Beaufort Saltwater Fishing

Now this is some pure adrenaline pumping fun. You are out trolling for mackerel, you see some gulls dive bombing into the water, and as you approach, acres of water explode with jumping fish. The menhaden are jumping because something else much larger is feeding on them, Mackerel. You take your spoon and lay it down about 30 feet behind you as you slowly skim into the chaos. Then it happens, strikes everywhere. Boy, is that exciting. But the excitement doesn't stop there, you throw out some larger spoons and find out while the mackerel are feeding on the menhaden, the king Mackerel are feeding on the mackerel! Now you're really in for some excitement!

The masters of all the bait stealers, the Sheephead. These fish can be found next to pilings, either on docks or bridges. They also are found next to seawalls, like the Waterfront Park in Beaufort. They can be caught day or night, on any tide. Use medium light to medium weight gear for these. The best baits are either oyster, or barnacles taken from the piling. Use the smallest hook you can get your hands on, long shank works the best, like for pan fish. Put the meat from the barnacle in the hook, a small amount will do. Now here's the tricky part, you're messing with an expert now, so think like him. Get right up to the piling, and drop the bait to the bottom. Then bring it up a few feet. Slowly raise the tip of the rod (not too slow), in a up and down movement, about 1 or 2 feet worth, like your jibing. After four or five sets of up and down movements, reel in another 3-4 feet and repeat. When the sheephead takes the bait, you will feel a double tap, ever so small, but it will be very quick. It usually happens on the up stroke, but not always. Give a quick jerk, not more than a couple of inches worth, and try to do it on that second tap. After the first couple of tries, you will get the timing. After the second tap, if you don't have him, he's done stole your bait. That's one reason, besides the stripes, they call him "the convict fish".

Sharks,the most perfect creatures on earth, and fantastic eating if they are fresh, except for the Hammerhead and Shovel nose. Sharks fight as well as any game fish, and to boot, there are no bones to have to worry about when eating. The best tasting sharks are the Mako and Blackfin, and the best size is around 4-5 foot range. Once skinned, other than a backbone, it's pure white meat.

You need a medium heavy rod, preferably a "Penn" style reel, and steel leader for these battle tanks. The best bait is either menhaden or cut crab, although mullet and any other oily fish will do. Sharks are mainly in the channels where two bodies of water join or the shallows on incoming tides, just after low tide, on sand bars and creek openings. Some excellent spots are near Parris Island at the Generals Landing creek, any of the waters between the islands near the Port Royal Sound and near the fishing pier on Hunting Island. The best method is bottom fishing, either drifting or anchored. Leave the drag lock off, but the clicker on. When you get a hit, let him strip off about 20 yards of line, then lock the drag and give a good jerk to set the hook. Once in the boat, the shark must be cleaned fairly quickly as the liver oil will spoil the meat. You will find there is not many entrails, they are that perfect. They must be put on ice fairly quickly, but they are excellent table fare when cooked fresh. Before cooking, place the filets in a bowl of milk for about 30 minutes. Once cooked, you have a meal that is as good as lobster.

EMS117 : Beaufort Shark Danger

When fishing for shark, don't bait the water, otherwise known as chumming, you may get more than you bargained for, a feeding frenzy. I have been in several, and I can tell you I've never been more scared in my life. A final word of caution, Don't Do It!