North takes on South in battle for fishing supremacy

Russell Patterson, director of the Hilton Head Sport Club inaugural tournament has laid down a challenge.

The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club and the Hilton Head Sportfishing Club have sponsored a year long event for club members.And, as it appears, there is a bit of rivalry as to who is the best angler among the groups.

As Russell puts it, "We are at a big disadvantage on this side of the Broad due to the scarcity of crickets, worms, cane poles and white buckets to sit on while fishing, but we will do our best, as our southern forefathers did during the war of northern aggression. This is no less an epic struggle we are facing, against similar odds."

Whether the South rises again remains to be seen, but anglers north of the Broad are prepared for the challenge. With a three month headstart granted to anglers north of the Broad, Hilton Head fishermen have been authorized to start fishing and begin their weigh-ins.A tally board will be provided during the year in this column to keep readers informed of the leaders. As it stands now, this is the latest from the north side.

Male Anglers

Amberjack - Tom Bradley - 66.78, Black Drum - Karsten Dutton - 10.58, Black Sea Bass - Mike Spade - 4.72, Bluefish - Chris Skrip - 1.02, Cobia - Tennent Houston - 50.44, Flounder - Swinton Anderson - 3.46, Grouper - Steve Roll - 15.68, Jack Crevalle -Robbie Von Frick - 1.9 , Little Tunny - Daniel Scholer - 10.86, Red Snapper - Mike Spade - 18.0, Sheepshead - Frank Gibson - 8.82, Spotted Sea Trout - Tom Carr - 3.88, Toad Fish - Frank Gibson - 3.14, Triggerfish - Larry Andrews - 9.11, Vermillion Snapper - Seth Andrews - 3.02, Whiting - Vic Fenner - 0.72.

Female Anglers

Amberjack - Phyllis Gibson - 8.66, Black Sea Bass - Phyllis Gibson - 2.1, Red Snapper - Sarah Florez - 6.44, Spot - Holly Carslake - 0.18, Triggerfish - Sarah Florez - 3.46, Vermillion Snapper - Sarah Florez - 2.07.

Youth Anglers

Amberjack - Kane Thorp - 16.3, Black Sea Bass - Brice Spade - 3.3, Bluefish - Chris Skrip - 1.02, Red Drum - Ashby West 4.08, Red Snapper - Brice Spade - 14.32, Toadfish - Brice Spade - 1.01, Triggerfish - Brice Spade - 2.84, Vermillion Snapper - Seth Andrews - 3.02, Whiting - Remy Boracco - 0.48.

Fripp Island King Mackerel Tournament rescheduled

Due to a conflict with another regional fishing tournament, the Fripp Island Warm-up Tournament has been rescheduled for April 25 and 26. There will be a Captains Meeting on April 25 followed by a festive cookout. This new date will give anglers more opportunity and warmer water conditions which should improve the fishing.

Lines can be in the water at 6 a.m. on April 26 and the weigh-in will conclude at 6 p.m. For more information, call the marina at 843-838-1517.

Fishing Trends

Back to a wait and see approach recently, anglers are ready for any indication that the weather will be stable. As confusing as this may be for anglers, one can only imagine what the fish may be experiencing. I was once told to be a successful angler, you needed to think like a fish. This being impossible, take the role of the marine biologist, boat captain or guide. As they study the movement and patterns ofvarious fish species, at times they must be totally distraught. When Mother Nature throws you a curve, the best laid plans fall by the wayside. Recent runs have showed baitfish holding close to cover during the rains, just slightly off the grass during sunny days, and back among deep drops and holes when things turned cold. And as we know, game move with their food source.The only advice at this time for developing a pattern is to spend time on the water, learn the habits of your quarry and follow the bait.

Best Bets

Offshore anglers are taking the occasional Wahoo and Blackfin Tuna with waters at the 120-feet mark being targeted. A few large Dolphin were taken last weekend during the brief spring-like conditions. And there are abundant bottom fish holding tight to near shore wrecks and reefs. Blackfish, Snapper and some very large Black Drum have began to show in good numbers. A few large Cobia were sighted cruising the outer buoys and channel markers but none seem interested in taking the hook. There was a report of three cobia from the Tin Dusky with a trio of Allendale anglers, but I was not able to track them down to verify.

Inshore fishing is improving with each tide as flounder, sheepshead, spottail bass, trout and whiting have all been cooperative. Most of the consistent catches have come from the larger feeder creeks while the main river and deep points are surprisingly slow at this time. A good bit of action has come from the larger flats which harbor shell banks and active oyster beds but fish are easily driven off the shallows.

The weekend looks promising and with stable conditions comes better fishing. Any period which grants more than two days of like temperatures with moderate winds and little rain will be a bonus. Take heart fellow anglers as the door to the season is rapidly approaching. Your time will come and with it a return to normalcy or a reasonable facsimile thereof.

Tackle Tip

Long before the frying pan and the first cast, you need to be sure odds are in your favor. Last year's line may not be all it should be, guides may cracked or pitted and your rod tip may have a few nicks. All this could cost you that long sought after fish and possible trophy. Many of the braided lines will cut rod guides on lesser rods, the occasional bump in the boat or bed of the pick-up can easily damage rod tips and dragging bait over shell and rock bottom will fray lines easily. Take the time to inspect your gear. It could be the difference in a good day afloat or bad memories and colorful language.

Until next week,

Good Fishin'

Lee