Catching bait

Saltwater Inshore Discussion
1

I’ve lived in Charleston for a long time, but relatively new to the fishing scene. This may sound really novice, but I need some tips on catching bait. I can throw a cast net just fine, the question is, where do I throw it? Any tips on where to catch bait, time of day, right tide, what to look for, etc.? I launch from Riversedge on the Ashley. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

David Smith

2

low tide…mouth of small creeks…you’ll find finger mullet and a little bit later in the season, shrimp. Look for ‘nervous’ water.

3

Finger mullet should be really easy in just about any creek at low tide. They Cruze the bank moving on the surface in formation like geese fly. Manhaden “flip” on the surface. You can see and hear them.

4

Finder mullet starting to show up. Saw some schools at yesterday. Caught a couple dozen in the cast net Friday night.

Ya know, it must be nice living in Neverneverland. Remind me to come visit you, when I need a break from reality.

5

Thanks for the information. I think I’ve been looking in the right spots, just not the right tide.

David Smith

6

You can still find bait at high tide but take caution. Nets don’t like oyster beds. Most places are pretty clean at low tide.

7

Tiger…High tide gives the bait the escape from predators by aloowing it to move into the safety of the grass…can’t cast into the grass. Low tide will reveal pockets, pools, and drop offs that produce most of the time. I will blind cast a creek on low tide, and as often as not catch all the bait I want.

8

Thanks Bulldog. That makes a lot of sense.

David Smith

9

I’m on my 5th net in several years. Oysters are tough on nets. I try not to let my net drag bottom too much but finger mullet like oyster banks.

10
quote:
Originally posted by sea tonic

low tide…mouth of small creeks…you’ll find finger mullet and a little bit later in the season, shrimp. Look for ‘nervous’ water.

^^^

What tonic said and everyone else. shrimp are in the creeks right now. Don’t go with a 1/2 mesh. stick to a 3/8 and like Reeldawg said watch for oysters and other snags. My last trip the kids with us liked the castnet bait fishing better than the meat fish catching.

“Why Bruce?”