Spring Report - Charter Fishing

[AvidAngling]

Throughout the winter and into the spring, I focus on redfish when I am fishing inshore. Trout are starting to bite better, and the flounder have shown up, but not really in numbers for me to charter fish for them. That should change any time now with the water warming up into the high 60’s. This is really the time of year for me to target the reds. The water is clear, and I take advantage of the super shallow draft of my skiff to get up onto the flats. Poling around in the spartina grass and watching the water move slowly through, you feel like you become part of the surroundings. You actually get to see the fish you are after and that can be just as exciting as catching them! This is really a great time of year to get out on the water. The bugs aren’t bad and the breezes are cool and refreshing yet balanced by the warm sun on your back.

Water Temp - 65 deg.

Bait - Finger mullet, softshell crabs, and mudminnows are great in the spring. Shrimp will be popping around in the creeks soon. Anchovies are darting around, as well as some schools of menhaden. I am working baits slowly, just a twitch here and there. Light presentations seem to be the way to go on the flats with the clear waters and somewhat spooky fish.

Fly Fishing - Good, but the fish are still more on the lethargic side. Work flies slow, slow, slow. Copper and gold seem to do the trick if the fish aren’t too spooky. High tides seem to be a bit better because fish are less spooky and the visibility in the water is better.

I hope this helps in come way.
Capt. Mike

[Capt Rick Hiott]

Good report !


Top water for trout.......................... Its workin!

[AvidAngling]

I'm glad to hear you've had success with the topwaters...I love them for early morning trips or evenings when it's glassy and you can really watch em hit, but with all this wind in the afternoons I haven't been throwing too many on trips. Good to hear it's working for ya, I'll give it a shot!

All the best and see ya out there,
Capt. Mike