While fall does not officially start until September 22nd, Labor Day marks the end of one season and beginning of another when it comes to fishing. Labor Day marks the end of pleasure boating for most people and fall fishing commences for those of us who enjoy the solitude of less crowded waterways.
If you have not fished the fall season in the lowcountry you are missing out on some of the best inshore fishing our area has to offer. The days will begin to get shorter, nights will become cooler and water temperatures will begin to drop. All of these factors trigger the feeding mechanisms in fish as they prepare for winter.
The top water bite for trout and redfish will get much more aggressive. If you’ve had those summer says where the fish lazily swat at your lure, but don’t really give eating it much effort, you will be pleasantly surprised by the ferocity of the strike as the weather begins to change.
As the water begins to cool it will also begin to clear, making targeting schooling redfish an experience you will not forget. I have been fortunate enough to watch several fish compete for a lure and watch the entire process through clear water. If you have kids that enjoy fishing it does not get any better for them to be able to actually see and watch the fish in action.
The flounder fishing will also stay very good throughout the fall months and will also feed more aggressively. Most people think of using live bait when targeting flounder, but you can have great success on soft plastics fished around creek mouths, docks and inlets. A slow retrieve will normally find a flounder if you are in the right area.
Take a day off from watching college football. Set your DVR to record your team and get out on the water. You just might find that football can wait until you get home.
Andy Pickett
CharlestonFishing.Com</font id=“blue”>