Hit the Stono yesterday on low tide… Saw a ton of big reds that appeared to be actively feeding on the VAST amounts of shrimp and finger mullet. We tried throwing basically everything at them but could not gem em to bite!! Would literally see big reds chasing bait right past our floats…Tried shrimp, mm, cut mullet, and even left the spot, came back w some finger mullet, but still would not hit the fm either. Basically everything but artificials. I was baffled… Even stayed through high tide and could see the reds pushing into the grass line, but still no takers. I would love to hear some thoughts as to whether there was literally just too much bait in the area, and the fish weren’t concerned with our offerings? Or, is it possible the fish weren’t feeding at all? Hoping to go back next week and give em another shot. Thanks, Any input is appreciated
That is what I dreamed hell would be like.
I have been dealing with this all summer on the Stono. Lots of fish, but they are not willing to bite. However, I have had consistent action throwing swim baits rigged weedless right up against the bank and reeling back with a steady retrieve. I figure I am catching the 1 out of 10 that is hungry or I am just getting a reaction bite.
Stay with those fish. Once the water dips below 70 they should start eating anything put in front of them.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
Thanks hairball, makes me feel better knowing im not the only one that’s experiencing this. I’ll have to give the swimbaits a try… Will also be watching for that water temp to drop a bit. I will let you know if I find something they like in the meantime. 
Did you try quartered or half Blue Crab ?? Got some good bites on it yesterday and in the past
Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous
No didn’t try crab, although I did think about it when one swam by the boat on the surface. Were you on the Stono? Will have to try that too, thanks
I have had this issue all summer as well. I have tried all live and cut bait including blue crab. Just blaming the water temps…haha Def not my technique
quote:
Originally posted by mikeylooThat is what I dreamed hell would be like.
quote of the week right there!
2nd that …
quote:
Originally posted by Cabdella77quote:
Originally posted by mikeylooThat is what I dreamed hell would be like.
quote of the week right there!
Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous
I usually fish with stonoman on the Stono, and when we have caught big redfish its usually on half/quarter blue crab, Penny seems to be catching them on mullet. Also we catch trout on artificials
Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous
My brother and I were in the same situation on Friday, low incoming on the North Edisto. Reds everywhere. Feeding, crashing, pushing, backs out of the water and going crazy but the samething, would not touch our bait. Really exciting but frustrating at the same time. Tried shrimp, finger mullet, cut mullet and crab to no avail. We did catch 2 nice ones on plastics rigged weedless. Probably hit them on the head and reaction strikes. Electric Chicken and Scented zman redbone.
19’ Seapro 150 Yamaha
12’ Hydrocraft 25 Evinrude
If that’s all I have to worry about…there’s nothing to worry about.
Same around Folly a few weeks ago. Could see them busting the bait in small creek but would not take our offerings of live bait - MM, FM, shrimp - no matter how presented - freeline, cork, bottom. Mikey, you are correct, it is a torturous hell!
Down low, I have had pretty good luck when the bait is busting and using an artificial, just make it where its “easier” to chase than the live mullet … Try a ZMan Paddler Tail Redbone in color
Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous
I’ll give that a try, thanks. We have to connect for some fishing around Folly at some point! My schedule has been horrible this year and allowing for very few fishing weekends.