The Wando and Cooper River Systems are Producing Gaudy catch and release numbers

Much of this week was dedicated to hurricane clean up. However, the few times that I was able to get out, the fish were most cooperative. Shorter days and cooler water (about 70 degrees) have the Redfish and Trout feeding aggressively. Right now, they are stuffing themselves with shrimp. A lure that imitates the tiny crustacean is a good bet for fast action. My current favorites are the Z-Man StreakZ 3.75 and EZ Shrimp. While the StreakZ 3.75 does not look like a shrimp, a snap and sink retrieve imparts an action that is nearly identical to a fleeing shrimp. The EZ Shrimp looks (and sinks) like the real thing. When fished a few feet below a rattle or popping cork, it is highly effective.

Of course, if you are not into lures, live shrimp are abundant and easy to catch (at low tide). Below a float or on a jig head, a live shrimp will not last long. Something is going to eat it. So make sure to catch a bunch of them. This time of year, you will need them.

Both the Wando and Cooper River systems are producing gaudy catch and release numbers. In both areas, casting a lure (or live shrimp) to the mouth of creek drains (on the falling tide) has been an exercise in catching (and not fishing). While a good number of the fish (especially Trout) will be just under the slot limit, a fish on every cast is not unusual. If after a few casts in one location you are not catching fish, move on to the next location. Remember, the fish are feeding aggressively. Keep moving until you find the bite.

With the fish being so abundant (and hungry), now is a good time to begin using lures or flies. Regardless of how you decide to fish, I feel sure you will catch a bunch.

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.