Inshore:
With the new year now upon us, we have finally started to see some 'normal' weather take hold through the lowcountry. The past couple weeks have seen weather anywhere from low's in the teens to highs reaching almost 70 a couple times. More average temperatures and weather patterns should lead to a more consistent inshore bite. Redfish have been schooled up in large numbers on shallow flats, but have been very inconsistent from day to day relating to their feeding habits. Consistent weather should lead to more consitent fishing for the reds. Cut baits have been productive for the reds, but for those who enjoy presenting an artificial to them Gulp! or ZMAN(scented) jerkshads have been by far the best selling and most consistent baits of choice on the artificial side. Sheepshead continue to produce a strong winter bite, though you may want to target them on a little bit deeper structure now(10-15ft). Oysters,clams,and fiddlers are all productive baits this time of year for them. Have still been hearing of a few trout still being caught, though they have been considerably deeper than the typical 3-6ft of water. Best rule to keep in mind when trying to catch a cold water speckled trout is, when you think you are working your bait slow enough, slow it down a little bit more! Baits such as a MirroLure sinking twitch bait or soft plastic worked slow are as good of choice as any.
Offshore:
Though there have been no trolling reports lately, we have heard and seen some fantastic catches of LARGE black sea bass, as well as other bottom dwellers such as triggers. Squid, cigar minnows, and jigs have all been very productive and the best sea bass reports have been coming in from live bottom areas in 55-90ft of water.

Report By: Scott Hammond
Haddrell's Point Tackle & Supply
47 S. Windemere Charleston, SC 29407 (843) 573-3474
http://www.haddrellspoint.com