charleston area

[Bandkiller00]

Help needed! I am going down to Charleston with girlfriend. Hoping to sneak away for a day and fish. Looking to catch whatever, trout or drum or whatever. Don't know if I should rent a kayak or can fish from shore. Anyone know what I should do, I have vehicle and willing to rent kayak for day or walk the shore. Any advice. Have spinning rod and fly rod, willing to travel. thanks

bandkiller00

[Lowcountry CB]

The fly rod will be tough w/o a boat depending on the tides. You can wade some of the flats near the Isle of Palms, but only if the tides are +/- 6.3 ft or so--only occurs about once a month in the summer (redfishermen call it the tailing tide). You'll need some good shoes and do the ol' Stingray shuffle. You can pick up trout and flounder blind casting a clouser, crab or shrimp pattern--make sure you tie a good weed guard. Redfish will be easy to spot if they're there. Check out the NOAA tide station at Sullivan's Island. Minimum six weight with floating is best--eight with intermediate is best. 12# leader will do fine.

Spinning is the best best. Not sure where you're staying, but you can rent a canoe or kayak on the Isle of Palms or Folly Beach (other side). IOP is my recommendation. You can fish the ICW edges and creek mouths all day. Best bet is to tie on a popping cork w/ 18' or so of leader. Hook on live or dead shimp and have a blast (all the local shops have them now). Carolina rig on the bottom is also effective for flatties and reds. For fun, you can paddle to virtually any big dock and slam sheep's head on a jig-head shrimp.

In any case, it will be hot. Bring the sun screen and gnat repellent. Good luck!