JEKYLL & ST.SIMONS ISLANDS FISHING REPORT
By Captain Vernon Reynolds
Close to nine foot tides caused by the past New Moon and high Northeast winds slowed fishing the past several days. High tides cause the current to run faster than normal and the water to muddy up. Not good fishing conditions.
The tides nipped back Tuesday November 10 and the Sea Trout and Redfish turned on. Good numbers have been taken the past couple of days although about half of them were short. That's a good thing; these throw back fish will be next year's keeper fish. Trout will be found around oyster bars, mud bars and other structure. Oyster bars, docks and other such structure hold bait fish and shrimp. There are three things that dictate fish movement; food availability, water temperature and salinity. Find these three things in the right amount and there usually will be Trout and redfish there this time of the year. During the winter months fish will often be found on mud bars during the middle part of the day. The black mud warms from the sun light and in turn warms the water on top of the bars. This brings baitfish and shrimp to the bars and then the Trout and Reds. Salinity is mostly controlled by the amount of rain fall we get up river. Most local rain fall is taken out to sea with the first couple of tide changes. Rivers swollen with fresh water from rains upriver will move the acceptable salinity level and the fish miles down river; just as low upriver rain fall will move the acceptable salinity level miles upriver.
Sea Trout almost always demand live bait while Reds will take live or dead equally well. Shrimp is the best bait of choice for both. Live shrimp can be purchased from local bait shops or taken with a cast net in area creeks. Mud minnows, poggie and finger mullet are great baits. Larger Trout eat them for the fish oil which helps toughen the Trout's egg shell.
Expect the fishing to be good for Trout, Reds, Flounder, Whiting Sheepshead and Black Sea Bass.
Do yourself a favor and take a kid fishing.
Coastal Expeditions Charter Fishing & Dolphin Tours is owned and operated by Captains Eric Moody and Vernon Reynolds. Call (912) 265-0392 or go to www.coastalcharterfishing.com to book a trip or for further information.
