10-14-2001, 08:04 PM
South Carolina Weekly Shallow Saltwater Fishing Report<br>Week of 10-07-01 through 10-13-01<br><br>Instead of “here we go again”, it seems to be “not much has changed” since last week. The wind is blowing a gale from the Northwest with clear skies. There were a couple of days with some clouds, but mostly just clear skies and lots of wind. And, we even had a couple of days with “Small Craft Advisories.” But, the fish seemed to bite pretty well in spite of the weather and rough water. As before, clear water, or less muddy water, seemed to be where we caught the fish. Sea trout and reds are in small pods, and there are still a few big ones mixed in with the schools. We had one day where the wind let up just before the end of the day, and we broke out the fly rod and caught several sea trout and small reds. We were using the “Copperhead” fly that we are so fond of, and both the trout and reds loved it. This fly, and others, are tied by Randy Hamilton of “Hamilton Flies.” Quite a few of his creations, including a really good, weighted, Gold Spoon Fly, are now being sold through the Scientific Angler catalog. Randy can be reached at caprandy@bellsouth.net . The total on the fly rod that evening was 4 trout, and 2 reds. The reds were about 2 to 3 pounds each, and the trout were around 2 pounds each. Most of the others were caught with live bait or jigs, since we had to stay anchored most of the time. I believe that if we can get some days with a little less wind, you will be able to catch them easily on crank baits, and spoons. The water has started to cool a bit, and many of the shrimp have already left the creeks. There weren’t many to begin with, at least not in this part of the state. Some of the local guys are having good luck with surface poppers for trout. The “Chug-A-Bug” seems to be one of the favorites along with the “Zara Spook” and “Zara Puppy.” Also, live shrimp under a float is always a deadly rig for the trout when fished close to the grass line on rising water. When using one of these rigs, you will need to have strong line (10# or heavier) because you are also likely to hook into a redfish. And, if you do, he can make easy work of breaking light line if he goes into the grass to do his fighting. My personal choice is for the 20# test Fireline connected to a 20# test Trilene XT leader. The trout are not as leader shy as you may think when it comes to eating a live shrimp. Always remember when using live bait, if you deep hook a fish that is to be released, please don’t tear the fishes stomach open to save a ten cent hook. The fish is much more valuable than the hook so please, just cut the hook off and retie one. If you tear the hook out the fish is guaranteed to die, but if you leave it in, there is a good chance it will survive.<br><br>It’s official now, the new redfish regulations are being enforced and wardens are checking at the landings to make sure the new law is being followed. I talked with one recently and he said they are currently issuing warnings and citations.<br><br>Our totals for four trips this week were: Reds totaled 8 with the largest being 10# and several others in the 7# to 8# size. Trout totaled - 9 with most of them around the 2# size. <br><br>Thanks, Gene Dickson <br>Delta Guide Service http://www.deltaguideservice.com<br>Georgetown, SC<br>1-843-546-3645<br> <br>PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS: Delta-Guide-Service@sc.rr.com <br><br>We are a saltwater fishing guide service located on the coast of South Carolina.