I just got a 17 foot bay boat with a 10 inch draft. I love it and am not sure exactly where i’ll be keeping it, but I know it will be in the general Charleston/Mt. Pleasant area. All my life I’ve fished lakes and ponds so I really have no clue what I’m doing. Any tips on what tackle or rod/reel to use and what’s the best tackle for reds, trout, flounder, sheepshead, or whatever else is inshore? Don’t know any good spots or solid techniques.
Ever do any Largemouth fishing? Those same rods and reels will work fine for just about any inshore fish you’ll come accross. But remember, SALTWATER. Rods are usually never a problem in saltwater, reels…well unless you really break them down and clean thoroughly, they will fail. There are some fairly inexpensive sealed reels on the market, all depends on your budget. For tackle, just start simple. Cut bait and shrimp on the bottom will catch just about anything. Sheeps and Flounder do require some diffrent bait and tactics. Shrimp under a popping cork will catch Specks and Red drum as well.
I’d recommend visiting the local fishing clubs like East Cooper Fishing Club, Stono Fishing Club and the Summerville Saltwater Fishing Club (sorry Optiker if I got the name wrong) or others and I’d also attend the many free seminars put on by Haddrell’s Point and Charleston Angler. You’ll learn a lot.
Click for list of clubs:
http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/default.asp?CAT_ID=4
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
190cc Sea Pro w/130 Johnson
1- 20 year old (boy of leisure)
1 - 17 year old (fishing maniac)
1 - wife (The Warden)
ECFC
You cant beat time on the water! Start close to the ramp at all tides with different types of baits and progress a little farther out!
Troll grass lines with paddle tail lures. Electric chicken colored glass minnows catch trout and spot tails. When you troll and catch fish , remember where that spot was. Then ease back to it and start casting. That’s the best way to put meat in the boat IMO. Good luck.
Key West 1720 115 HP Johnson Saltwater.