Sidebars Archives - Page 61 of 194

June 21, 2026

The catfish graph shows all

Dieter Melhorn said the above graph represents 13-pound and larger catfish caught each year, depicted in different colors. […]

Cast a soft-plastic shrimp far enough in front of a school of reds that it doesn’t spook them, then let them find it.

Learn your lessons for Charleston’s January redfish

Brian Cope

The schools of redfish you’ll see in January can literally number in the hundreds, and you’ll find out quickly that they like sticking close together. […]

A good pair of polarized sunglasses, like these worn by guide Garrett Lacy, makes seeing schools of reds much easier in January.

Checklist for January redfish

Brian Cope

Anglers who hit the water in January often say it’s easy to catch redfish, and for those with the right ingredients, it might be. Stock up with these key items, and it can be easy for you too. […]

Spinning reels in the 2500 to 3000 class spooled with braided line are a perfect match for winter redfish.

Medium-action tackle is the ticket for January reds

Brian Cope

Spinning gear is great for redfish, and as long as you set your drag properly and aren’t tossing baits deep under docks, you don’t need to use very heavy-duty rods, reels or fishing line. […]

Lake Wylie’s population of blue catfish is expanding in terms of numbers and the size of fish being caught.

Lake Wylie’s catfish from a biological perspective

Terry Madewell

It’s one thing to have fishermen tout a lake as being great for a certain species, but taking a look from a scientific and biological perspective adds depth to that analysis. […]

South Carolina hunters have a five-month season on crows on private land.

South Carolina crow-hunting particulars

Pete Rogers

• A hunting license and free Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit are required to hunt crows. […]

Berries like crabapples (above) and smilax are prime foods for grouse during the winter.

Grouse enjoy eating berries above all else, so hunters should keep a sharp eye out for them. Early in the season, grapes are a mainstay, but many types of berries remain edible all winter, even after a hard freeze. […]

Dead crows can be added to decoy spreads for realism and to attract crows to help a “dying” comrade.

Decoy sets are crucial for crow-hunting in South Carolina

Pete Rogers

Decoy set-up is essential for a good crow hunt. […]

Knowing the details of an established forest service trail can provide hunters with a good idea of where to go and how to get there.

Trail tips for grouse hunters

Mike Marsh

Foot access to good habitat is the most-important aspect of grouse hunting. A hunter who can’t walk the rugged terrain for several miles with relative ease is not going to flush many grouse. […]

Big rafts of ducks on open water offer sanctuary for heavily pressured fowl looking for resting areas while migrating.

South Carolina duck hunters should tighten up tactics

Jeff Burleson

By January, every duck still alive has heard and seen just about every trick in a hunter’s toolbox, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull a flock of ducks into the decoys in January. […]