Two-way specks

Casting and trolling are sure-fire winter speck strategies

When December’s weather takes over in Murrells Inlet, SC, Capt. Jason Burton of Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters said speckled trout fishing can be top notch with artificial lures.

“As shrimp leave the inlet in December, a lot of people stop fishing until spring,” said Burton (843-798-9100). “But the trout fishing can be off the charts with artificial lures.”

Troll it

Trolling is one method anglers can use to put specks in the boat right now.

“Trout hang out in several different locales this time of year,” he said. “And where you catch them today, you may not catch them again for a week.”

But Burton said the specks don’t move very far, and he said the places trout frequent this time of year all have similarities that anglers can key in on.

“They love to hang out where deep water is adjacent to shell-covered banks,” he said.

These places are easy to find with even the most basic of electronics. And trolling between such places lets anglers cover lots of water without wasting time in unproductive places.

When trolling, Burton suggests using two rods. Lures like the MirrOlure 52M and hard plastic shrimp are great choices for trolling. Going slow is the key, and adding a swift jerk to the rod every so often can help.

Cast it

Casting can be productive too, and Burton said most anglers agree it is more fun than trolling.

“If you find some trout in 10 feet of water in an area, then you’re likely to find them in 10 feet of water in another section of the inlet too,” he said. “Once you’ve found the depth they like, stick to that depth, even when you move your boat.”

His favorite lures for casting include a variety of soft plastics on 1/4-ounce jigheads.

“I like to cast them into the current and let them bounce along the bottom during the retrieve,” he said. “Areas with swift current are always good.”

Plenty of options

With a scarcity of live bait inshore by December, Burton said that opens plenty of options for anglers fishing with artificials. It also makes things a little easier and less messy. With no need to catch live bait or worry about keeping it alive, anglers can hit the water with just a couple of rods and a small tackle box full of lures.

It’s also a great time of year for trying lures of all shapes and sizes.

“Artificial shrimp, topwater plugs, suspending plugs…these can all put fish in the boat,” he said.

One of Burton’s favorites is an often forgotten lure among saltwater anglers. With so many attractive lures on the market, it’s easy to overlook a curlytail grub, but Burton catches plenty of trout with these rigged on a 1/4-ounce jighead.