Old man invited me to go on a guided tour with captain mark phelps(shorethangcharters.com). We told him we’re not concerned so much about catching fish but would rather have him show us how to identify schools of reds movingtogether in colder conditions first and foremost so we can go out and find our own schools during the cooler months. We learned more today than in a a years worth of fishing! We have been successful at all other times of the year but never could partake in charleston’s winter wonderland of redfishing. Cannot give capt phelps enough props! caught around 9 reds, 1 slot the rest well over slot in the upper 20"s and low 30"s. But most importantly he showed us what to look for concerning schooling reds in a variety of spots in every condition known to man. We probably missed as many reds as we caught (due to our inexperience with artificials). We also saw a couple hundred reds in various pods/wads/schools that just weren’t eating. which is what we really wanted. water temp was between 55 and 60 depending on the spot. in northern ICW, at spots that were not exactly “secrets” either. Hats off to capt. phelps. if you’re looking at finding a guide i reccomend mark, and he had nothing but positive ■■■■■■■■ on every other guide I’ve ever heard of, if you’re having trouble with the fish, a guide can solve you’re problems!
old mand with mark after 1st fish 28"s?
largest fish of the day easily over 30"s
the elusive double hook up. ps those reds are like 26+"!
and that is why we have guides.
give a man a fish and he eats for a day. TEACH a man how to fish and he enjoys life.
Kudos to the Cappy and good report.
Haha, It was funny because two of the 3 spots he took us to, I had already fished, but i’ve never seen schools like that there. Over 100’s of fish at each spot in these sick schools, I had never seen schools like that and it was amazing to see them. I mostly asked him about spots that i consistently fish of my kayak and he explained to me where those schools will be and how to spot them. So now with this new knowledge i am excited to fish my spots in the colder months. Just watching those schools move was beautiful especially when you make that perfect cast and the hair stand up on your neck as you feel AND see a monster pick it up and go. not to mention doing it with the pops (who smoked me with like 6-7 fish to my 3-4!). pretty special day!
That’s a really cool report. Glad you got on em. I’ve been lucky enough to fish with Capt. Mark, and honestly don’t know anyone that gets more excited about fishing. He defines “great fishing guide”, and is a blast to fish with.
