I’m coming down with my family to the Johns Island area for Thanksgiving (Tues-Sat). I’m planning on renting a boat for a half day out of Bohicket marina and taking the kids fishing. We enjoy spin fishing for just about anything that swims. I’m thinking we’ll probably just dunk some shrimp or cut bait around docks or maybe cast some DOAs.
My question is whether it’s better to go out on a rising tide, a falling tide, or does it even matter? We’ll probably only go out for four hours, so I’d like to time things right.
I don’t even know if this a question that can be answered without more information. Maybe it varies by location, time, or other factors I’m not even thinking about. If this is a stupid question, just let me know.
Obviously I don’t have too much experience fishing in saltwater. We’ll have fun regardless. The kids enjoy catching grunts just as much as redfish.
Thanks in advance for considering my question! If you’re ever in East TN and need some advice on fishing the tailwaters or in the Smokies, shoot me a message and I can help you out.
You are right that more info is needed to completely answer the question. Depends on the location and species you are targeting. However, if you are somewhat unfamiliar with the area, an incoming tide will be your friend. If you get stuck, wait a few and you’ll be able to motor out. As a bonus, the current on the incoming won’t be as strong and may bring cleaner water in.
If you really want to catch fish then i would just hire a guide for a half day inshore charter. I’m not sure what the cost difference would be but to me it would be worth it to get on with a guide and not have to worry about gear, bait, gas, and being responsible for a rental boat in waters you’re not familiar with. Just my two cents either way i’m sure you’ll have fun with the kids. Good luck
I’ll be down and staying on the water Sat the 18th until Wed the day before Thanksgiving . We’ll be a bit north at IOP, but feel free to PM for my phone number and I can let you know how we’ve been doing the days before you get there as we’ll be fishing ever day…and night lol.
The IOP Marina also rents boats, so if you would be willing to make the drive and rent from there I will hopefully, FWIW, be able to point you a few specific spots to try.
Wanted to send a quick thanks to Striperskiff and to post a quick update on our trip (recognizing this isn’t the fishing report forum…).
We made it out the day before Thanksgiving and rented a boat from Bohicket Marina as planned. The staff were very helpful in showing us around the boat and going over some charts with us.
Special thanks to Striperskiff from this forum for giving me a call and giving lots of great advice to a total stranger/out-of-towner.
Long story short, we got skunked. We threw some mud minnows on jig heads. Threw some soft plastics on jig heads. Didn’t try any popping corks; maybe we should have.
With that being said, we still had a great day on the water. The kids had a blast seeing all the dolphin (although I’m guessing the dolphin cruising through the most promising spots didn’t help the fishing).
Obviously we have a lot to learn about fishing in saltwater, but I’m really looking forward to the education process. Even without catching any fish it was great to be on the water with the family and we had plenty to be thankful for the next day.
If anyone here is ever up in East TN and needs any advice on our fantastic trout or smallmouth fishing don’t hesitate to shoot me a message. I hope I can reciprocate the goodwill that Striperskiff extended to me.
…With that being said, we still had a great day on the water. The kids had a blast seeing all the dolphin (although I’m guessing the dolphin cruising through the most promising spots didn’t help the fishing).
…
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>
Awesome!
Between Lake Murray and Charleston I fish quite a bit, but, by far, the highlight of every year is our family gathering down at the coast during Thanksgiving week.