Inshore:
Slightly warmer air and water temps have had the lowcountry angler chomping at the bit the past week, and with good reason. More consistent reports of redfish on the flats have been coming in, to the tune of some trips producing 15-30 reds in a single low tide. Gulp! jerkshads, Mirrolure 17mr series, cut baits, and Zman's Rain MinnowZ have all been productive baits the past week or two. My brother and a couple of friends recently had a fantastic sheepshead trip, producing almost 50 sheepshead in only a few hours that were all between 4 and 8 pounds. All fish were caught on fiddler crabs and released to fight another day. Along with the sheepshead, solid numbers of black drum have been found at our nearshore reefs (i.e. Lowcountry Anglers Reef, Charleston Nearshore, etc.) and will also feed on fiddler crabs, although cut baits are also a good bait for the black drum. Looking to try throwing a fly rod for reds? Now is often one of the better times of the year as the redfish are schooled up in big numbers in shallow water. Be sure to stop in to the Mt Pleasant store and talk with Mike Jr about the new NRX fly rods, from what I hear these rods will have you casting like a Pro in no time!
Offshore:
With the upcoming closures on black sea bass and the already existing closures on many other bottom fish, there really has not been any offshore reports to speak of. Right now we are all getting our trolling reels spooled up with new line, re-rigging our trolling rigs, and making sure we have ballyhoo lined up for the season!

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