I fish a private dock by the cosgrove bridge with my little boy. Lately I haven’t seen any signs of life… about a month ago one of the residents said he was busting 20 - 30 trout a day, but I have only caught one! Am I wrong in saying there just isn’t any fish there? I’ve tried carolina rig and popping cork with mud minnows and electric chicken on a jig and a spinner… Are there bait fish still running in the creeks? The creek I fish runs past Charlestown Landing.
Hello there. You aren’t fishing the most productive area as far as trout goes. I suspect you are also fishing from the dock. Like you said though, a resident was catching 20-30 trout. My bet is that angler figured out or lucked into the tide stage the trout were feeding during for that spot. Also, October through November is the feeding frenzy season. That is over now. Trout, redfish and flounder are all bottom huggers so the mud minnow Carolina rigged should get them. Pay attention to current; keep moving your bait around until you find their ambush spot. That is usually at a current break; something that makes the tide speed change. I recommend a gulp bait, particularly the paddle tail grub with the ribs in in. I cant remember what it’s called. Get the small 3" one. The paddle tail actually works and they hold onto the gulp well to help you feel the bite. They are extrmely soft mouthed right now. Being artificial, you can move it along the bottom SLOWLY and fan cast until you find the ambush spot. Make sure you are feeling the bottom! Don’t be discouraged this time of year. I’m not sitting here typing this novel for nothing.
Good luck, Matt
“Junk always sounds best.”