If current conditions are an accurate harbinger of things to come, Chris Chavis is expecting a fantastic fall and winter for redfish in the Charleston area.
“It has really been better than normal for this time of year, and that’s a good sign,” Chavis said.Chavis, of Fin Stalker Charters (843-795-4707, www.finstalker.net), has taken advantage of the early redfish bite in recent days, many times having caught and released 12 to 15 fish in a morning. And the size has been good,
“They’ve been running about an 8- to 12-pound average, with an occasional 14- or 15-pounder being caught,” he said. “You’re not catching the 25 or 30 fish a day that are possible in fall or winter, but 12 to 15 fish is good for August. It’s not typical for it to be this good right now.”
Most of Chavis’ success has come while fishing shrimp or mud minnows on a Carolina rig and 8- to 17-pound-test line.
Chavis concentrates his angling efforts on shallow-water flats, where the reds are typically found in 1 to 2 feet of water. Favored haunts include Charleston Harbor as well as up the Cooper, Wando and Ashley rivers.
“I’m generally going early in the morning, because I only make one trip a day when it’s this hot,” Chavis said. “But those single trips have been well worthwhile.”
Clear and still conditions are ideal, which keeps Chavis at home on days when 20-knot winds and muddy water prevail.
“It doesn’t have to be super still, but the less wind the better,” Chavis said. “And it’s really perfect if you get a mild west or southwest wind.”
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