Lowcountry Winter Fishing - What's The Best Fish To Target During Winter Months
Don't let winter weather deter you from getting on the water and fishing. Winter time is one of the best times of year to throw a line and it's not just because everyone else is inside enjoying their heaters.
The days are short and cold but that does not mean the fishing action is not hot. If you can brave the elements, winter is a perfect time to capitalize on some great fishing without the crowds of summer. Here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina the inshore and offshore fishing stays hot, you just have to change your tactics. Even when fishing is slow, enjoying an empty waterway is worth the trip. Redfish gather in huge schools and the speckled trout bite turns on with each passing cold front. Wahoo fishing on the offshore ledges can also be incredible with bigger fish hanging around.
The Sportsman Experience Episode 2 - Charleston Winter Fishing Targeting Redfish this time of year can be extremely rewarding and exciting. Typically, the redfish will school up in shallow water and offer some great sight casting opportunities. The fish tend to slow down in the colder water and hang close to structure. The colder water can make them lethargic and slower to react, so sometimes a little finesse fishing is required. Speckled trout on the other hand seem to school up in the creeks and feed heavily on the cold fronts. I have always done my best catching trout in areas where water is moving and creating rips. Structures in creeks that create current rips are perfect places to target with artificial lures. Slow trolling up and down creeks is also a great method for locating fish with swim baits.
On the offshore side, wahoo fishing picks up with lots of bigger fish hanging around. High-Speed trolling around ledges and outcrops seem to produce the best numbers. Trolling high-speed lures in the 12-16 mph range can produce some great action with multiple hookups each trip. Make sure to beef up your tackle because larger fish seem to always be more prevalent in the colder months. Do not totally rule out slow trolling either, good numbers of tuna and sailfish are still around as well.
Offshore Wahoo Fishing on Open 262 Whether you head inshore or offshore just get out and enjoy your time on the water, it might be a little chilly but you're liable to find your new favorite time of year to fish. As I tell everyone, you will never know unless you just get up and go.