Sidebars Archives - Page 46 of 194

Find the right pattern and load the boat with Cooper River bream

Wyn Mullins of North Charleston said the quickest way to limit out on bluegill in July is to find the right pattern quickly. […]

Noisy lures with imbedded rattles will often get the attention of speckled trout from long distances, drawing strikes other lures wouldn’t get.

Noisy lures attract more trout bites

Mike Marsh

Daybreak is the best time to catch speckled trout during summer. Helping fish locate the lure takes more than just the typical vibration of an injured or swimming baitfish or the subtle movements of a soft plastic. […]

Spanish mackerel are fast swimmers with keen eyesight and sharp teeth, often requiring angler to trick them into a reaction bite.

Three trolling rigs for Spanish mackerel are popular among South Carolina fishermen

Phillip Gentry

Trolling for Spanish mackerel is a great way to locate fish when searching a large area. According to John Boy Koonce, a Charleston-area guide, you can make trolling as simple or as complex as you like; it’s a good way to fish with clients with children who aren’t as accomplished with tackle. […]

Gray trout are often caught on the same lures, in the same areas, as the more-popular speckled trout.

Weakfish are a big bonus for speckled trout fishermen

Mike Marsh

While most anglers who catch summer trout are targeting spotted seatrout exclusively, other species will torpedo lures intended for specks. One of the best of these bonus species is the gray trout, aka weakfish, so-called for its weak mouth. However, a mouthful of treble hooks that snags one usually holds it tightly all the way to the boat. […]

Make sure you can distinguish Spanish mackerel from king mackerel

Phillip Gentry

When the water temperature in nearshore waters reaches the upper 70s, it’s not uncommon to see a blending on the fishing grounds between Spanish mackerel and king mackerel. […]

Mud minnow are a favorite live bait of many fishermen who target flounder.

Live bait and artificials can be equally effective when targeting Harkers Island flounder

Jerry Dilsaver

Flounder can sometimes be very picky and will only exert themselves to eat a certain bait, while at other times they seem ready to pounce on just about anything they see. […]

Popping corks make enough noice to attract the attention of big, hungry trout.

Popping-cork rigs are just the start when targeting speckled trout

Brian Cope

Fishing with an artificial lure under a popping cork is a popular way of attracting and catching speckled trout. The noise created by the cork draws attention to its location, and once trout see it, they spot the lure. It adds the element of sound to a lure that primarily relies on sight. […]

Certain stages of the tide are better for targeting flounder like this one caught by guide Noah Lynk of Harkers Island.

Learn to fish the right stage of the tide for flounder around Harkers Island

Jerry Dilsaver

In many seminars at outdoor shows, the leader will often talk about “fishing the tide.” This is a reference to fishing what is considered the best part of the tide cycle as long as is possible. […]

Making noise is a key for speckled trout lures

Brian Cope

Noise — at least the right noise — can attract speckled trout and give your bait or lure a better chance at being eaten. Popping corks are great noisemakers, and they add an extra or sound to live bait or artificial lures equally, as long as they are used as more than just strike indicators. […]