Planning my first saltwatwer kayak fishing daytrip on the Wando this weekend. Weather looks nice. I’m from the Upstate so this is pretty new to me. I did a search of old threads on here and came up with a general plan based on what I read, but would like some help on specifics: particularly in regards to tide and current and the Wando.
My general idea is to get some white or natural colored DOA or Gulp shrimp (not sure of the weight- HELP1) and try for some trout or Reds.
I also thought I would put out a minnow trap and try and catch some mud minnows and float them under a bobber or drag them against the current to possibly catch flounder like we do on our Fall Pawley’s Island trips (albeit in a gas powered john boat). I even read about Stripers on this river so maybe that’s a possibility, too- though I’m not sure this is the correct time of year for that.
I see the tide fluctuates 6.7’! Will this leave me high and dry at lowest tide? (HELP2)
Is it prudent to go downriver with the outgoing tide so the incoming tide helps you get back to the landing? (HELP3)
What do most people do during the slack tide as far as fishing goes?(HELP4)
Is there anything particularly noteworthy (ruins, dolphins, natural wonders) to see on this stretch of the Wando if the fishing doesn’t go well?(HELP5)
I appreciate any advice you can throw my way. PM me if you don’t feel comfortable posting specific information. Maybe I can return the favor if you come up to Lake Murray to target Stripers one day.
In a kayak, if you have the facility to cut up small grunts/pinfish into cut bait, this makes fantastic bait for reds, and if you cut it in small minnow-shaped fillets, you can increase the chance of a trout or flounder.
… The Cross of Christ is the anvil upon which the hammer of evil wore itself out.
I think you have a good plan, bait-wise…you should be able to get back to the landing at low tide. Stick to fishing around structure and you should see some fish. During low tide, I’m looking for fish crashing bait in the shallower waters…I love fishing around a low tide. Don’t fret if you skunk out there - Paradise gets lots of attention from the kayak anglers around town. Good luck!
Thanks for the help, guys. I never fret getting skunked- I’m used to it. A good day on the water to me is just being ON THE WATER!
Do you think I need to go downriver on the outgoing tide?
In other words, is the current powerful enough up there that paddling against it is a real chore? I hate to find out the hard way.
Was out Tuesday morning and had a great day. 3 spot tails right at 22" and a couple of 16" trout. I would recommend fishing around low tide. Get out 2 hours before low tide so you can ride the tide out, and find some good spots, then ride the tide back in later. Shrimp and finger mullet are very abundant right now and worked great for me the other day. I love shrimp and a popper this time of year for trout. I always fish creek mouths and oyster banks on the left side of the river. Google maps can be your best friend when scouting a new fishing spot. Good luck!
All fishermen are liers except me and you and I’m not sure about you.
Was out Tuesday morning and had a great day. 3 spot tails right at 22" and a couple of 16" trout. I would recommend fishing around low tide. Get out 2 hours before low tide so you can ride the tide out, and find some good spots, then ride the tide back in later. Shrimp and finger mullet are very abundant right now and worked great for me the other day. I love shrimp and a popper this time of year for trout. I always fish creek mouths and oyster banks on the left side of the river. Google maps can be your best friend when scouting a new fishing spot. Good luck!
All fishermen are liers except me and you and I’m not sure about you.
Sounds like a good dinner plate day! Thanks for the advice.
Ended up catching 4 trout (2 nice keepers, 2 shorts) and missed a few more today using 1/4oz DOA shrimp in gold glitter under a Cajun Thunder popping float. Never saw any Reds.
Windy early afternoon that calmed around 1:00 to just gusts. Found this part of the Wando to be a pleasant place to fish- handful of kayakers and 4 or 5 motorboats. Water was stained but not murky or cloudy.
Really nice day to be on the water- good times. Thanks for the help.
