Just moved back to the area a couple months ago from Nashville after about 8 years. Did quite a bit of kayak fishing in the reservoirs and lakes up there. Originally from the Philly area I spent most of my summer youth at the beach in Jersey and St Michael’s MD off of the Chesapeake. My grandparents had several boats over the years but the only one that lasted was an 86 15’ Boston Whaler sport. They sold the house in MD and gave the boat to my mom who let it sit for several years no use. I knew it was going to be a hassle trying to get the boat without my brother and sister complaining about it. I decided to offer my mom 3k for it and told her if she wanted give each of them 1k.
So I got the boat down here and have been lucky enough to get out several times a week and to have a father in law who knows several hot spots around the intercostal. I’ve been out to the grillage caught 6 or so 40+" bull reds. Trout have been most of what we have been catching most around the 2lb range a couple 4lb. My father in law can really tear em up. Some days he will out fish me 10 to 1. I’ve landed a could flounder nothing too big, a couple inshore slams and had my first 40+ trout day last week. You stop counting after a while.
I’m looking for some other people to help me find some schooling reds up on the flats. At low tide I see flats every where and don’t know where to start. He’s got a handful of spots he likes to hit and he’s more of a trout guy. I love the reds, maybe it’s the gear being too heavy for the trout, there just isn’t much fight. Again at low tide I ask wouldn’t that be a good oyster bed for the trout at high tide and he responds, don’t know.
Didn’t plan on this being so long,sorry. If anyone wants to kick in a little gas and get out on the water send me a message
Steve
If you see a flat get on it and check it out. That is going to be your best option. Not many people on here are going to give up there schools. Put a trolling motor down, cruise around and if there are they you will know. Take a day or two and do nothing but scout flats, sides of the rivers, and backs of creeks. I have done this several times, just looking for any kind of movement in the shallows.
Guess I will make a diy pole for now. Wish I had a trolling motor. So it’s unlikely that they would be up on huge flats like on the east side of the 105 marker near the north end of Dewees and are more likely on creek flats. Not looking for locations just advice. In the past I’ve been successful finding them in the grass by kayak during higher tides.
The ICW banks are loaded with schools of reds from IOP north to Bulls Bay . Work the banks and look for the schools , they are there just got to find them .
19’ Cobia bay
Sweet. Appreciate the advice.
I think the term “Flat” can be misleading in the winter. Any shallow (2ft or less) area close to deep water (+5ft at low) will work. You are looking for places hard for Dolphins to get to but close to an escape route (deep water). All our water ways have this some are made of mud some are sandy some are shale. Look for dark mud and or shale. The real “secret” is being willing to stand out on the boat on a cold day with the possiblity of doing nothing but standing on a boat on a cold day. Once you accept this then you will see the schools of fish. Next step is getting the dang things to eat. Lots of schools pass me with no luck. Sometimes it is what I am offering, sometimes they saw me before I saw them…makes it sporting.
Epres, thank you. That is more of what I was wondering. I’ve been looking at huge flat mud areas that are exposed during low tide and covered at high. I get a little nervous checking some of these areas out afraid I might not make it out before the tide drops too much. I’ve been told it eventually happens and sooner or later I will be stuck somewhere till the tide rolls back in. I’ve fished quite a few spots where you strand yourself on purpose. I am by no means a fair weather kinda guy, cold weather doesn’t bother me
I was out hunting trout Saturday and happened across a school of reds. Broke off a couple but did catch 3 slots. Plenty of fun! Now I have a little more confidence with artificials on them. It wasn’t hard at all. I think I’ll stop using a mono leader to hopefully cut down on my breakages if they’re around.
Just to confirm I was talking about low tide depths. I don’t as a rule fish flats on falling tides. I only like rising tides because I don’t want to get stuck or have to think about getting out (makes me edgy). And I was only talking about winter time flats fishing. Poling is best. You can wade the shale areas from the shore (once a school is spotted and you know their direction). Once you get the feel for it, they remind me of grazing cows.
I understand. Just gotta make a pole. Can’t afford a real one right now.
OV. I use an old windsurf mast as a push pole. You can find PVC caps and glue them on the ends. Should be easy to find an old mast for free. Works great for me. Btw: Whaler Power!!!
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
Personal Trout Slot Limit: 16"-20" Creel: 2
Had not heard the windsurf mast. I’ve heard pool equipment poles. Was thinking of trying the PVC filled with great stuff to stiffen it a little. I won’t be using it a whole lot