Scouting the Folly River Grass Lines
While waiting to pick up my client yesterday morning, I decided to kill some time and scout the grass lines on the Folly River. Only a few hundred yards from the ramp, I started to see signs that fish were working bait. Large surface boils, dozens of shrimp popping on the surface, and huge head wakes from redfish, all happening in a small current break against the shore.
The Adrenaline Rush of a Perfect Find
Stumbling upon this, my adrenaline began to rush, and I grabbed the closest rod to me, which happened to have a white and chartreuse popper tied on. On the first cast, it landed just past the school. After a couple of strips, a large golden head broke the surface and exploded on my fly. Fish on! The fish turned and tried to run back into the school, but luckily, I was able to pull it away before the others became alert. Tightening the drag, I managed to turn it into open water. Long, fast runs and head shakes had my reel screaming at me. I finally got it to the boat—a beautiful, light golden, 29-inch redfish.
A Hidden Gem of Winter Fishing
After returning the fish to the water, I sat and watched this big school of fish continue to give the shrimp hell. This got me thinking: here I am, in the middle of a calm, flat river, not another person in sight, looking at a big school of happy, feeding fish. Why don’t more people know about the hidden gem of winter fishing in Charleston?
Bug Free and Comfortable Temperatures: Fly Fish the Best Time of The Year
Charleston has relatively mild temperatures during the winter, which is ideal for anyone tired of the snow and ice. Our average temperatures range from the mid-50s to low 60s, although on occasion, we see around freezing temps during the night. This weather is perfect for keeping bugs and flying insects away while in the marsh. You can dress comfortably without wearing multiple layers, and still enjoy being on the water.
Large Numbers and Hungry Mouths: Charlestons Year-Round Redfish Paradise
Charleston has a great reputation for its flood tide fishing during the warmer months. I get it. Standing on the bow of a skiff, being pushed over what would normally be dry land while stalking a redfish tail waiving out of the water would get anyones attention.
On the other hand, during the colder months, the Redfish migrate into large schools and stick together. These schools range from a dozen up to hundreds. During low tide they can be easy to find because they like to stay in shallow water to warm up. Picture this, floating in a few inches of water, a school of Redfish numbering in the hundreds swims by. They are looking to demolish any bait in their path, while pushing so much water it makes the skiff rock. Now that will get your blood rushing!
World Class Fishing for Less Money
I love saving money when I can. Charleston is primarily a tourist driven market. We get most of our heavy visitor traffic during the warmer months. In order for a lot of our hotels and businesses to keep the lights on during the " Off Season", many will lower their prices. I have personally seen some of the ocean front hotels go from several hundred dollars a night to a little over a hundred. I see a big change on the water as well. The boat traffic dies down to only a few, most only being charter boats and fishing guides. It's not uncommon to fish for the entire day and not see another boat.
Cold Waters Means Hot Action
When the water temperatures begin to drop, the visibility clears up. As it gets colder, the sediment and particles that usually make the water look murky, settle down to the bottom. The cooler temperatures bring more oxygen into the water, which the fish love. Everything enjoys breathing comfortably. The cold also pushes most of the warm water bait back into the ocean. Less bait, more oxygen rich water, and clear visibility is a great recipe for Redfish to eat whatever you put in front of them.
Experience the Best Kept Secret for Yourself
Charleston will always be known for its culture, history, cuisine and beaches, but its winter fishing is a true treasure that should not be overlooked. World class sight fishing oppurtunities for less money-whats stopping you?
Thank you for reading,
Captain Conner Bryant
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