THE
Fish
Whisperer
Dec. Fishing Forecast
PIER FISHING
Now is when we see a decline in the number of fish caught off the pier.
The water has begun to cool fast and the majority of the fish have moved
south. For those still looking to soak some bait, you still have a chance.
I have seen Dogfish, Clearnose Skates, Sheepshead, Whiting, the rare
Bull Red Drum and Black Drum bite this time of year. For the Dogfish and
Red Drum, cut bait or whole fish, such as mullet are the best baits. For
Whiting, Black Drum and Clearnose Skates, shrimp is always the best
choice. Sheepshead are all around and they love fiddler crabs so make
sure you have plenty, they will steal bait.
38 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | DEC 2018
Captain
Nick Shreves
INSHORE
Now this bite all depends on how the weather is. In December we are
known for being 80 one day and 30 the next and this can make the
inshore tough to figure out. The trout will still be feeding but look in the
deeper holes near the current rips off the Oyster rakes. This time of year
mud minnows and jigs, fished real slow, tend to catch me more fish than
anything else. For the Redfish I use the same baits, but fish the mud flats
around low tide on the warmest day I can. These fish will be hiding from
the Dolphins, so find areas where they can’t get. Sheepshead are around
as well; look around every bridge or dock, these are fun fish to catch and
land. They will put your line to the test on every bite. Fiddler Crabs fished
on a Carolina rig right next to the structure will produce the bites.
NEAR SHORE
This time of year is all about the Big Black Sea Bass. You’ve got to head
out to 55 to 65 feet of water and you will find the big boys. These fish will
make for some fine eating as well. Squid has got to be the number one
bait and the local bait shop has plenty. While you are catching Sea Bass,
you may also catch lots of Grunts, Porgies and maybe a few Flounder. The
Bull Redfish are on the reefs out here as well, just make sure you take lots
of care in reviving the fish before you release them. Red Drum may not be
kept when caught outside of state waters. The rules change for Black Sea
Bass once you are out of state waters as well, so make you your know the
rules for where you will be fishing. Here’s the website so you can check
out the regulations http://www.georgiawildlife.com/fishing/regulations.
OFF SHORE
Out here the bottom bite is still great, but fish like Vermillion Snapper
are closed till January. This time of year the big Wahoo can be caught
off our coast out in the stream. I know it’s a long run, but you may catch
the fish of a life time. Good luck to those that take the chance to get out
there and try.
Thank you all for the support and hope you all have tight lines and full fish boxes.
To join me on a fishing trip, call me at Big Fish Charters (912) 230-4625.
/regulations