Embrace sunrise, sunset fishing as more boats take to the water

Every year as the weather warms up, our waterways become more crowded.

 

Sometimes, the increase in boat traffic can make fishing a challenge. Especially on weekends.

 

However, if you fish early in the morning or later in the afternoon, boat traffic can be a non-issue.

 

On Tuesday afternoon, I launched the skiff around 6:30 p.m. The tide was low and just beginning to rise. My plan was to target redfish that were cruising the shallows. 

 

Brody, the amazing fish-finding and stock-trading dog, had a prior engagement. So, I had to locate the redfish on my own.

 

After a short run to the Wando River, I deployed the trolling motor and began my search.

 

It did not take long to find a redfish feeding in very shallow water. I cast a Z-Man StreakZ 3.75 on a 1/10-ounce NedlockZ jig a couple of feet ahead of the fish.

 

Unfortunately, a gust of wind caught the lure, and it landed directly on top of the redfish, and it spooked.

 

Undeterred, I continued to search the shallow shoreline. Boat traffic was very light. It felt like I had the Wando River all to myself.

 

A few minutes later, another redfish came into view. It was swimming away from the skiff. I cast the StreakZ 3.75, and this time the lure landed where it was supposed to. The redfish shot forward and ate the lure. Fish on!

 

The redfish was not particularly large, but it fought like a big one. It took a few minutes to bring the fish to the boat.

 

I wet my hands, to protect the fish’s protective slime coat, and lifted it into the boat to remove the lure and take a quick picture.

 

After releasing the fish, I sat down and let the skiff drift with the incoming tide.

 

The river was quiet. No boats. No wakes. No loud music.

 

Yes, our waterways can be congested. But, if you fish early in the morning or later in the afternoon, you can avoid the crowd.