Long time lurker and first time poster here at CF.
I wanted to ask you CF members for some advice on what to target with my father on Friday this week. He is coming into town and wants to go catch a few, so we are planning on heading out on mid-day on Friday out of Charleston. I grew up fishing out of Morehead City, NC and currently I’m fairly new to the Charleston area. So here is the question: What would be best to target this time of year and where? I’m not asking for secret spots or anything like that (unless you are willing to devulge that info), but instead looking for general info.
I know its early but I was looking at running offshore to about 200’+ and looking for some temp breaks ~69-72 around some known spots. Target would be Blackfin and Mahi (probably pick up a king or two also).
Honestly though, just looking to have some fun with the “Old Man”. He taught me how to fish long ago and just wanted to repay the favor with a little fun on my new boat.
Thanks to all who reply and if you dont want to post here, feel free to shoot me a PM.
Welcome, Haven’t been out yet, but the best thing I can tell you is to check out Dog House’s post, 4-9-11 Afternoon Bite. Seems he had a great day. Again welcome and maybe we’ll see you out there. Good Luck, looking for your follow up post…
Hi BigFish. Its hit or miss this time of year. We are probably 2-3 weeks off from the mahi. Always a chance for a wahoo. A few blackfins are being caught. Your plan seems pretty sound though. Head straight out till you see warmer water.
I would be prepared to spend a lot of gas for a few fish however… Good luck!
N 2 DEEP
2550 Bluewater 200 Etecs
“If you worry about what might have been, or what could be, you overlook what is.”
Shyhook, yeah I saw the report from DH and that’s what caused me to steer in this direction in the first place.
Rufus, yeah I figured it was going to be tough, but gotta try for the “old man”. He didnt mention what he was pulling but, I’d guess its a mix of chuggers and feathers. Smaller stuff this early in the year.
I was also thinking that if we got tired of draggin em, that we could jump over a AR and do some jigging. Pick-up some of the endangered BSB, snapper (Vermilion hopefully so I could keep a few for the table), etc. Anybody have any ideas on jigging/bottom fishing?
Honestly, after this trip I’m going to put her up for a while b/c the backlight on my E120 is out so I need to send it in to be repaired. Supposed to take 10-15 days at Raymarine. I’ll beleive it when i see it.
Use a “chicken rig” and cut up some of your leftover ballyhoo or take some squid with you and drop that on the reef. You will have alot better shot at catching stuff you can keep like b-liners, pinks and triggers.
Castaway365, yeah I do miss it. My parents use to have a little vaction place right across the street from the Sheraton Hotel in Moble Estates. Growing up I use to love walking across the street and surfing at the pier. And if the ocean was flat we’d make a run offshore. I use to love to go with my dad and troll for kings out at the Atlas Tanker. Good times! Hell my wife and I got married at the Coral Bay Club on Atlantic Beach. I love the area, but I will say Charleston has a hell of a lot more to do in the off season. Morehead is a GHOST TOWN in the winter.
BigFish80, I wouldnt worry about Raymarine. I sent my E120 and sounder to them overnight, the technician called me before fedex notified me they had it. They shipped it back the same way the next day. I was completely shocked by the customer service.
Wow! That really gives me hope. Did you also have the backlight go out? I was also told that they would upgrade all of the software as well, while they had it. Did they get you upgraded? How much did it run you if you don’t mind me asking? I was told around $400.
quote:Originally posted by retired young
BigFish80, I wouldnt worry about Raymarine. I sent my E120 and sounder to them overnight, the technician called me before fedex notified me they had it. They shipped it back the same way the next day. I was completely shocked by the customer service.
Raymarine customer service rocks. I overnighted my c80 to them and they called me the next day. Updated my software and replaced the video card for the screen. I put a note in the box asking for rush service and I had it back in 2 days. Cost: My shipping to them with insurance $170, Raymarine charge with return shipping $190.
