Fish holding in tight schools around deeper structure and marsh lines
After a couple of months when chilly inshore waters chilled the speckled trout bite in Georgetown-area waters, fishermen can target ol’ yellowmouth with regular success.
Capt. Chris Beck of Sea Jay Charters said water temperatures are finally at a level about as good as they can get for spring trout fishing, and the bite is on.
“It’s happening for sure. The water temperatures steadily-rising into the upper 70s has these fish biting pretty good and consistently in certain areas,” said Beck.
The trout are following their classic springtime maneuver, packing into tight groups and holding in specific places near structure and along grassy banks to feed briefly before shifting to other positions in the bay. Beck (843-344-2645) stays on the fish, keeping his options open and moving to different spots when the bite slows.
“Look for a big pocket of them along the marsh islands on high, rising water,” he said.
Not only are the fish stacked in nice-sized groups, the oversized beasts are abundant.
“It’s mainly the bigger fish over three pounds showing up,” he said.
Beck believes the bite is being driven by a mixture of resident fish and ocean immigrans coming into the estuaries to feed and begin their annual spawning ritual. Either way, it’s a good time to visit Winyah Bay and give these fish a whirl with a variety of artificial options. The usual trout killers will coaxes these powerhouses to bite: D.O.A. shrimp, Gulp! shrimp, grubs and any one of MirrOlure slow sinkers or suspending models. Typical colors seem to work well in the dingy waters, with white, chartreuse, smoke, electric chicken and opening night producing good success.
Beck is seeing the biggest fish at the crack of dawn hitting the larger MirOlures and classic topwater choices including Badonkadonk, Bonga Minnow and Zara Spooks. Using a stop-and-go retrieve with long pauses will commit most of these early morning fish into making a fatal mistake.
Be the first to comment