I’ve done most of my fishing in NC where NE winds means good fishing but here NE winds kills the fishing or so I’ve heard. I have a few days off coming up and want to spend it surf fishing in charleston however when I look at the weather report I see NE winds for the foreseeable future. I’m still planning on fishing regardless because I like to get to the water as often as I can but looking for some info from the experts. Is NE winds really that bad for this area and if so why is that? I feel like it would bring in some cooler water which I would imagine would be good for Mr. Red but I’m probably wrong as I’m no expert. Any info would be great. If it does indeed cause bad fishing is there an area that I can fish that would be less affected by the winds?
Svdrumline, Ive heard from allot of folks NE the least SW the best. Ive also heard from allot of people it needs to be fall to catch reds in the surf. Heard full moons bring high tides and dirty the water, not good. I took this advice and started to monitor and watch what happens on those days did it stack up, with what people are saying? First I found where I fish that I was able to catch reds in August, but no doubt Fall is the best, much more fish. Regarding NE winds it was very difficult for me on those days to catch fish but not impossible. Caught fish for a couple weeks without the NE winds then they came in the bite slowed down big time, the winds left and the bite picked up immediately why this happens-I dont know but thus far is looking to be true. I also had to try and debunk the full moon theory and went out when it was a full moon and NE winds with a buddy of mine who is an old salty dog who was probably surf fishing in diapers, we were in a great spot had plenty fresh mullet fished for 6hrs or so, he was able to get only one red and I was pretty much skunked and walked away with a hangover and and lady fish wooohooo! No matter how hard you try if they arent in they arent in, nothing you can do to change that, but Im sure some people out there have had a good day on NE winds. Now Im checking into the solunar/lunar table in the sciences category and thus far that was accurate, sorry for rambling I have a fishing problem think I may need some therapy. If you go fish bars up close and bring some heavier weights, otherwise your line will blow back in and if it gets up to 15-20, stay home.
Here’s what I’ve learned in my 25+ years fishing Lowcountry beaches, rivers, creeks, marshes and inlets both from my boat and from shore:
The best time to go fishing is when you can go. I have experienced bad fishing days with NE winds on the beach and in the creeks, etc. I have also experienced slow days with west winds, like yesterday. I fished an area of the IOP I don’t normally fish and got nothing. I have fished barrier island beaches from Bull’s Island to Fripp Island and have had some fantastic days when it was cloudy, cold and the NE was blowing hard; AND I’ve had some bad days under the same conditions. There are other factors that affect the bite and location of fish like barometric pressure, tidal flow and moon phase. I have taken whole weeks off for fishing “staycations” and had bad/unfavorable conditions the whole week. You just have to make the best of it and go for it.
If a NE is blowing, you might try some areas where the wind would be at your back like the southern end of a barrier island.
Anyway, didn’t mean to be long-winded. Have fun on your days off.
Jack Taylor
This was a lot of awesome info guys. I’ll be sure to report back with how I do when I go out. If I were to try and wait for the NE winds to go away I won’t be fishing until next month almost! I think I’ll at least aim to be out there when the winds are a bit more calm so it’s not a struggle fighting the current. I’ll look into some barrier islands Jack but I’m not sure if I can get to one. The ferry to Bull’s is way to expensive from what I’ve heard. Something like $45? I have a yak that I fish from and I know people paddle to some of the closer islands but I’m a strong believer in the buddy system for things like that and my buddy for this trip will be my lady and I’m not putting her through anything like that. If you have any suggestions on how to get to one of these islands that is feasible for me and her could you PM me? I’m not too familiar with the area yet so I’m not sure what islands are around and how accessible they are for people who don’t have a boat.
Perception Pescador Angler 12
I would try launching at Pitt Street bridge in mount pleasant if you are near by. Beautiful area with access to sheltered creeks. It can dry up on low tides so plan around that. Somebody tore up some flounder there two weeks ago. I attempted a short trip , 30 min, and got skunked but saw tons of action after the bait, likely overshot reds. I only had time for artificial so I think that was my issue. It was mid tide when I wss there last.
