points, ledges or drops, as trout are ambush feeders and tend to lay up facing into the current, taking live mudminnows and shrimp under corks.
My preferred setup is a 2500 series spooled with 20 lb braid and 20 lb floro or mono leader Another method to cover the lower column is a simple jig head, bumped across the bottom with live shrimp or mudminnows. If you’d rather use plastics, Gulp brand 3” shrimp in their New Penny color seems to get the best results. The red drum have been readily taking all live baits under corks and a Carolina rig, and my personal preference, fresh cut mullet, is always at the top of my list. A lot of the reds are taken with cut mullet under a cork, using a knocker rig on the big tides in the flooded grass.
And the Lowcountry, like Spain, has its very own version of the “running of the bulls”. I have targeted these giant reds in the sound one to two hours on either side of the low tide. You will though, need to step up to the 5000 series, spooled with 50 lbs braid, 50-60 lb leader, a 7/0 circle hook, and a 6" leader knocker rig with enough weight to hold on in the deeper water. These bull reds will put up quite a fight so you’ll need to be prepared! On the flip side, a blue crab offering gives you the option to tackle monster black drum, which I look forward to every year. And the bridges in the area provide the best structure to locate this sizable quarry. However, be sure to handle these massive fish with care, using properly sized equipment to get them up and released, quickly. A descending device is a must have on board. To make sure you have the right equipment, plus anything else you may need for a successful day on the water, swing by Seas Seas Honey Hole in Port Royal, and get hooked!
Capt. Tim Deckard (843) 322-1043
tim@beaufortcastawaycharter.com
We are a one stop bait & tackle shop providing both locals and tourists with all your fishing needs. We also make delicious food for lunch on Fridays and HUGE breakfast burritos on Saturdays! Known for our Cuban Sandwiches (only made once a month)
The student anglers of SALTT are starting to get FISHY! Check out www.salttfishing.com to find out how to get your student involved
Parker with Palm State Fishing
in Edisto, pulling the big tailing reds out of the grass.
you’ll have to ask him how.
Capt.
Charters
Capt. Kevin with Cast Away Charters in Port Royal is on the open water reds,
GO RED IN OCTOBER
October has traditionally been one of my favorite months of the year for a number of species, but especially for grouper. I’ve always said that Christmas week is the apex of grouper fishing…and it is. I’ve also said that there is a mental hierarchy in grouper, with gags being at the top and reds being at the bottom. I could catch a red grouper on a wooden dowel rod with menhaden oil on it and a hook attached…and that is not an exaggeration.
I hate to be repetitive, but a live pinfish on a Squid Decoy Jig is a dead ringer for red grouper (and all grouper for that matter). If you have the ability to keep a pinfish trap in the water, I would strongly suggest securing several dozen pinfish to take bottom fishing. Everything out there eats them, not to mention they are very hardy and will live all day in the livewell. Red grouper, gags and scamps all view pinfish the same as sailor’s choice and other small snappers as egg eaters. If for no other reason, they will eat them just to kill them, so they don’t eat their eggs. Frozen cigar minnows and sardines have caught more grouper (historically) than all the other baits combined. That’s what they eat!
Tim Barefoot
ice, fuel or weather.
We always had hundreds of pounds of (frozen) cigs and sardines, so let’s not get too carried away with the bait selection. Frozen cigs get the job done, but now that I’m fishing the super stealth decoy
10 seconds. Nothing down there can resist it. Period.
As I always say, “Find the bait, find the fish.” Yes, I like to fish structure like ledges, wrecks or live bottom, but the main ingredient is food. If you mark big stacks of cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc., it’s always a good idea to fish below that, and keep the light line out on the surface or near the surface for all the pelagics. We have vast areas of sand bottom with no structure whatsoever. We just fished big stacks of bait and caught them GOOD! Red grouper can be caught in most depths of water. From as shallow as 15 feet on the Atlantic side to 400 feet and beyond. The only problem with fishing this style of jig and minnow combination is that you are definitely gonna catch gags, scamps, blacks— and those “endangered” American red snapper.
jig/bait combination, I do love a live pinfish or other live baits.
Please take a descending device and familiarize yourself with how to use it.
I guess that’s why I’m writing this article featuring red grouper this month; because that’s about all we have to fish for this time of year. So get out there with some pinfish and frozen minnows and harvest the red grouper and scamps.
On a commercial fishing trip (many years ago), if you ran out of any one of these four things, it would send you back to the Hill: bait,
With that all being said, don’t ever pass up the opportunity to jig up live cigs and sardines for the ULTIMATE combo! The life expectancy of a live cig or sardine on a Decoy Jig is under
Take your kids fishing, too, and make plenty of videos and photos that’ll last a lifetime.
