Looking for advice on fishing from a kayak around Parris Island and Lady’s Island. Moved here on orders a year ago but recently bought a kayak to explore the local fishery. I’ve fished the recommended spots around PI (E Beach, 13th hole) as well as some others (new boat ramp). Mostly DOA or Vudu under popping cork (white/pearl). Try to catch low tide but a lot depends on how the tides work out on the weekend (I prefer the mornings). Having some success with trout (a few 17+) but nothing huge. I’d really like to find the redfish and what works on them. Any suggestions on locations/baits?
I fish with a light split shot with two fiddlers crabs on a 2/0 circle hook. I know they are out there as I caught two 20" reds on Friday. I fish from shore so I sit and wait for them to come foraging by.
If I was fishing from a kayak (which I don’t think my lower back would agree too) I would float fish live finger mullet around the oyster rakes. I have watched countless times the reds ambushing the schools of finger mullet passing by the rakes.
If you want to expand your horizons, try fishing Archer’s creek, it has some rather large rakes, particularly down by the Broad river end. You can put in near the Sportsman club (close to the new main gate at PI.
Here is a pic of one of the two Reds. As you can see around the fish, any time I need a bait I just reach down and dig one out.
Live bait is a challenge in a kayak, especially mullet. Worth a shot though. I saw a ton of mullet moving by the new ramp yesterday. Also saw some reds but none were feeding.
Are you fishing under general Pollack’s bridge? I see a lot of folks there. I assumed there would be some fish on the raffle to the east where the creek splits.
Interesting about the sportsman’s club. I drive by on Friday to look for a place to drop in but didn’t see one. Is it down one of the unpaved roads in the woods?
I fish down near 13th hole off the bank.
Been a while (20 years) since I was back there by the Sportsman club. After you pass through the gate bear to the right. There used to be a dirt road on the right, before the club, that led down to a very small boat ramp that was on the lip of a small basin that feeds into Archers creek. Not sure if the construction of the new gate wiped all that out. The outlet from the basin is so shallow that I had to time my launch & recovery with my 16’ so that the tide was at least at mid point. Any less and I would get stuck. Kayak could do it.
I don’t have Google earth loaded but if you did an aerial you would see the small basin.
Never tried to throw a small cast net from a kayak but wondered how it would work out. Too bad cuz you don’t have to wait for the mullet to come to you.
quote:
Originally posted by GatorJustinAre you fishing under general Pollack’s bridge? I see a lot of folks there. I assumed there would be some fish on the raffle to the east where the creek splits.
Most of the reds I have seen caught under the bridge always seemed to be on the Broad river side while bouncing grubs along the bottom. Lots of convicts (sheepshead) around the pilings of course. The east side seems to be a hangout for the big stingrays more than anything. Treacherous footing under the bridge and since I’m an accident waiting to happen I choose the flatter sand banks. 
Digger, I’d suggest using LiveTarget shrimp rather than Vudu or DOA. Last week, I had a Vudu under one bobber and a LiveTarget on another. Fished them side by side to see which bait the trout preferred and they devoured the Live Target while only hitting the Vudu once. If live bait is hard to come by, you can’t beat a LiveTarget shrimp and a Trout Trick. Best of luck.
“The quickest way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly”
quote:Never tried the LiveTarget but will look at it thanks. I had great luck targeting top water trout with Savage Gear's 3D TPE shrimp under a popping bobber. Super realistic and pretty durable. They are pricey at around $5-6 each, but worth it IMHO. As pricey as they are I only use them under floats since I fish around a lot of structure.
Originally posted by SportAngler0720Digger, I’d suggest using LiveTarget shrimp rather than Vudu or DOA. Last week, I had a Vudu under one bobber and a LiveTarget on another. Fished them side by side to see which bait the trout preferred and they devoured the Live Target while only hitting the Vudu once. If live bait is hard to come by, you can’t beat a LiveTarget shrimp and a Trout Trick. Best of luck.
“The quickest way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly”
I’ll have to give em’ a look!
“The quickest way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly”
Thanks for the responses guys. Might have to try that LiveTarget out. Think I might try the oyster rakes on the Broad side sometime soon. Still trying to clarify if it’s OK to put in at the sportsman club.
I’ve been trying the trout tricks (shrimp po boy) without any success. Maybe the deep water drop off in that creek is what is needed to make them work. Fish them liked you would a worm when bass fishing, right? Videos online show an extra pull on the way up.