First, Most, Biggest
I would try launching at Pitt Street bridge in mount pleasant if you are near by. Beautiful area with access to sheltered creeks. It can dry up on low tides so plan around that. Somebody tore up some flounder there two weeks ago. I attempted a short trip , 30 min, and got skunked but saw tons of action after the bait, likely overshot reds. I only had time for artificial so I think that was my issue. It was mid tide when I wss there last.
First, Most, Biggest
Mr. White where you been hiding, havent heard from you in a while, I loved that old Rich Trox video on reading the beach, you posted a few months back- Ive pushed it on a few people trying to give them a little help, I said it came from you, I have been using the same method for years-but video taught me so much more. Great stuff. When I go to the beach I’ll take 10-15 minutes every time and stare at the surf and try to identify what I learned, its helped so much. I believe in luck, but I also believe in odds and the more I can learn to improve them Im going to do. There are general patterns we can learn from and the more of them I can get to line up the better. I remember you once saying that the reason you came on this forum was to learn and gain more knowledge it stuck with me and Ive tried to do just, simple words but for myself important to do if I want more fish. I have plenty of holes in my game admittedly and am trying to plug them as fast as I can the old salty dogs on this site have got so much to offer Im not sure If I agree with everything that they all say, but I certainly respect and listen too every word of it, Thanks and welcome back.
Thanks RBR. I’ve been around but just not able to fish as much as I would like to leaving me with less to report here, particularly in the surf/pier section. I’m gonna try to work ontthat though. 
First, Most, Biggest
Hey RBR, can you share the video with us? You’ve got me interested.
quote:
Originally posted by runbabyrunMr. White where you been hiding, havent heard from you in a while, I loved that old Rich Trox video on reading the beach, you posted a few months back- Ive pushed it on a few people trying to give them a little help, I said it came from you, I have been using the same method for years-but video taught me so much more. Great stuff. When I go to the beach I’ll take 10-15 minutes every time and stare at the surf and try to identify what I learned, its helped so much. I believe in luck, but I also believe in odds and the more I can learn to improve them Im going to do. There are general patterns we can learn from and the more of them I can get to line up the better. I remember you once saying that the reason you came on this forum was to learn and gain more knowledge it stuck with me and Ive tried to do just, simple words but for myself important to do if I want more fish. I have plenty of holes in my game admittedly and am trying to plug them as fast as I can the old salty dogs on this site have got so much to offer Im not sure If I agree with everything that they all say, but I certainly respect and listen too every word of it, Thanks and welcome back.
Surf or fish I havent ever posted a video on here before but you can find on the internet under Rich Trox reading the surf identifying sand bars,troughs and cuts. There should be places like this on most any beach, you just have to get out and scout them out and when you find them you will drastically improve your odds of catching fish it is a must see for all levels of fisherman. Go out at low tide find them and pepper them with big pieces of fresh cut mullet when the water starts to roll over them These sand bars will move on you from time to time, Ive switched my spot several times where I fish and follow them like groupies, but they will pop up in some of the same places, particularly after a nice big storm. This video was posted by Mr. White a few months back. 
The video is 16.36 minutes long
Well I will probably let y’all know what happens to me tomorrow evening . I plan to fish the sunset period. Will only be using the heavers with chunks and short fish finder rigs. In my experience if you can keep the bait out in the rough when the mullet is on the move you can catch fish.
Im gonna give it a shot Saturday early evening,winds calm down quit a bit.
Runbabyrun I’ll be out there Saturday as well. I’ll end up at either IOP or Sullivan’s. I’ve learned that when the current is rough IOP is almost a waste of time because I have the hardest time keeping my sinker still. For whatever reason I have better luck keeping my sinker on the bottom at Sullivan’s. Maybe I’ll see you out there if you are on one of those beaches.
Perception Pescador Angler 12
SV, Im hitting a different spot otherwise I’d love to meet up with you, I do like the way sat is looking better than fri, sat night winds drop to light and variable, low tide around 7 depending on where you are, Im heading out probably a little before that to locate good spot on bar-deepest part, get set up and when it turns and starts to come in it will be getting dark as the water rolls in over bar im dropping big chunks of cut fresh mullet in the trough and on bar too, I know it will take a few hours for water to hit my bars but usually when you find one others are before it just hidden by water, If you get chance give yourself time to scout out good spot , then give um hell, good luck.