For most lowcountry anglers, the start of winter means the boat sits in the yard under a cover until the spring. They are missing out on some really good fishing by not venturing out in the colder weather. One good thing about going out in the winter months is the landings are not near as crowded nor is the ocean or harbor. One of the worse things an outboard motor can do is just sit up and not be run for several months.
Fishing in the winter is also more dangerous than in the warmer months due to the water temperature. An angler should be extra careful and not take chances and lay off the alcohol until they get back on land. If you were to fall overboard in 40-50 degree water, it would not take long for hypothermia to set in. There are also a lot less boats out there to help should something happen as well. The best way to stay warm is to dress in layers and have an outer wear of some sort of rain gear to cut down the coldness of the wind while underway. Check the winds and seas forecast before heading out as well. If the seas are 3 ft or more, spend the day doing something else instead of trying to head offshore unless you are in a sportfishing boat. The boat should have safety gear on board as well. Some of the necessary items would be GPS, compass, VHF radio, depthfinder and make sure to let someone on land know where you are going and an expected time of return.
The winter time is a good time to catch sheepshead. Its a great time to teach beginners and those that have experience can really have a good time once on the fish. We fish Capers or the Charleston Nearshore Reefs but other reefs should have fish on them as well. Live shrimp and/or fiddler crabs, or jetty crickets as some call them, can be bought from most tackle shops. Call ahead of time to make sure they have them in the store. We buy a pint for each fisherman on board and most of the time, that works out about right. There have been many trips where we ran out as well as some that we had bait left over. Once at the reef, decide