Fishing is great, and fishing with kids is even better

In fisheries management, the recruitment of young fish is critical to a healthy and sustainable fishery. This is also true of fishing. In order to sustain the sport (of fishing), it is important for children to participate. As such, I encourage parents to introduce their children to fishing. A family that takes up fishing may catch a fish. More importantly, they will spend countless hours on the shore or water together. This is the greatest catch that fishing has to offer.
 
Last week, Grayson Potts shared a picture of her son (Ralston) with a big Redfish. It is an amazing catch. Ralston and the fish are about the same size! Additionally, Ralston caught the finger mullet he used for bait with his own cast net. It seems the future of our sport is bright. Well done Ralston. Well done indeed.
 
Like Ralston, I also went fishing last week. The tides are returning to normal levels and the water is becoming more clear (but still stained). Redfish, Trout and Flounder are now actively feeding. A good number of the Trout are short of the 14 inch minimum limit but there are enough big ones to keep it interesting. Inshore slams are pretty easy to complete. A live shrimp or finger mullet (under a float) drifted along oyster bars or creek drains are a sure bet for fast action.
 
As the water clears up, the effectiveness of lures will improve. Even with poor water clarity, I have enjoyed excellent catches using a Z-Man MinnowZ (Pearl) on a quarter ounce jig. The color of this lure stands out in the tannin stained water.
 
Fishing is great right now. So follow Ralston’s lead and go fishing. Contact Capt. Greg at: captgregp@gmail.com and (843) 224-0099.