So I was going through some pics, found something interesting.
This is from the past Sat. Sep. 26, That produced a couple Reds, 1-landed 1-hook failed
This one is from ths past March 21, yes March, that gave up a huge Red.
Interesting similar?
How deep was the water in those troughs? I have seen some giant reds come in close like that before. I was on Folly one time and watched a guy hook one in about shin deep water.
A bad day of fishing beats a good day of work anytime.
My problem is finding a trough like that. I have yet to find one at any spot I’ve fished all summer
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
Some spots on Sat. were knee to thigh deep when I took the pic. A 2’-3’ difference is all it takes. And yes, close…15-20yards at high tide?
Any chance there’s an accompanying high tide picture (if you’d be kind enough to share)? I’ve watched the YouTube videos from richtrox and others but still am having worlds of trouble reading the surf
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
I’ve been wanting to try those troughs but haven’t got around to it. But did find a trough that has been developing all summer on folly and looks great now for the upper stages of the tide, its just usually I fish the lower tides because of catching bait. I am going to switch though so I can put a big red on the beach because low tide is just not producing big fish for me. Do You ever catch any flounder over there because there’s a couple good flounder spots close by on the outgoing, just wondering if there by those troughs too.
Most of the troughs I find are like the ones Parker posted close to the high tide line and they are generally productive.
Guess I’ve been fishing the wrong end of the tide. 
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
High tide Sat., where I was, 6:15AM. This pic was 8:55AM. In the trough I would guess hip to waist deep or so at this point? Hooked the Reds at 9:20. Current was pulling some, lines were angled to the left. Rods on the right are light setups, 15# mono, double drop, #2 jhooks, half medium shrimp. The bigger rigs, on the left, were in the second trough farther out with finger Mullet. All fish were caught on Shrimp. Bit slowed around 11:00, picked up again about 2:00 with more Whiting and a Ray. Left the beach about 3:45. I will say, trying to keep up with four rods, taking pics, releasing fish, rebaiting hooks, posting…geesh!! I probably missed more Red bites. Only hits on Mullet were small Blues, fed them 2 dozen or so.
Arrows point to the HIGH trough. Second trough was 20yards farther. And again close.
Mr. Parker, sounds like you need an apprentice, Im quicker than I look , have some knowledge, can bait, reel in empty rods, and can snap a photo, carry heavy loads or fetch a sandwich, get you a cold beverage, will not speak unless spoken too, " WILL WORK FOR KNOWLEDGE" and I never, never whine, what do ya say?
Thanks DP this is great information. I will never ask anyone to publish their favorite spots, but I really appreciate posts like this that help people find their own.
A bad day of fishing beats a good day of work anytime.
The beaches down here are full of great fishing spots. I do have 3 or 4 “goto” spots that HAVE produced nothing. Other trips non stop bites. As the crazy season slows down, I will move around alot, 3-4 blocks here and there. I used to have a decent Trout hole but it did not produce this year. I do fish Folly, Edisto and Pockoy Island/ Botany Bay someimes. IOP is just closer for me. The Black Drum should start moving in soon. I’m ready for some Black Drum bonanzas!
Agree with Lucid. Thanks so much DParker for sharing this information! It’s because of threads like this that keep me coming back to the surf/pier forum and going back to the beach. People willing to help other people become better fisherman. It’s a great thing! Maybe one day I’ll have some knowledge to contribute.
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
good stuff parker.
the fishing patriach of my family taught us similar things about reading the surf on okracoke in the 70’s
“I am not involved in this thread, only helping Fred understand who he is dealing with.”
DParker, these post give me faith in surf fishing. Havent had much luck this year. Been getting out on the water at dead low/ rising tides with frozen shrimp (first mistake learned) and skunk every time. Gonna give the falling tide a try. Have had luck at that time in the past. Gotta get over this learning curve someday lol
quote:
Originally posted by thekingpinDParker, these post give me faith in surf fishing. Havent had much luck this year. Been getting out on the water at dead low/ rising tides with frozen shrimp (first mistake learned) and skunk every time. Gonna give the falling tide a try. Have had luck at that time in the past. Gotta get over this learning curve someday lol
Personally I prefer incoming tides. My ideal surf day would be, low tide 2-3 hours after dawn, on the beach at first light. Gives me a chance to survey the beach looking for those troughs and holes for an ideal set-up. My thinking is water coming in, fish coming in too. I do know that Black Drum love the last few hours of the falling tide. All the “scraps” are washing out. I’ve had schools of them come through in water so skinny you can see their backs on the surface, with bellies rubbed red. As far as the big Reds…most of the time I don’t really TRY to catch them. But if they are there they will bite.
Also try to spend at least 4-5 hours fishing, things are constantly changing in the surf, the bite can turn on in a minute and off the next. If you’re not there…well you know.
And FROZEN SHRIMP!! [:0] Shame on you.
Here is a pic of a November low tide hole that was full of nice Black Drum. And yes again, right there.
Haha, now I know…frozen shrimp is a no no. I plan on hitting IOP this Saturday. High at noon, its gonna be perfect for fishing both tides rising and falling. Gonna make a day of it with my son. Never thought about it that way incoming tide incoming fish, it only makes sense.
Good luck fishing in the surf this weekend! Between the rain and the swollen breakers and crazy tides, it will be a chore for sure!
Wadmalaw native
1999 16’ Bentz-Craft flats
1994 16’ Bentz-Craft flats
15’ Alumacraft, 1979 35 Johnson
ISLAND ARMORY, LLC - CONTACT ME FOR ALL OF YOUR FFL NEEDS!
x10 might want to rethink that, forecast Im looking at right now winds 15-25 ese, thunderstorms 100% all day, flooding, high tides, hurricane off coast–however next weekend should be good, strong solunar tide chart prediction, should be plenty of structure change with this weather ,bars, troughs etc, then high tide at 700 pm , fish like to hit at dusk and the troughs at the high tide line will be at dusk and thats a good thing, but believe me Ive been wrong before, for all I know winds could be ne at 50 knots next weekend, it changes daily, but at the moment next weekend looks solid.Kingpin Bring you some fresh mullet too.If we can get some clouds and a little drizzle, could be on.
quote:
Originally posted by leadenwahboyGood luck fishing in the surf this weekend! Between the rain and the swollen breakers and crazy tides, it will be a chore for sure!
Wadmalaw native
1999 16’ Bentz-Craft flats
1994 16’ Bentz-Craft flats
15’ Alumacraft, 1979 35 JohnsonISLAND ARMORY, LLC - CONTACT ME FOR ALL OF YOUR FFL NEEDS!
Yeaaah, its not looking good for me lol