Warm winter weather leads to great fishing opportunities

Typically, January and February bring the coldest water temperatures to our local waters. However, winter has yet to make an appearance in the Lowcountry and the water is unusually warm. So, the fishing pattern is more like fall than winter. This is good news for anglers. Trout and redfish are schooled up and feeding aggressively in shallow water.

On Saturday, it was super windy and rainy. With gale force winds blowing against the tide, there were some big waves in the Wando River. On the run to my first fishing location, I was thinking I should have brought my surfboard. Some of the waves look rideable. No worries for my Pathfinder 2500. The run to Hobcaw Creek was fast and dry.

On breezy days, Hobcaw Creek is a good option because it has lots of trees that provide protection from the wind. After pulling up to a wind-sheltered shoreline, I deployed the trolling motor and began systematically casting a Z-Man Finesse TRD (Hot Snakes) on a 1/5-ounce jig to oyster bars and irregularities in the marsh.

Trout and redfish were both in residence. They were not particularly large specimens but on such a windy and rainy day, they were most welcome. Nearly all of the strikes were aggressive and occurred in shallow water.

The long-term weather forecast is for more warm weather. If the forecast holds true, fishing should be very good in the shallows.

The Cold-Water Fishing Class is full. The response has been overwhelming. Perhaps at some point this winter, we will actually have cold water!

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