Ok, so Sat is looking pretty nice. I hope I’m not jinxing it by posting this. I was thinking about heading out nearshore. I don’t really have the gear to go grouper fishing etc. 20 lbs spinning gear basically. Is it too early to try to find some sheepshead/black drum on some of the reefs. I’m sure I’ll be battling the endangered bsb, but what about anything else? I was figuring on taking about 3 pints of fiddlers and a couple of lbs of squid. Any suggestions, am I wasting my time?
The inshore sheepshead haven’t migrated out to the reefs to spawn, but there are typically a few residents hanging around. Potentially some big flounder if you can get a bait away from the BSB’s. I’ve caught a few keeper grouper out at the 60 this time of year, but you typically catch shorts. I would definitely freeline/float some live bait out there while you bottom fish-should have a shot at kings/AJ’s. Good luck, you never know unless you go.
May want to keep in mind it should be prime time for some action with the weakfish out there, especially on the closer reefs in 25-35ft of water. Keep in mind the new regs on weakfish only allow keeping 1 per person, but when they are there it is usually wide open action. DOA shrimp, live shrimp or minnows, GULP shrimp, etc should all be productive for ya on the weaks. Like mentioned, should be some ‘resident’ sheeps and some black drum hanging around as well. November is usually when your closer nearshore reefs are best. (chas nearshore, LCA reef, etc) Hope this helps, g’luck.
Scott Hammond
Asst Manager
Haddrells Point West Ashley