Freshwater, saltwater fishing updates plus snakehead warning

Saltwater Fishing Trends – Charleston Area

Inshore: Redfin Charters and Captain Rob Bennett report that January in Charleston is mostly about redfish and trout. In the clear conditions anglers should be able to locate big schools of redfish on low tide. Some days they may be difficult to get to bite, but this can offer some of the most exciting and visual fishing of the year. There will also be some fish caught around docks. As long as it does not get terribly cold, trout fishing should remain good this month along grass lines and in deep holes. Live shrimp, as well as variety of artificial lures, should catch fish.

Surf and pier: Folly Beach Pier reports redfish and whiting should continue to bite, and there are also always sheepshead around.

Freshwater Fishing Trends - Santee Cooper System

Bass: Captain Brett Mitchell reports that in January fish will still be concentrating on shad, and just about anywhere you can find baitfish is worth fishing. For now fish are biting crankbaits and swimbaits, but if water temperatures get very cold, then spoons will be a good choice.

Crappie and Bream: Captain Steve English reports that the bite has slowed down as the water temperatures have dropped, and in January the fishing should get even slower. However, anglers can still pick up fish on minnows and crickets fished around deep brush.

Catfish: English also reports that in January, drifting deep water is still the best bet, but on very warm days there can be a night/evening bite in shallow water. Cut herring, shad or white perch will all work.

State anglers should kill snakehead if caught

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officials are warning anglers that if the invasive Northern snakehead fish is caught in the Palmetto State, anglers should kill it immediately and by all means NOT release it back into the water.

Snakeheads, originally from Asia, have been reported in 14 states in the United States. The snakehead is a long, thin fish, similar in appearance to the native bowfin. They can get up to 3 feet in length. They have a long dorsal fin that runs along their whole back, and have a dark brown blotchy appearance. They can breathe air, and can survive in low oxygenated systems. The snakehead is a top-level predator fish, and its introduction poses a substantial threat to native fish populations.

If you believe you have caught a Northern snakehead, in addition to killing it immediately, take pictures of the fish, including closeups of its mouth, fins and tail, note where it was caught (waterbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates), and report it to the SCDNR by calling 1-800-922-5431.