Two more weeks until my brother comes up from atlanta to visit me in charleston. He has never fished from a kayak and really has not caught many redfish or trout.
I need yalls help! I am the younger brother! So it would mean the word to me if I could take my older sibling out, catch some fish, camp somewhere and have an unforgettable trip.
Are we forecasting any major change in weather and/or fishing between now and Febuary 4th, 5th and 6th?
Obviously weather cannot be predicted. but as past experience would likely show, will red fishing and trout fishing turn up or down by that time? Will there be an abundance of sheepshead if we can find them? Any recommendations for best artificials this time of year? having any luck on live bait? fiddlers, mud minnows, live shrimp?
Any insight where I can look for reds and trout to be piling up on? Will sheepshead still be most abundant on deep structure, briddes, etc.?
I am going to take a shot in the dark here. And 99 times out of a hundred i wouldnt ask But considering it would mean more then I could explain if I was able to put him on some fish, do you have any specific ideas where he and I can take the kayaks to fish? Many of you have already reached out and I appreciate that. I would like to have as many back up plans as possible.
Last thing. I have been living in charleston for 3 years now, and this will be only his second trip he has been able to make during that time because of work. So without a doubt. he will not coming back for a while. Plus I have spent 30 years looking up too and idolizing my brother. fish or no fish, I want him to have fun. and i know we will
Winter is not the best time to learn to fish from a kayak, the water is between 40-50 degrees. Then add all your camping and fishing gear???
Winter camping? 35 degrees at night is a bit chilly for me but can be done.
You have not told us what area you plan to arrange this. I would expect it’s an area you are very familiar with and have spent plenty of time kayaking there. Especially you are familiar with the tide/currents, etc correct? Have a backup plan in place too? Contingency if someone rolls?
One place I can think of that is near a ramp, has a public island to camp.
From Limehouse Boat Ramp, up river on the right side is Wolf Island (popular swimming hole) at the mouth of Rantowles creek. Has a sandy beach, camp under the live oak trees, and close enough to the ramp for exit strategy.
I don’t fish that area but I’m sure you can find a few in those creeks. Google maps may help locate a few spots and help you get familiar with the layout.
Go on a few scouting trips before he arrives, time on the water helps dial them in.
I also think the kayak camping idea is pushing the limits for your situation. I’ve done lots of overnight kayak camping and fishing trips in the lowcountry, and I would not take a complete novice on one in February. One option would be to car camp somewhere like Buck Hall, Hunting Island, or Edisto Island, for example, and do day trips in the area. Or just day trip around Charleston. Take a day paddling out of Bowens Island and end the day with some beers and oyster overlooking the water. If your brother is into mud and blood, plan a trip in an area where oyster harvesting is permitted and pick some of your own oysters. I like paddling around here in winter–low boat traffic, clear water, lots of birds. Get out and enjoy the time, catch what you catch, and your brother will probably have a good time and be impressed.