Politicians should spend more time fishing

With all the political end-fighting among party candidates it's hard to concentrate on things that really matter. It reminds me of playground bickering among bullies posturing for supremacy. Perhaps it was best observed when a great individual posed with a similar question answered ... "If all politicians fished instead of spoke publicly, we would be at peace with the world." -- Will Rogers

Trout in Cool Waters

Presently the weather has been mild enough to grant us good fishing days. Among the active species are Sheepshead, Spottail Bass, Flounder, Whiting and Trout. While many anglers will fight the elements for long runs to offshore structures, plenty of action still remains for inshore fishermen. This will continue until cooler water temperatures drive fish to deeper waters but for now, things are stable. Many species remain close to shore, it's just a matter of finding the right combination of depth, lure, line, tide and wind direction to be successful.

All gamefish are opportunist when it comes to feeding, trout are perhaps the most skilled in this respect. Being structure-bound, trout can be located in areas that produce a break from the elements. Among them will be sandbars, grass beds, deep holes next to bridge and dock pilings and of course oyster beds. To locate productive beds look for those that are broken up with small channels cut through them. These runoff areas are feeding trails which trout find irresistible. Small crustaceans and baitfish migrate to these areas in search of a food supply and trout are quick to follow.

A good run during low tide will assist you in identifying the best beds to target. Many of the larger feeder creeks have good croppings of oyster beds but knowing what to look for will save you precious fishing time. Perhaps the most prevalent area is the Beaufort, Chechessee and Broad River reaches. In the winter months the Chechessee gets the majority of action mainly due to the abundant grass and selective points common to deep water drops the area has to offer. From these reaches trout will group together and form tight schools, juvenile fish will rush the food supply while more mature adults will work the edges of grass and deep drops waiting to ambush their prey.

Your presentation is also a crucial factor if you want to catch winter trout. Downsize your line and tackle choices and be prepared with a large diameter net once your quarry is at boat side. The tender mouth of trout has spoiled more than one angler to more colorful language. You can't wrestle the fish in the boat like other species, a certain amount of finesse is required to be successful. Baits will vary with the angler, while most prefer natural baits there are die-hards that will use nothing but artficials. Being one of the latter my choices are much more varied. I have found the ratio of trout taken on artificial lures compared to natural baits fairly balanced. It is observation which changes the target.

If you witness surface waters boiling with baitfish your choice is obvious, the problem is having the right bait at the right time. Artificials are more versatile and you can work them more aggressively. Add to this natural baits are harder to locate during winter months and if found are usually more expensive. Every now and then warmer weather may change your option but universally artificial lures are a better choice.

I have fished local waters since the early 60's and have found many of the old stand-by lures still produce today. The L-S MirroLure in green/brown with red eyes is one of my favorites as well as the common Salty Dog in green with red head. If you are fortunate enough to find a Christmas Tree Lure or a close second called the Mighty Mite, pay dividend price if you have to, these lures are excellent.The choice among anglers is mostly a matter of personal preference. It has been said that most lures were designed to catch fishermen and not fish, this is true. If you have not tossed a chartreuse, orange lipped, well feathered, side hooked super floater among a school of surface feeders you haven't lived. I guess my time has yet to come and I can wait. After all patience while fishing is considered a virtue and I for one aim to preserve as much of what remains as long as possible.

Tackle Tip

Now is the time to take stock of your fishing tackle. Other than the normal inventory it is a good idea to inspect your fishing rod for wear. Rods will become brittle over time and a few basic precautions will ensure your favorite fishing rod remains just that.

Look at the tip top and guides for wear, check to be sure no grooves have been cut in the rings. Check the wraps for fraying and the reel seat for tightness and be sure your handle and gimbal is secure. It's the little things that loose fish and are so often overlooked. A few minutes inspecting your gear now could mean success or failure on the water.

Till next week,

Good fishin'

Lee