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Salt
water Fishing in Beaufort and Hilton Head Island - Part I |
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Salt
water Fishing in Beaufort and Hilton Head Island - Part I |
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Beaufort has some of the best saltwater
fishing on the East Coast. Several records, both World and State,
have been caught in Beaufort and Hilton Head Island waters.
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Fishing is probably the
biggest recreational sport in Beaufort, and being there are so many
marsh habitats for young sea life, it's understandable why so many
of their hunters show up in these waters. The list of species range
from the famous Cobia to the best of the bait stealers... |
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Most Bottom Fish |
| Bottom fish would include types such as Drum, Snapper, Flounder and Porgy. Just about all natural baits work for them, mainly shrimp, cut mullet, menhaden and squid, just to name a few. Jigs, such as the Salty Dog types, work well for flounder, as well as feathered versions. Fishing day or night can result in some nice catches of all the bottom fish. Tackle for most can be medium light to medium heavy, 10 - 30 # line works fine, except for drum. Drum can get quite large, easily reaching several hundred pounds or more. Crab (cut in 1/2) is a bait they can not refuse. A heavy boat style rod works fine for these monsters. They are very delicious to eat. |
| Cobia |
| You will know it's Cobia time when you see several dozen boats near the Broad River Bridge. This is one of several famous Cobia holes in the Beaufort area. A Cobia is a beautiful fighter, and rumor has it they are half cat fish, half shark. Medium heavy gear is recommended for this fish, with a steel leader. Bait used most commonly is live ell, or catfish. A pair of rubber face gloves is highly recommended to handle both baits, as the slime is hard to wash off the hands, and will help in holding the bait. Cobia at times will feed near the surface and other times near the bottom, so try both. A gaff is required to bring in the big one, nets can be used for the smaller ones. Cobia are well known for their "second wind", so be very cautious about leaving a freshly caught Cobia on the boat deck. Many a boat was nearly destroyed by a thrashing 60 lb. monster. Everything on the deck will end up in the water, sometimes even the fishermen. When a Cobia is hooked, make sure to bring in all other lines, as it is very common for them to circle the boat. Landing one of these incredible fish is truly a thrill you will never forget, as well as a fantastic dinner. |
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Be very careful handling fishing line when you hands are wet as it can cause some very painful cuts to soft hand parts. Don't grab the line while landing a fish unless you have heavy gloves on. |
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Sea Trout & Spot Tail Bass (Channel, Redfish, Red Drum) |
| These are some fun fish to catch. The most common baits are live shrimp, mullet and spoons. I found Sea Trout will readily attack plastic worms, when used like a spoon. It was much cheaper than shrimp, and just as effective. Spot Tail Bass will devour cut baits also. They can get quite large, and they do, as most salt water fish, have teeth. Be careful not to tangle with those weapons. Medium weight gear is fine, you could even use medium light gear. They are most often caught near marsh grass and inlets over oyster beds, especially just before or after low tide. The beach is another good spot. Lay down the bait just past the breaking water. Cut bait or frozen shrimp works best for the surf. A longer, more stout rod is required. Surf rods also do well. |
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If stuck by a catfish,
the poison injected into the wound can cause excruciating pain. The
best treatment to relieve the pain is to immerse the affected part in
FRESH
water, as
hot as you can stand
it without getting burned.
The pain is relieved within seconds. Do NOT use salt water. Salt water activates the stinger cells! This also works for jelly fish stings and stingray injuries. |
| A useful item for the boat is a black bag, filled 3/4 way with freshwater, and just throw it on the deck where the sun can heat the water, that way if you get stuck, you don't have to grit you teeth! |
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