Fishing tips: Use shrimp, fishing incoming tides, avoid thunderstorms

Given the unprecedented summer heat and high water temperatures, the best fishing is happening at the beginning of the incoming tide. Ocean and harbor water temperatures are a bit cooler than the water in the creeks. So the incoming tide floods the creeks with cooler water and stimulates Redfish and Trout to eat. Unfortunately, (this week) the incoming tide was late in the afternoon and strong thunderstorms put a serious dent in my fishing time.

In late August, Redfish and Trout have shrimp on their minds. Over the past few weeks, I have been learning to rig and fish the new Z-Man EZ Shrimp. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite lures. Of course, nothing beats the real thing. So when the weather actually allowed me to fish, the EZ Shrimp and real (live) shrimp were the way to go. I rigged the EZ Shrimp on a 3/0 sixteenth ounce keel weighted hook. This combination casts pretty well (on light tackle) and sinks like a real shrimp. For the live shrimp, I used a sixteenth ounce lead head jig. This set-up was a bit of a challenge to cast (even on light tackle) but the Trout and Ladyfish sure liked it.

The most productive areas were marsh points and creek mouths being swept by the incoming tide. Casting an EZ Shrimp (or live one) into the area and letting it drift with the tide was highly effective. If you want to try these rigging methods, I recommend a good 7-foot light action rod. My favorite rod (for casting light lures and baits) is a St. Croix 6’9” Pan Fish Rod. It is pretty light for saltwater species but casts lighter lures extremely well.

In August, thunderstorms and shrimp are a big part of the fishing scene. Don’t fish during a thunderstorm or without a shrimp!

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