I recently purchased a 21 foot bay boat with a 150 motor. I’m looking to really get into charleston fishing and catch some redfish, trout, flounder, etc. but I really don’t know the waters at all and I don’t know where I should go to fish. I also haven’t fully decided on where I’m going to store it, but hopefully somewhere near where I live which is right downtown. Anyone know where are some good starting spots for fishing and what are some of the better locations of boatyards that are near good fishing areas?
Start out an hour or so before low tide and go up one of the rivers. Take it slow until you can learn the area. Look for creek mouths, oyster beds, old dock pilings and other structures. Watch the sonar for submerged stuff. You can always fish the down current ends of the jetties. Just be carful anchoring. Try a cork on the top near structure with live bait, cut mullet or menhaden on the bottom, or pitch a jig (I like the electric chicken color but others work fine too)and work it slowly. With enough effort, you will find fish. Just try not to find the bottom with the new boat.
Olde Man Charters
Best thing to do is to search this site and put in your dues when it comes to time on the water. If this is your first boat, learn how to handle it, and be courteous to others and safe on the water. Meet other experienced people on this site who know how to catch fish and invite them on your boat to show you around to some not-so-secret spots and how to fish them. This site is a great resource.
Have fun with the new boat and stay safe.
Narcosis
http://www.keywestboatsforum.com/topic429.html
Good place to start
www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/tagfish/pdf/CharlestonHarbor.pdf
Another good resource.
Hire a few inshore charter captains.
Don’t fish their spots, but use the information they provide to find your own.
Learn methods, tackle, etc.
Pay attention to Tides.
My first tip would to go to one of the local tackle shops / Haddrels , Charleston Angler , Palmetto State Armory and let them get you set up on tackle, Rigs, baits, etc. It is better to pay a little more but get what you need. Second , learn the local waters- get a map, GPS, etc. Third, would be where you fish and when. This to me is the hardest part. I would reccomend going to simiars which are also at the local tackle shops. You can find a list of them on cf or in the Sunday paper at the back of the sports section. These can be really helpful!
Good Luck and tight lines!
17’ Mako
THe local tackle shops sell a map that indicates all of the local ‘hot’ spots. Pick that up and use it. It’s a good starting point. And if you haven’t already done so, take a CG aux safe boating course.
If is is a serious post, then all of the above is great advice.
I have a question … Is this your first boat or first time operating a boat on your own?
If so … ask as many questions as possible. It won’t be enough.
2005 Grady 209 Yam F200
“El Dorado”
1989 High Tide Super V-14
2004 Yam 25 2-Stroke
Johns Island, SC
There is a marina with boat storage in downtown on the harbor/Cooper across from Drum island.