Mark Skeen moved to Mount Pleasant from an inland area in the “other Carolina” last year.
From a previous job, Skeen had a boat, but he didn’t have much in the way of tackle or saltwater know-how. A Charleston-area guide and a tackle shop teamed up to help Skeen outfit his boat for inshore species like redfish and speckled trout.
The Charleston Angler’s Mount Pleasant location was the setting for the “newbie” angler summit between Skeen, store manager Jeremy Shelton and guide Tom Siwarski of Carolina Aero Marine Adventures.
Starting with rods, Shelton and Siwarski both mentioned a 7-foot, medium-light Shimano Clarus rod. At $79, they’re affordable, and they come with the dependability of a limited-lifetime warranty — which made Skeen’s ears perk up because he has kids he wants to take fishing. More expensive rods they discussed included 7-foot, medium-light G-Loomis GLX and St. Croix Avid. Both have light tips.
When the discussion moved to reels, Skeen said he owns one freshwater reel, but Siwarski said, “The difference between freshwater and saltwater (fishing) is that you need to spend a bit more money on your reels.
Shelton agreed.
“Saltwater reels have better seals than freshwater reels, and you can’t skimp on this department because of the effects of corrosion,” he said. “Remember to spray your rods and reels down with water after you go fishing.”
The Shimano Stradic 3000 was the clear winner. Offered at $159, the reel comes with seven ball-bearings and a 1-year warranty — an in-store joke because Shelton said they never break. A top of the line Shimano reel carries 11 ball-bearings and costs three times more, not something a newcomer is ready to swallow.
Skeen’s 21-foot Sea Pro has gunwale-mounted rod holders and a livewell. He also has a cast net and a dip net. Siwarski recommended that Skeen look into getting a trolling motor in order to be stealthy in shallow waters. Skeen said he likes to take his kids fishing, anchoring up and using live bait, so he’s free to “check” the waters with artificial baits.
Siwarski directed Skeen to Power Pro 10-pound braid, equivalent in diameter to 2-pound monofilament. The braid is almost a necessity when fishing around oysters.
“Why would you fish around oysters?” Skeen asked.
“Plan on losing some rigs and hooked-up fish on oyster shells, and if you aren’t losing any, then you’re not fishing close enough to fish-holding structure,” Shelton said.d
Further rigging came with Momoi monofilament in 8- to 12-pound test and Gamma fluorocarbon leader. Use a 20-pound leader for redfish and a 15-pound leader for trout, joining them to the running line with a loop knot, which Skeen said he’d learned in “saltwater school.”
When Siwarski reached for the Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp 2/0 circle hooks, Skeen was introduced to the latest trend. He said, “I heard that the circle hooks set faster.”
Siwarski said, “These hooks are way better for the fish than J-hooks, and they are so easy to use. The fish get hooked in the corner of the mouth, and that’s good when you’re fishing with your kids.”
Shelton showed Skeen a snell knot and told him that his offshore customers have also switched to circle hooks.
Siwarski demonstrated building a Carolina rig using a No. 10 Billfish barrel swivel, Sea Striker plastic beads and an eighth-ounce egg sinker. He said this simple rig can be used with live crab, finger mullet, menhaden or cut bait, and that many different inshore species are caught on the rig.
“Be prepared for a lot of sharks,” he warned.
Siwarski then shared that, “Ninety percent of summer trout charters in this area are using a popping cork with a live shrimp under it, and don’t underestimate the leg motion of the shrimp.”
No live shrimp, no problem. Siwarski said that a D.O.A. shrimp fished under a popping cork is just as good at times and that he likes the clear and glow colors. Skeen said that he caught a speck in the Wando River on a MirrOLure, so Shelton showed him the more popular colors.
Shelton showed Skeen the local Top Spot map, which documents many well-known fishing spots, as well as helping him get from one place to another.
“If you go out at low tide and just look around, you can mark on your map where hidden structure will be at high tide.” Shelton said.
Siwarski recommended that Skeen or any other rookie fisherman get started by booking a trip with a local guide. “A new angler will learn so much regarding techniques and fish behavior that it is totally worthwhile,” he said.
With rods, reels, terminal tackle, a tackle box full of productive rigging material and lures, Skeen left the store confident that he’s ready for his next fishing adventure — and to make saltwater fishing a favorite new hobby.
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