With warmer weather, it’s a perfect time to catch trout and redfish

February often brings the coldest weather of the year. However, this year was different.

For most of the month, the weather and fishing conditions have been outstanding. Last Monday, that was certainly the case. Warm temperatures, sunshine and a light breeze conspired to have me drop everything and go fishing. Of course, it usually does not take very much for me to drop everything and go fishing!

The tide was high and just beginning to fall when I launched the Pathfinder. Idling away from the boat landing, the surface water temperature was 60 degrees. Typically, in February, it is 10 degrees cooler. Given the spring-like conditions, it seemed appropriate to fish a springtime pattern. So, after a quick run up the Wando River, I began fishing for trout along an oyster-lined creek bank that dropped off into about 6 feet of water. The trout were spread all along the depth transition. Some were in 2 feet of water and others were in the bottom of the channel. Thankfully, they were all hungry and readily ate my Z-Man Finesse TRD lure on a 1/6-ounce NedLockZ jig. The trout bite was solid through most of the falling tide. They were still biting when I left them to try and catch a big redfish.

I turned on the stereo and pointed the Pathfinder back down river. The air was warm. Trees were blooming. My playlist rocked. It was an enjoyable ride back. A few weeks ago, I found a school of big redfish that had taken up residence on a submerged oyster point in 3 feet of water. It was a pleasant surprise to find them there again. Without thinking, I picked up my light trout rod. It is rigged with an 8-pound braid and a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader; a bit light for the redfish at hand. This was immediately evident when a 30-inch class redfish ate my lure then proceeded to test my tackle. Everything held together and soon the redfish came to the boat for a quick picture and a healthy release.

Even though it is only February, it feels like spring. So, call your friends and drop everything and go fishing.

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at capgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.