I bought a Hot Spot map of the Charleston area so I could learn the names of creeks and such so I could better navigate my way around and so I could explain where I was, etc… I admit that I also bought it in the hopes that it may help me find/select spots to fish. With that in mind, how helpful are these maps when it actually comes down to “good” fishing spots. I see where some locals guides contributed to the making of the maps and I am wondering why they would reveal good spots. Any thoughts or experiences?
I wonder if they just don’t label anyplace with structure or intersections of waterways, or bends in waterways. I like them for a starting point in deeper water. Haven’t found them too helpful inshore.
Do you drive down from Columbia to fish most weekends?
stickman, I still have your Charleston 60 map…oops!
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
maps are good for the names of creeks and navigation, but wheen it comes to the fishing spots… idk how reliable it is… ive tried to use it for trout and redfish but when i go to the spots, they arent tht great, like you wonder why would there be fish there…With exceptions of a few spots… The some good things about it is it tells you what time of year it is good for and what area of water is good,also listing like structures and stuff like that…
Ive only really had luck with em looking for tarpon spots around bulls bay…
you might be able to find some new spots though such as dropoffs and holes…but also check out google earth, thats where i find most of my spots
good luck
Bonzo- How’d you get that?
Think about a reef trip the friday before the MI Lighthouse Oyster Roast. Could do Saturday. Need to hit the boatshow one of the days.
quote:
Originally posted by stickmanBonzo- How’d you get that?
Think about a reef trip the friday before the MI Lighthouse Oyster Roast. Could do Saturday. Need to hit the boatshow one of the days.
last time we went to the 60 it got stuck inside my Maps Unique and came home with me…weekend of the STL oyster roast Sat would work better for me (let me clear with the boss) as I have to go pick up the beer and run errands for the Sun event…a bunch of us from work usually go to the boat show that Fri after lunch…come join us!
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
Just by SC Sportsman… no more maps needed 
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
SC Chapter Coordinator- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os
Starting from scratch with no local knowledge, it helped me get started a ton. I like to have a few spots in mind when I go out, so initially that helped me figure out places to go. Also, at low tide it helped me see some reasons why a spot might be good, but like SF, sometimes I just scratched my head wondering why it was recommended. When in “punt” mode and getting skunked, I’ll pull it out to put thought as to where to go next.
I agree with Nikon, SCS is a GREAT magazine. They are always one step ahead of the upcoming hot fishing and they do local reports and predictions by guides. With the exception of talking to Ken & others at Charleston Angler, I’ve probably gained more useful info from that monthly magazine than anything else.
Vinman
19.5 Triumph, 115 HP Honda
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
What would be the best way to navigate with the Hot Spot map? Would it just be by landmarks? Plotting Points? Buoy markers or channel markers? What is the best way?
quote:
Originally posted by puleyboneWhat would be the best way to navigate with the Hot Spot map? Would it just be by landmarks? Plotting Points? Buoy markers or channel markers? What is the best way?
If you have a GPS it has coordinates for every recommended spot. They aren’t pinpoint, so if you don’t have a GPS it is a general area on a map along with a few pointers on how to fish certain spots.
Vinman
19.5 Triumph, 115 HP Honda
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”