Charleston South Carolina

Big Game Flyfishing in the Harbor 

    I had taken plenty of Jack Crevalle in the past. Three to ten pound "jacks" are common throughout most of the inshore waters of Florida. Using live bait over offshore shipwrecks, I have taken Jack Crevalle over 30 pounds as far north as Hatteras.

    The opportunity to use a fly rod and sight cast to schools of large Jack Crevalle had never presented it's self to me. Charleston Harbor was reportedly the place to be for such an opportunity. I took the time to do my homework and it was clear that the input of a local guide would help to insure that I would be in the right place at the right time.

   I was surprised to see Capt. George show up with local fly fishing guru Gary Visser.   To insure that I would not miss any "sign", Gary rode along with me to help spot fish.    Capt. George proceeded ahead in his Hews Bonefisher the "Rockin Robin V".   It was but a quick sprint to our first fishing spot.   On the way Gary Visser gave me the crash course on the where to and how to spot "jacks" in the Harbor.

    Like most of the fisheries in Charleston Harbor, tide plays a major role as to where and when to fish.   These Jack Cravalle tend to show themselves in areas where the tidal current pushes up against a steep bank.    Sunup and sundown are the prime time for sight casting.

    The tide was ebbing this morning, "Castle Pickney" and the back side of Drum Island were the two prime locations they expected us to find fish. 

    For years almost all the large "jacks" in Charleston Harbor were taken by live bait fishermen.   The only time anyone ever attempted to sight cast to these big fish was when they were actively crashing baitfish on the surface.  Eventually they discovered that fast moving surface plugs and poppers on fly rods could entice "jacks" cruising near the surface into a strike.    The ability to take these "cruising" fish dramatically increased angling opportunities for light tackle fisherman who did not wish to use live bait. 

    Although spotting conditions were ideal this morning, we did not see the first sign of any fish around "Castle Pickney" ,a Civil War fortification in a small island in the center of the Harbor.  

    As we maneuver the boat closer to the school Gary passed along some helpful pointers, "The most aggressive fish are generally those out front, but those are not the fish you see pushing the water.  The lead fish are down a little deeper and slightly ahead of those that are pushing the water.   Drop your fly six foot ahead of where you think the lead fish is."

    A 10 weight outfit and a popper is often the weapon of choice with the local anglers.   A broad faced popper with a short body and tail are a good choice.   A quick accurate cast with a rapid retrieve are two key essentials for fly rod success.

    The north west corner of Drum Island and the northeastern shoreline of the Cooper River at Daniel Island are a couple of the favorite spots for live bait anglers. Look for deep water that run close to shore. These are prime ambush locations for jacks to catch baitfish moving along the shoreline.

    Jack Cravelle are powerful swimmers and generally work headlong into the current to take advantage of baitfish that are overwhelmed in the strong current.

    Following the State's curtailment of inshore commercial fishing, the coastal waters of South Carolina have become a horn-of-plenty for light tackle anglers, and Charleston Harbor is certainly no exception. During the summer months Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, pompano, and flounder are all abundant.

    There is an exceptional year-round fishery within the confines of the Harbor for both redfish and speckled trout. The area has become world renowned for the fly fishing opportunities for redfish.

    If you would like more information regarding fishing opportunities in and around Charleston you can call Capt. George Gallager (843) 884-6410

Harry Hall    sefly.com    

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