Hey there, I recently got a boat and I’m real excited to get some gear and take it out to hit some spots. My buddies and I have been getting some trolling stuff but I was wondering what kind of fish are at the near shore reefs or even out to the Charleston 60. Is it all BSB or are there other things out there as well? Also what is the best way to catch fish, just drop to the bottom or troll around? Any tips or hints are greatly appreciated!
100’ on live bottoms are great for bottom fishing. Spring is the dolphin run, find some warm water and troll some baits. The trolling is by far the most fun.
I’m a noob but this winter caught bsb, sheeps, porgie, lane snapper, weakfish at capers reef R8. In summer at R8 and 60’ I’ve caught bsb, reds, bluefish, weakfish, spanish, AJs, spades, false albacore, and black drum. Jetties in summer caught weaks, reds, sea trout, blues, sheeps, pompano, crevalle, black drum, spanish. The pros tell me there’s tarpon out there too.
You can troll around for kings and spanish in summer but you can do that off the beach, no need for reefs. Nearshore gets a lot of pressure, I have only caught bsb and blues there. I was just talking about catching cobia at the hilton head 45’ with a friend so I’m assuming they come nearshore here to. Mahi, tuna, wahoo, Grouper and snapper are generally further than 75’.
To catch at reefs you need to anchor up right on top of the structure and drop to bottom. Some fish like spades and weaks will come mid way or to the surface.
I recommend buying gear and bait at Haddrells, they will help you target whatever you want to eat.
There is no doubt more, that is just what I’ve personally caught.
Right now you may be able to pull some keeper BSB at the 60 or some closer reefs. Summertime there are enough “sport” fish to have fun. AJ’s & cudas show up. Albies, spadefish, kings, and Spanish show up also. Depending on what you’re fishing for will determine what method. BSB drop to the bottom and reel up a turn or 2. I prefer fresh shrimp cut into pieces personally. As far as the other fish there are a few ways to catch them. I would suggest buying a Sabiki rig and jig up some live baits if you really want to have fun. Pitching a live bait on top of a reef and watching big AJ’s and cudas slam it is always fun. You can also troll with plugs and spoons for kings and Spanish. PM anytime if you want.
2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos
Nearshore in winter will hold spiney sharks, bsb, reds, sheepshead and as waters warm weakfish, blues and into late spring spades and blues.