I’m thinking of venturing to the jetties to fish for the first time there. however from reading other post I’m concerned about where to set up and where not to be and if my boat is suitable for that location its a 17 foot center console.
can anyone provide any tips on the best location to be and how to anchor currently I only have a boW anchor. I plan on being on the water before sunrise to escape the boat traffic and rough conditions.
I’d like to get on some Spanish if anyone has any tips they are greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance to all replies!
You did not state from where you will be accessing the harbor. To start with, and weather/water permitting, I would run the green cans to the end of the jetties, cross over and run the red ones back. This will give you an idea on what the area looks like. I would not venture from the edge of the channel until you have seen the jetties at low tide. On the side of safety I would not anchor until you have navigated the big wakes of the ships and pilot boats that travel this area. Watch the other boats, they will give you ideas on where to fish. Spanish are where you find them but I like catching them on the tide changes at the end of the north jetty. When you do start anchoring I would rig the anchor with a buoy so if you get surprised by a big incoming wake you can throw the anchor line, maneuver the wake and then come back to your anchor.
“Temptation may lean on the doorbell… opportunity may only knock once”
Thank you that is helpful information. I plan on approaching from Remley’s point. I’ve read plenty of recommendations to anchor there (which is bow first faced outward from jetties and stern to jetties anchored with either a makeshift anchor or reef anchor). I plan on trying to troll around for a bit to see what action is there and then anchoring up for some bigger fish. Please forward any further suggestions, they are appreciated.
Thank you!
Are the jetties out of the water at high tide?
Sea Hunt BX 21
150 Yamaha
You can see the rocks most of the tide. Some higher tides they are completely gone.
As stated above, go at dead low. This will allow you to see what your working with.
If you pass through the south jetty (by dynamite hole) make sure your between the bouys.
If you go around the ends of the jetties make sure you go out a ways and then cut around. They do extend out under water.
Dear fish…Springtide and friogatto give excellent advice. Kudos to you for doing your homework. That says a lot about your common sense and seamanship. Keep your head on a swivel, and pay attention to detail…especially the small ones and don’t tempt Mother Nature. If it looks like a storm is moving in on the horizon in any direction be ready to haul and head to the dock. Keep one rod rigged with a Clark Spoon, or Hammered Spoon and if you spot a school of Spanish you won’t waste time rigging up…they stay on the move at a pretty fast clip. Watch the birds…They’ll tell you if something is about to happen.
Sol Mate
Mako 20B
225 Optimax
All good advice. Keep a look out in the distance for swells, containerships, and sportfishing yachts. I’ve always felt threatened by boat traffic more than weather. The mega dock tournament is this coming week,and you won’t catch me at the jettys.
Thanks to all for the advice. I Made it there, fished menhaden with No success. I guess its a whole lot more fun to brave the conditions there if your on some fish however I don’t think that will be my number one spot though. Thanks again, I look forward to learning more from everyone’s posts.
Menhadden are easy to catch w/ a castnet.
But you have to be careful w/ the jettys. The anchor could drag & you not know it & the first thing the jetty would take out is your rudder or engine. Think about that. If your anchor dragged & the wind blew your boat into the rocks, your stern would get hit first, taking out your steering & your power, then the wind would just keep bashing your boat into the rocks over & over for hours, slowly eating deeper & deeper chunks from the fiberglass.
One might think “Oh, but they’re plenty of other boats around to warn me & to help me get out.”, but most of the big boats that could tow you out won’t come near those shallows, & the fact is, none of them are keeping an eye out for you. You must check to make sure you’re not dragging often if you go below. Just keep a timer or the GPS anchor alarm & be safe.
<Christ returned in 1844>
I hear ya…its definitely not worry free fishing. I’m just getting into fishing this area (Charleston from iop to stono inlet). I heard there’s a good spot at kiawah reef, any idea how far out that is from the stono or if its accecible by a 17’? If not can anyone suggest any areas that are good to fish closer in? Thanks again!
This should get you started.
Good luck and dont give up on the jetties. The big ones are there.
http://www.keywestboatsforum.com/topic429.html
Friogatto: Thank you thats definitely some great spots to start, I appreciate it! Do you have any spots that you would like to share for catching consistent slot reds or flounder? If you would like to email that’s fine I wouldn’t mind “trading” a spot that I catch consistent big reds, caught a 31" red yesterday there but can’t keep any. Thanks!
HAHAHA if I had that, I’d only be posting in the “Inshore Reports” section.
Take lots of beer.
1971 NEWPORT DAYSAILER 21’
1970 MAKO CC 22’
I just read that when you first drop anchor near the jettys you should leave your engine on for the first x minutes (6?), cause if the anchor drags, it’s most likely to drag then. However, I’m not sure I agree with that, considering that the current may get much stronger in the next 3 hours.
<Christ returned in 1844>