Fishing is hot!

As we prepare for the Fourth of July weekend, both the weather and the fishing are hot. Fishing is so good right now that one can almost call it catching. Small shrimp (is that redundant?) are now abundant in the creeks - and pretty much everything is eating them. Additionally, seasonal species like Sheepshead, Ladyfish, and Bluefish are augmenting our year-round species (Trout, Flounder, and Redfish).

For fast action in shallow water, suspending a live shrimp a couple of feet below a rattle float is hard to beat. In deeper water, a live shrimp on a quarter ounce lead head jig works well. Use both of these techniques around structure that is being swept by a good current. You will catch fish. However, some will be non-target species like Pinfish, Whiting, and Croaker.

It is easy to catch shrimp in shallow creeks with a cast net. This time of year, I recommend a smaller mesh net. Live shrimp are also available at local tackle shops. Call ahead to make sure they are in stock; they go quickly.

This weekend, I used a lead head jig and live shrimp to target Sheepshead near dock pilings. I caught plenty of Sheepshead and Trout along with countless non-target species. The bite was so good that I went through ten dozen shrimp in about an hour. If you are going to fish over the holiday weekend, live shrimp is a sure ticket for fast action. Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.