1st trip out

Today was my my first trip down, and as expected, I got skunked. Bought a new boat and all new gear, now I just gotta figure out how to use them.

I fished the entire outgoing tide(about 7 hours) and didn’t even hook a fish. I tried a little bit of everything, trying to figure out what to use and how to fish them. I tried a carolina rig(1 oz egg with 2/0 hook) baited with MM, cut mullet, and frozen shrimp. I also had a float rig that had a popping float, 18" 15# mono and a 3/8 0z jig head. I think the jig was too large looking back. I baited it with all of the above plus a couple of gulp plastics. Never even got a good bite.

I have to drive down from Charlotte(3.5 hrs) so any help shortening the learning curve would be greatly appreciated. I fished the IOP ICW and surrounding area; creeks, oyster banks, docks…I tried fishing different depths but not really sure how deep I should be. Tried to use current too.

Sorry for the very long winded post. Hope everyone else brought some fish to the boat at least. Thanks for any and all advice

Well the full moon tide didn’t help you today. When it’s really ripping you will often only catch fish at the turn of the tide.


2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com

quote:
[i]...Sorry for the very long winded post. Hope everyone else brought some fish to the boat at least. Thanks for any and all advice
Not really that long. Like Optiker pointed out, the tide was ripping this weekend. Makes it tough. I don't see anything I would change... except, I am ALWAYS working a grub in a place I haven't fished before. It will tell you the depth of water, structure of the bottom, and will cover lots and lots of area.

Hard week to fish.It will get better in the Stono.I hang in the Stono because i hate to burn 20 gal of fuel to run to the Wando or harbor.In a few weeks the Stono will pick up and i will have plenty of fish to chase.Glad to help you learn the Stono area.

Stonoman