Learn more from Tim Barefoot on his YouTube channel and at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
Oh, Snap! Chasing Giants in The Keys
By Astrid deGruchy
When it comes to snapper fishing, the Florida Keys are hard to beat. From shallow mangroves to deep wrecks, these waters hold everything from tasty keepers to tackle-busting giants, and the right gear makes all the difference.
shrimp, pilchards, or cut ballyhoo for consistent action. Downsizing leader in clear water is key. On the reef edge, Yellowtail snapper are Keys gold. Target them from spring through fall using a PENN Slammer IV 4500 with 15 lb mono. Set a steady chum slick and free-line white baits like pilchards on a Mustad 1/0 J-hook. Keep your presentation natural since yellowtails spook easily.
For heavier hitters, Mutton snapper shine during the late spring and early summer full moons. Use a PENN Authority 5500 matched with 30 lb mono leaders and Mustad 3/0 to 4/0 circle hooks (Big Guns are the best). Drift live pinfish or pilchards back naturally, and be ready, when a mutton eats, it’s all power. For something more regal, head deep for queen snapper, the true royalty of the snapper world. These stunning red fish haunt 500-1,000 feet down along the continental shelf. A PENN Fathom II paired with 40 lb braid and a Mustad 6/0 circle hook tipped with squid or bonita chunks gets it done. Most anglers opt for electric reels, but handcranking one up is a badge of honor.
Mangrove snappers are the everyday staple, found year-round around bridges, mangroves, and patch reefs. Light tackle with a PENN Spinfisher VI or Battle III 3500 with 20-25 lb mono gets the job done. Use live
WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?
Then there’s the ultimate test: the Cubera snapper. Capt. Kody (@capt_kody) recently put me on a 65-pound Cubera out of Key West. These brutes demand muscle, like PENN International 50VISX, 80-100 lb mono + Mustad 12/0 circle hook type muscle. Summer full moons are prime, and whole lobsters are the bait of choice (yes, not cheap). Once you’re hooked up, it’s a brutal test of endurance, arguably the hardest fight you’ll experience on stand-up gear, especially when you’re handcranking every inch.
Out here, every snapper tells a story… from the quick hits of mangroves to the heartpounding brawls with cubera beasts. We live for those moments, and now you can too. Follow the journey on Bean Sportfishing TV on YouTube. If you are interested in a Cubera Trip, reach out to Capt. Kody Michael on Instagram (@capt_kody) or go to reel-guides.com
SPEND LESS TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing
It’s no fish tale when you run with a John Deere. You can get everything done faster and easier, so you get more time on the water. Plus, our special offers make them the catch of the day.
THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS: Naturally in Rhythm ~ and
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands embody a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and laid-back serenity. These islands are more than just a picturesque getaway; they are a living testament to nature’s rhythm and resilience, effortlessly in tune with the world around them.
With no passport required for U.S. citizens, from the moment you arrive, the islands’ natural rhythm is palpable. The gentle sway of palm trees, the soothing sound of surf crashing against sandy shores, and the vibrant melodies of local music all echo the heartbeat of this tropical paradise. The islands’ lush landscapes, with their verdant hills and crystal-clear waters, mirror the steady pulse of life that sustains the local ecosystems and communities alike.
The US Virgin Islands’ environment is a symphony of biodiversity with world class fishing and diving. These natural elements are not static; they dance in harmony, influenced by the tides, wind, and seasonal changes—further emphasizing the islands’ intrinsic rhythm. This delicate balance underscores the importance of conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations continue to experience the islands’ natural cadence.
Culturally, the US Virgin Islands are equally in tune. The music, dance and festivals reflect a vibrant heritage rooted in African, European and Caribbean traditions. The spirited calypso beats
and reggae rhythms are expressions of life's ongoing dance—celebrating resilience, community and joy. These cultural expressions are an extension of the islands’ natural rhythm, showcasing how human life here moves seamlessly with nature’s flow.
In a world often dictated by chaos and rapid change, the US Virgin Islands serve as a reminder of the beauty of being in sync with nature’s tempo. Their natural, cultural and ecological rhythms offer
a blueprint for sustainable living and harmony. As travelers and residents alike continue to embrace this rhythm, they uphold a legacy of balance—one that celebrates life’s natural flow and the enduring spirit of these remarkable islands. In the US Virgin Islands, being in rhythm
way of life.
North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest Trout Season Begins October 1
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will implement Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations on 33 trout waters beginning Oct. 1. Under Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations, only catch-and-release of trout is permissible from program waters between Oct. 1 and June 5, 2026. No natural bait may be possessed, and anglers can fish only with artificial lures with one single hook. An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell. NCWRC staff stock Delayed Harvest Trout Waters from fall through spring with high densities of trout to increase anglers’ chances of catching trout. Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, posted with diamond-shaped, black-andwhite signs, are popular fishing destinations for anglers who enjoy catchand-release trout fishing. Anglers should be aware that stocking locations along streams may be different than in the past due to hurricane damage impacting the stocking truck and angler access.
For more information on trout fishing and stocking, visit ncwildlife.gov/trout and to follow the progress of the Setzer renovation, visit ncwildlife.gov/setzer.
