When targeting tarpon do you plan your trip around time of day (sunrise) or a particular tidal phase (top 1/3 of incoming)? Thanks for the help.
I cross my fingers and pray
Lol. That seems to be a fair tactic quarterpound.
I typically target sunrise, regardless of tide. But, it seems like there may be more bait/fish around the inlet areas on the top end of an incoming tide. Not sure if that is generally true or just a “fishing theory”. Maybe I need to switch and follow the high tide regardless of time of day.
I’m far from the tarpon Guru. But it seems to me they’re kind of like red fish and most other species. Different areas at different tides. We’ve had luck on the outside of the South jetty the first half of the incoming tide. Outside of the North Jetty the last couple hours of high tide. Seen them about Daybreak along the beach. Chased them about an hour and a half. Did not get them to eat. Praying and crossing your fingers is probably also a good idea.
And I forgot to mention. That’s Winyah Bay
What R U using for bait at Georgetown?
Different depths in the water column?
I’m still trying to figure it out too.
For bait. mullet around 6" Long or perogies I fish 3 Lines usually. 1 on the bottom 1 Freeline and one on a float. And if I happened to capture a blue crab. I free line him out. Yeah I’m still trying to figure it out myself. But I work on the theory. A blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in awhile.
Thanks!
Was on Winyaw Saturday afternoon and saw many 'poon! high tide around the rocks looked like they were pushing bait into the rocks and then having a meal. had a few lines out but not seriously fishing for them. Need more guidance in this area for sure. BTW 4 nice sheep and 2 nice Black Drum went home one nice red above the slot for my daughter- her first red. great afternoon!
228 SeaPro
Jumped one yesterday right before dead low. Menhaden on Carolina rig trying to get a shark for a friend from out of town.
17’ Mako //90hp Mercury
16’ Alumacraft // 20hp Yamaha
14’ War Eagle // 9.8hp Tohatsu
17’ Key West // 90hp Yamaha
Gave them a Shot Saturday morning8/11. Found pogies no problem. Headed to outside of North Jetty. Sharks sharks and more sharks. Going to call it a day. Heading in Saw Acres of pogies with a couple Tarpon busting in them. by the day boards inside the South jetty. More sharks. About to give it up. Saw some more tarpon busting the pogies. Grab the net get some more pogies. Forgot to mention manawars floating around. Got one in the net with the bait.welled up my arm good. Well going home now. Nope. 4or5 Tarpon rolling right by the boat. Got to try. Another shark. Out of circle hooks time to go. The tally for the day. One little flounder 2 small Reds 2 sharks 50/60lbs. I think they were bull sharks.
