2/7/08
Catfish action tops fishing news
By Terry Madewell

There are a few fish of several species being caught on lakes Marion and Moultrie right now, but catfish does seem to be the most consistent species for now.

In between weather fronts, some good largemouth bass action has been reported and a few crappies are now being taken from the deep water areas of the lake. Fishing pressure is still slow overall, but the good weather last weekend did get a few anglers back on the water.

A few stripers have also been taken recently by drifting live bait and more frequently by trolling. The area near the dam on Lake Moultrie seems to have the best reports for live bait fishing and the mouths of some of the larger creeks on Lake Marion have produced some trolling action. Deep diving lures have produced the trolling success.

The bulk of the catfish action seems to be on the blue catfish species and the vast majority of these fish are being taken in or near deep water. The best bait has been cut bait, shad minnows, cut perch or herring. Drifting has been very productive in some areas on the lower lake. Vertical fishing in deep water has been good in the upper lake.

There have been a few reports of big flatheads also being taken, particularly by drifting whole herring or shiners. The catfishing action should improve tremendously on shallow water fishing for blue catfish as the weather and water temperature begins to warm. This year the normally shallow flats where these fish prefer to be are likely still going to be high and dry, so you’ll have to adapt. But odds are strong the fish will find some places they like. I’d focus on areas that are relatively close to deep water.

For the largemouth bass, bottom bumping lures as jigs with plastic trailers as well as plastic worms have produced largemouth bass action. Don’t expect a lot of numbers of largemouth right now, but you can get into some quality fish right through February. By the end of the month, both the quantity and quality of bass fishing will likely heat up.

The crappie news is fair by fishing live bait in 15-25 feet of water on both lakes Marion and Moultrie. Live minnows as well as tiny green, chartreuse or blue jigs have been productive, based on recent reports. Tipping the jigs with a live minnow seems to be working well based on one report.

Saltwater fishing is very good right now for trout and redfish. Trout are being taken by casting jigs, using live bait and by trolling. Live bait on the shallow flats is great for the redfish. Bottom fishing is usually good during this time of the year, right through February for blackfish.