Me and “DDOlson” went to the jetties on Saturday morning. Our launch was station 22 on Sullivans Island…
I was hoping to get on some sheepshead - so I brought fiddlers. I also brought my Shimano 8000 on a med/heavy boat rod for putting out some cut bait for big reds and other big stuff.
The launch was successful so we started our trek out to the north jetty. I attempted to catch some live bait but only got a few menhaden and shrimp. I need a bigger, heavier net than my small creek setup. Fortunately I brought some frozen mullet…
Got out to the rocks - my strategy was simple: anchor along the rocks and fish for sheeps. I put cut bait on the big rod and put in a rear holder.
I managed to catch a zillion black sea bass…unfortunately, they were all undersized, with the biggest at 12.5". Also caught a lot of oyster toads. I did not bring any sheeps to the boat, but I think I had a few hooked up - and they must have been big, because they straigtened a few of my hooks out during the fight. Unfortunately I forgot to bring the beefier hooks - I was stuck using the small 1/0 mosquito hooks I had.
The bigger rod got some action too - the baitrunner started singing and I started reeling and about 5 minutes later I was surprised by not a big bull red, but the biggest stingray I’ve ever caught - it had about a three-foot wingspan. I had to cut him loose - he was pissed and I didn’t want to take a chance with his barb.
I had another really strong run, and I started reeling and it surged then pop - gone! I think it was a big shark - cut the line at the braid.
Darrell had the best day - he boated a couple overslot reds, as well as hooking into a tarpon! The fight lasted only briefly, as the big fish went airborne and broke his line. Hopefully he will chime-in with his side of the story.
We made it back to the beach and we both landed in the surf with no issues. I admit I was nervous about the return trip - I flipped on the same beach last year during a surf landing. I brought the Pr
It was a great day. As far as the BSBs go Lewis was catching them left and right for me I managed a single at 10"
I had two reds in the range of 25 - 26" The first was on a large mullet cut into pieces. The second fell to cuts of a fresh ladyfish that I caught on a fiddler.
Using parts of that ladyfish I also had another big fish. The reel was just screaming. I pickup up the rod and started reeling. Just as soon as I started reeling in the fish started racing back in my direction. At about 30 yards this tarpon jumped out of the water. The set-up was not set up for this species. With the single jump that confirmed my hookup was gone. The 20 lb leader did not last long against those gill plates or sharp scales.
It was a great day on the water with a great friend and fishing buddy.
Now thats how you yak fish! Only thing that makes this better is knowing this trip wasnt ill pprepared and yall were ready. Pleaae make sure everybody knowa the jetties isnt necessarily a good thing in a yak!
I wouldn’t mind having a get-together out there on the beach, and do some playing around in the surf with the kayaks - but I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking just anyone out to the jetties. I’m not knocking people’s abilities - I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination - just being cautious. Places like the jetties/grillage are about as ‘extreme’ as it gets around here, as water is concerned…anyone going out should have a buddy along plus all the necessary safety gear, radios, self-rescue skills, etc.
With all of the fishing opportunities at the rocks, one can easily forget that the jetties form the entrance to one of the busiest commercial harbors along the East Coast.
Fishermen must keep an eye toward the channel and steer clear of any passing ships. Large wakes from container ships, pilot boats, barges and yachts can easily dislodge a small anchor, so anyone fishing inside the rocks must be alert to avoid being swept into the rocks.
Anglers must also pay close attention to wind, choppy seas and swift currents, particularly around the higher tides during a full moon. A stiff breeze blowing against a strong tide can make anchoring tricky and even dangerous. Spots like Dynamite Hole - where currents, rocks and sandbars all come into play - can be particularly hazardous at times.
A cautious approach is best: Don’t risk being pushed into the rocks or swamped by a large wave. Just wait for a calmer day.
Some of my friends with center console boats will not brave the jetties any time of year. Remember a kayak is a very small boat. Fishing anywhere in a kayak cn be dangerous, so be careful, and keep your wits about you. Like Lewis said, I also would not feel comfortable taking anyone out there not knowing their abilities. I am not trying to say people shouldn’t fish there, I do myself occasionally. But, fish everywhere else and hone your skills before braving the ocean, because it is non-discrimanat and very dangerous at times.
Good luck to all and be safe.
I have been out there in my center console and going out through the harbor the first time I remember approaching the habor entrance and seeing the action of the water appearing to boil. Being a recent transplant here I had never seen anything like that before. I imagine it has something to do with the tidal flow against the wind or something, but very strange. I felt like I was in a washing machine and never wanted to go in or out of that water again. For that reason, I respect that place alot, but if there is a beach launch that avoids the traffic and current, I’d love to go sometime…
