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Redfish in the Charleston area are basically still schooled up in their big winter schools, but they are starting to spread out into smaller groups as spring arrives.  Captain Michael Bruner of Fins and Flies Charters (843-860-6536) reports that some fish are actually starting to tail, and on warmer days fiddler crabs are definitely out.  This week with some very good high tides he anticipates good tailing activity, and on the fly his boat will be throwing crab patterns in the grass.  The Harbor has been a little dirty but it is possible to find some clear sounds, and black and purple patterns have been good.  “Bruner’s Juicy Fruit” patterns that have some sparkle have been working.

Outside of high tide action the falling tide has been pretty good, and on both dead low as well as the high falling tide they have caught redfish.  Oysters bars on mud flats and docks or other structure have both produced.  It is possible to sight fish in some places.

On bait shrimp has been very good when live shrimp can be gotten, and mud minnows have been good.  Mud minnows have been better than cut bait, and more fish seem to be caught right now on popping corks than bottom rigs.  Fishing Gulp! on a flutter hook has also worked, with the flutter hook set-up getting snagged less than a plain jighead.  Mantis shrimp and paddletail swimbaits are also working.

Captain Michael Bruner of Fins and Flies Charters reports that he trout bite is getting better each day, and on the high tide and the high falling tide the action has been best.  Fish are being caught around grass edges, points and small rips as well as structure spots.  6-8 feet has been the key depth range.  Again, shrimp have been very good and mud minnows decent, with limited success on cut bait.  White DOA shrimp fished under a popping cork as well as grubs are also working.  On the fly chartreuse Clausers fished on sinking lines have been the best bet.

Flounder aren’t around in huge numbers but at times they have been a “lucky by-catch,” and the few flounders that Michael has picked up have been around docks or other structure.

Offshore, Haddrell’s Point(843-881-3644) reports that there continues to be a fantastic wahoo bite in 150-300 feet of water, and some dolphin and blackfin tuna are beginning to show up as well.  Bottom fishing in 70-110 feet has been producing large black sea bass, triggerfish and a variety of grunts and porgies.  Cut squid and Savage Squish Jigs are both available at Haddrell’s.